5 simple reasons you should try yoga for the first time

Starting something new can feel daunting, especially when it comes to exercise. Yoga might seem like it’s something for those who are super flexible or mobile, but it really is for everyone – even complete beginners.

It’s a way to connect with your body, calm your mind, and ultimately take out a little time just for yourself. We spoke to Lucy Sesto, The Body Coach’s dedicated yoga teacher, to find out why now might be the perfect time to give yoga a try.

1. It’s good for your mind, as well as your body

Yoga is one of the rare classes where the focus is on being present, says Lucy. “You get your movement in, and it’s that mental reset you need when life feels a little too much.

“It’s a chance to soften and feel good in your body.”

2. You don’t need to be flexible to start

This is an assumption people have that’s not true, says Lucy. People think they can’t start yoga because they’re not flexible, but actually it’s the perfect reason to start.

“In yoga, it’s an open space and you can show up as you are,” says Lucy. “It doesn’t matter if you’re stiff in the hips or you can’t touch your toes. The more you practice, the more mobility will come.”

Yoga is mostly about being present and moving with your body as it is, she says.

3. It can improve your posture and strength

Many people think yoga is just about stretching, but the practice is a great way to build strength which can support better posture. Many classical yoga poses engage your core, back, and shoulders – super helpful if you spend long hours sitting at a desk.

In fact, a study in 2019 found yoga improved balance, posture, and lower body strength in older adults.

4. It helps you become aware of your breath

“Yoga helps you become aware of your breath,” says Lucy. It might sound silly as you may think you already know how to breathe – but it’s more about linking the breath with the movement.

By focusing on the breath, you keep yourself in the present moment – “you can’t breathe in the past or the future, you can only breathe in the present moment.”

Linking that breath to the movement makes yoga like a moving meditation, so it’s slightly different to other movement practices.

5. It can reduce stress and help you sleep

Because of the focus yoga has on the present moment and our minds, the practice can be an amazing way to destress. People who practice yoga have been found to have higher wellbeing and lower stress levels.

__You can give Lucy’s Beginner Yoga series a go on The Body Coach TV. If you’re looking for more, there are 100s of yoga workouts on The Body Coach app – from Yoga for Sleep, to Recovery Yoga, Flexibility Yoga, and more. __

This article was written by The Body Coach content team.