New to yoga, how much how often?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hey

I’m quite a seasoned exerciser, but am new to yoga. I run a lot, and train for half marathons, but recently had trouble with injury. I know that becoming more flexible is a great way to prevent injury, and I’ve heard lots said about how yoga can help runners.

I want to start up and have been to classes but couldn’t get on with them. I am terrible at clearing my mind and focusing, I end up contemplating what to make for dinner or planning lessons. I find 90 minutes too long as well, and when I do yoga on my own I find I am much better at focusing on what i’m doing. I enjoy the time alone too.

I have a couple of DVDs, with several 20 minute workouts on them. I considered doing one of these 20 minute workouts every morning before work. Would this be enough for me to notice a difference?

Many thanks for reading

Kate

#2

20 minutes a day sounds like a great amount of time for a beginner. I think you will definitely see some improvement. In addition to this you should try to find a class you can take once a week–you can develop lots of bad habits on your own without a teacher. I don’t know where you are, but if you look around you should be able to find a one hour class for beginners. Shop around until you find a teacher/class you like–it will make all the difference. Good Luck!

Mado

#3

Hey there

Thanks for your reply. My local gym, of which I’m a member, do classes that I know many have recommended. They recently added a Sunday one so I will contemplate going to that. I’m relieved to hear 20 minutes would be adequate for a beginner, I do so much training otherwise I know I’d struggle to fit any more into my day.

I will definitely return to this forum as I get more into it!

Katie x

#4

What sort of difference are you wanting?

#5

Hi Kate,
The best way to experience the benefits of yoga is to have a consistent daily practise. If you do 20 minutes every morning that is great and it sounds like it is perfect for you in more ways then one.

Anna

#6

Hi Inner Athlete

The main difference I’m looking for is to become more flexible and hopefully to be more aware of my body. I’d like to be more balanced generally, and stronger, but I also do weights regularly so am not looking to get this from yoga alone. I also want to prevent injury, and get into yoga with a view to continuing into my 80s! I want to maximise my mobility into later life, although i’m only 22 now!

Katie

#7

Hi Anna

Thanks for your feedback, if nothing else the 20 minutes a day gets my day off to a good start, but I look forward to really feeling the benefits!

Katie x