Ready to try yoga? Here are 7 easy steps

So you have decided to try yoga but do not have a clue about how to get started. I hope that these seven easy steps will help you find the confidence to do it!

1. Pick a yoga type.You need to do a little homework. There are many styles of yoga and you may be turned off if you pick one that does not suit your personality, or level of fitness. Check out a website like www.yogajournal.com for a full description of yoga styles. For most beginners, a hatha or vinyasa class is suitable.

2. Find a class. Shakti Mind Body Fitness and Afya in Kingston and Zen-Si in Montego Bay offer a fantastic array of yoga classes. Make sure you ask for a basic-level class. Many gyms now offer yoga, so start there if you are already a gym member. If there is no studio or gym near you, FitTV offers a great yoga class.

3. What to bring. The best thing about yoga is you do nt need anything to get started but a yoga mat!

4. What to expect. First of all, you do not have to be slim, flexible, fit or young to practice yoga. Students are encouraged to start exactly as they are. The great thing is, over time, you will get slimmer, more flexible, fitter and look younger...so do not be intimidated!! In a typical yoga class, there may be a breathing exercise or short meditation at the start, followed by warm-up poses, more vigorous poses, then stretches and final relaxation. At any time, take child's pose if you need some rest. Know that you may be a little sore the day after your first class!

5. What if I cannot find a class? While many great yoga books and videos are available, there is no substitute for learning directly from an experienced teacher. That said, if you cannot get to a yoga class, I recommend starting with a beginner's video, as this will give you more visuals to follow than a book.

6. Dos and Don'ts

Don't ...

Have a big meal right before class.

Drink water during class, but have some before and after.

Wear shoes or socks during class.

Do...

Tell the teacher it is your first class, and if you have any injuries or limitations.

Look around and follow what other students are doing, especially if the teacher does not demonstrate every pose.

Come back in a few days for your next class! We call it a 'practice' as it takes practice to feel comfortable in the poses!

Turn off your cellphone. This is your time to take care of you.

7. Want to know more? Sign up for my yoga-for-beginners course at Shakti.

Sharon McConnell-Feanny is a certified yoga instructor and co-owner of Shakti Mind Body Fitness in Kingston. She has more than 25 years' experience in health and fitness; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.