How to start yoga

The Christmas decorations are down, and your thoughts have turned towards New Year goals – becoming more flexible, calmer and fitter. The answer is yoga, but you might be wondering how do I start yoga? This beginner’s guide will show you how to begin a yoga practice and, more importantly, how to make it a habit that actually sticks.

Clarify your why

With any goal you hope to achieve it’s important to start with your ‘why.’ Why is this important to you, and why do you want to start yoga in particular? Clarifying your motivation helps on days when it’s cold, dark and we don’t feel like stepping onto our mats.

Yoga offers a wide range of health benefits, supported by scientific research. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, yoga can:

• Improve strength, balance and flexibility
• Aids back pain relief
• Eases symptoms of arthritis
• Benefits heart health
• Supports a more restful and restorative sleep
• Boosts energy levels and lifts mood
• Helps stress management
• Connects you with a supportive community
• Promotes better self-care

Whatever your reason for starting yoga, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Write down ‘why’ and revisit it throughout the year to stay motivated.

Set 3 Achievable Goals

When starting a new habit it’s easy to overestimate what can be achieved in the short term and underestimate your long-term potential. Setting three clear goals gives your practice purpose. This is where you can break down your ‘why’ into more manageable chunks.

Start with a simple plan for this month: perhaps 10 minutes of yoga three times per week. This is manageable and builds a strong foundation.

Next, consider your 3-month goals: could you increase to 30 minutes every other day or attend a weekly yoga class?

Finally, think about your year-end goal: have you made yoga a habit, or are you still figuring out how to make it a part of your life? Defining clear milestones keeps your practice sustainable.

When you lack motivation or need a boost, revisit your ‘why’ and use this to help refine your goals as you move through the year. What you set down now is very much a guide or an idea, it can (and should) change as you move forward in your yoga practice.

Get the Right Gear

Starting any physical activity often requires some basic equipment, and yoga is no different. A yoga mat is essential, and while budget options are fine to begin with, a higher-quality mat will provide better support (and value for money) over time. to invest in. Please don’t buy a Pilates or Exercise Mat to use for yoga – these mats are thicker which makes standing poses and balances more challenging. This mat from EkoTex is a great option for beginners, this company also offers seconds and sale mats so it’s worth keeping an eye out. Yogamatters also offers a good entry-level yoga mat at a reasonable price, they also offer sale items.

Other useful props include:

• Yoga blocks – support beginners in poses and enhance alignment for experienced practitioners.
• Eye pillow – perfect for relaxation at the end of your practice.

Investing in a few essential items makes your practice feel more intentional and enjoyable.

For my home practice I use a Manduka mat and when I attend classes I take my Liforme mat. These are non-slip which give me superior grip when I’m working on my practice. For teaching I use a Cork mat, as this offers versatility when moving between teaching yin and vinyasa style classes.

Don’t wait – Start Now

To get you moving, I’ve create a short 10-minute yoga video guiding you through a morning beginners yoga practice. This sequence introduces the foundational poses you’ll see in most yoga classes, flowing with your breath to help you focus on the present moment.

Start with this video each morning to energise your day and ease out stiffness, then gradually build your practice. Don’t forget to include a short relaxation at the end – it’s essential for both mind and body.

Join a Class for Support

While YouTube videos are helpful, yoga is best learned in person from an experienced teacher. Practicing in a class offers guidance, support and community. A skilled teacher can help you refine your poses, encourage your progress and provide suggestions for your next steps.

Yoga is more than physical exercise – it’s a holistic practice that can transform your body, mind and lifestyle when approached consistently and with intention. Start today, and make your yoga practice a habit that lasts all year.