Do phrases like "Parivrtta Janu Sirsana" intimidate you?
Are you someone who wants to try yoga, but aren't sure whether investing a whole $10 in yoga mat would be worth it?
If so, rejoice my friends! This post is for you.
With wiry blondes doing headstands all over your Instagram page and more and more gyms offering things like 'Bro-ga" classes, the topic of yoga is well-known and well-practiced — while still kind of terrifying for people who haven't been able to touch their toes since the third grade.
As someone who has never participated in an organized sport (besides an extremely short stint in cheerleading, lets not talk about it), I'll be the first to admit my athletic downfalls. Despite being all about female empowerment and equality, if you throw a ball at me, my first reaction will be to gtfo of the way. I won't even try to catch it. Call me a girl, whatever.
I can't run more than MAYBE a quarter of a mile without running out of breath (on a good day), and I just learned how to do a push-up this past year.
What I have found I don't mind doing: squirming and bending around on a mat for 20 minutes or so every once in a while.
You won't run out of breath. You don't have to work up a sweat. You improve your posture. You feel healthier. You get stronger. You don't have to go to a gym. You don't compete with anyone and you take everything at your own speed. Once you learn like, four basic poses, you can pretty much make up what you do as you go.
Start by sitting cross-legged. Then maybe try to bend forward and reach your chest to the floor for a couple deep breaths. GUYS, THAT'S IT, THATS YOGA!
As soon as I realized I could swing this as a legitimate form of a "workout." I never turned back.
Start with YouTube if you're a visual learner, and find the instructor that's right for you. Personally, I like Adriene. She makes it simple and really keeps her audience in mind.
Remember, if you can breath, you can yoga.
Namaste.