There are so many different styles of yoga available, it can be difficult to know where to begin. To get you on the road to a successful first class, we pick the brains of Melissa Scott, Personal Trainer and Freestyle Fitness Yoga instructor, to discover all things ‘beginner yogis’ need to know. Focusing on three yoga practices, Melissa talks us though the basics of Hatha, Vinyasa and Bikram Yoga. Plus, check out our style tips on what to wear to each class from BrandAlley yoga enthusiast, Joey – featuring Asquith.
Most Yoga centres split their classes into beginners, general, intermediate and advanced, so you don’t need to worry about holding the rest of the class back. Yoga is practised barefoot and classes tend to run for 60/75/90 minutes. At the start of class, meet the teacher to discuss any injuries and take a few moments to switch off mentally whilst relaxing on your mat. You may need to try a few classes and experience different teachers to find one you really love, but consistency is the key to seeing and feeling positive physical changes.
HATHA YOGA
Melissa: “I would recommend attending a simple Hatha Yoga class to start. This offers a sequence of yoga postures (asanas) emphasising correct alignment and promoting energy to flow freely through the body. Over time and through regular practise you will be amazed how your body shifts, opens and becomes more supple. Posture improves and stress levels reduce.
Joey says “For Hatha Yoga, I would suggest wearing this Asquith Organic Cotton Jump to it Tee for a comfortable carefree class. Being sleeveless, this top is ideal as even the most basic yoga poses involve lots of arm movement and you don’t want to be worrying about restrictive clothing. I would pair it with these ‘of the moment’ Bamboo Heavenly Harem Pants in watermelon so you don’t need to feel body conscious. Experiment with layering by adding this Viscose Blissful Wrap in soft grey, it’s perfect to throw on after class if you fancy going for brunch with friends.”
VINYASA YOGA
Melissa: If you want to try something more challenging, look for a Vinyasa or Ashtanga Yoga class in which movement is synchronized to breath. This style is sometimes called flow yoga, because of the smooth way in which the poses run together and become like a dance. Breath becomes an important component as the teacher instructs you to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or exhale. The flowing physical movement elevates your heart rate and warms your body and by the end of the class you’ll find you’ve had a great work out! A final relaxation will leave you feeling cleansed and calm.
Joey says “Asquith is great for Flow Yoga as it’s more active. So, I would suggest swapping the full length yoga pants for ¾-length leggings. Try the Bamboo fold over, crop leggings in cobalt. Consisting of a fitted capri with integrated fold-over skirt, they provide extra coverage for a confident Downward Dog. For a sleek look, I have paired them with this Organic Cotton Sleeveless Boatneck – also in cobalt. This style has a high neckline and built-in bra, so you feel comfortable in any position. Throw on the Tencel Blouson T for an extra layer and to keep the muscles warm.
BIKRAM YOGA
Melissa: “If you’re looking to detox, you can’t go wrong with a Bikram Yoga class. This class is longer at 90 mins and consists of 26 poses in a room heated to 40ºC. This induces sweating, which is thought to be cleansing and the heat also encourages relaxation of muscles, which leads to much deeper stretches. Ideal for those with really inflexible bodies! For your first class, I suggest you ease yourself in as it can take a few classes just to acclimatise to the heat. Your body is working harder due to the temperature increase, so be patient. Don’t rush and keep well hydrated – you’ll get there over time.”
Once you feel confident with some postures, free your mind and soul by practicing outside. This is a personal favourite of mine.”
Joey says “Bikram is very different. Less is more, in terms of clothing. This, however, doesn’t mean you need to scrimp in the style stakes. Short or cropped harem pants work well for the intense heat – choose a breathable fabric like these Asquith Bamboo Crop Pants in black. Match with the Asquith Bamboo Soul Spun Cami in watermelon, perfect for hot yoga with its antibacterial and sweat-wicking bamboo fabric.
MELISSA’S TOP TIPS:
- KEEP HYDRATED. Drink water throughout the day and bring a bottle to class.
- Take a towel – you will sweat.
- Be kind to yourself. In yoga there is no competition, so focus on yourself rather than those around you.
Thank you Melissa!
Feeling inspired and ready to find your inner Zen? Shop the looks from Asquith NOW, and be yoga confident. Let us know your favourite yoga style and favourite Asquith pieces. Enjoy!
