How Often Should a Beginner Do Yoga

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If you’re new to yoga, then you’re probably asking yourself this question hoping the answer will be a very simple “every day” or “any time”. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case.

It’s also important that you clarify the meaning of your question. Are you referring to the frequency in which you take yoga classes, the length of time you should practice before being able to see results, or if constant practice will help you get better faster?

So, you see; there are numerous ways to interpret your question. Let’s begin addressing each, and then some.

Practice Yoga Safely

Now, this is definitely a great place to start. As a beginner, how often should you engage in the physical practice of yoga without pushing your body to its limits? Often we get so focused on getting great results faster that we fail to consider if what we’re doing is already hurting us. To get the answer to that, you must talk to your doctor.

Nobody knows your body better than you. As a rule of thumb, though, healthy practice for yoga would mean doing it around three to five times per week. This gives you enough time to rest and recover, which is crucial for getting stronger and maintaining your health.

If you want to, you can even take a break for an entire week from time to time. By the time you come back, you’ll feel re-energized and more focused on so many levels.

Recommended for Beginners

Yoga is so incredible that even if you only practice an hour each week, you will still experience benefits. If you do more than that, then certainly more benefits will come your way. For those who are just starting, two to three one-hour sessions every week is usually enough. If you only have time for a quick twenty-minute session, then that’s fine, too and here is a great place to start yoga programs and guides.

You shouldn’t let time constraints keep you from doing yoga. If there’s even the smallest gap in your tight schedule that you can fit it into, do it. It’s this kind of determination that helps you get better and allows you to do more.

Know Your Purpose

Why are you practicing yoga? For most people, it’s to get a decent workout. You also get this from hitting the gym or running regularly.

There’s no question that this is a good start. Keep in mind, however, that the physical benefits are not the main benefits. Where yoga makes a real impact is on the inside. When it comes to yoga, it’s really the mind and the spirit that gets a workout.

Injuries

Getting injured while practicing yoga is not all that unusual. Whether it’s a beginner or complicated pose, your body takes time to adjust to it.

Granted, you get better, the more you repeat these tasks, but it’s also this constant repetition that strains your muscles and takes a toll on your body. RSI or repetitive strain injury can be treated with strengthening exercises and rest.

Now, why are we even talking about this? Well, because, sometimes, people just get carried away. The moment you take that “no pain, no gain” or “go hard or go home” approach in yoga, expect to take a couple of months off now and then because of an injury.

What If Once a Week Is All You Have

Practicing once a week is enough to get benefits, but don’t expect to get the very best results. It’s the same thing that happens when you practice too much; you won’t also get the results you expect. Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right balance.

Both balance and consistency are critical in yoga. When you start, it will help if you made a commitment to practicing three to five times a week for a little over a month and re-evaluate after that. This should not only get you into the habit, but it should also get you stronger.

How Long Until You See Results

Guys, you’re going to see amazing results in about a decade. Wait; what? The benefits are immediate, yes.

For some, that feeling of peace and relaxation even comes after their first class. That’s just the beginning and not even a quarter of what this amazing activity can bring to your life. To experience its true benefits, though, it takes years and years of practice. There’s really no way to explain it, you just feel it.

Physical transformation can take place in about a year. It’s the transformation of the spirit that’s going to take a little longer. The latter is going to entail more effort on your part for a longer time.

Final Thoughts

Yoga is different for everyone. Your experience will be shaped by certain factors that are unique to you. At the end of the day, it’s all about practicing yoga safely, as well as in a way that is beneficial to the mind and body.

For beginners, this means making a commitment to practice three to five times a week and not letting time constraints or unrealistic goals get in the way of the journey.

If you’re completely new to yoga, you should also lay out the foundation for those complex poses by mastering these basic yoga poses. Remember that yoga shouldn’t be limited to the four corners of the studio; it should be part of every aspect of your life.