Choosing a specialised yoga centre is the best place to start. Enrolling in a centre that is close to your work or home, has extended hours, and offers a variety of styles will allow you to learn about and try different styles of yoga so that you can choose the one that you like best or that suits you best. 

Choosing the best time depends on your preferred time and schedule, as well as your biorhythms and goals. In general, practising in the morning helps to activate the body and mind, preparing you for the day. Practicing later in the day helps to release tension and relax after a long day, preparing your body and mind for rest.

As an ancient discipline, yoga has evolved over the centuries, resulting in a variety of styles. It would be impossible to list them all, but there are some styles that are more widely known today. Most derive from Hatha, which is a good style for beginners. There are more dynamic and challenging styles such as Power Yoga, Rocket Yoga or Asthanga Yoga, and more relaxed styles such as Yin Yoga or Restorative Yoga. We recommend that you try different styles to see what each one has to offer and decide which one suits you best.

The popularity of yoga has led to a proliferation of centres, including virtual centres for online practice.  However, to get a good start in the practice, it is important to go to a centre with a good teacher. A good teacher will take the time to get to know your needs and limitations, and will be able to offer you alternative postures when you need them, as well as correcting and guiding you personally in your practice.

The first thing to remember is that the practice of yoga is a journey that requires discipline, perseverance and a certain amount of effort. For this reason, it is necessary to practice regularly, at a pace that you set for yourself, depending on your lifestyle and the goals you wish to achieve. It is this regular practice that leads to progress and brings the satisfaction of progress in the practice. The more you practice yoga, the more you will enjoy it and the more you will want to practice.

Whichever style you choose, regular practice brings a number of benefits that you will experience firsthand. Firstly, it helps you make a conscious commitment to your health, improving your physical and emotional wellbeing. Physically, it will increase the strength and flexibility of your body. Mentally, it will help you to relax, reduce stress and achieve balance and harmony between body and mind, bringing you a great deal of inner peace.

Of course, lack of flexibility is one of the best reasons to start your practice. To make the practice easier and the postures more comfortable, you can use aids such as blocks, belts or straps, bolsters or blankets. With regular practice, whatever style you choose, you will soon see your body become more flexible. After a few months of practising yoga, you’ll find that poses you couldn’t do before become easier for your body to do. This progress will encourage you to practise even more. 

Correct practice under the guidance of a good teacher has no negative effects. It is a discipline suitable for anyone at any stage of life. The benefits are evident from the very first days. You can even practice yoga if you are pregnant or have any kind of illness or injury. Some poses can be adapted to suit your needs. You should always consult your doctor before starting the practice and discuss any limitations with the teacher. And of course you should never push your body beyond its limits. By always listening to your body, you will enjoy a safe practice.

The more traditional schools recommend daily practice with one day off to rest your muscles. But for someone new to the practice, the correct answer is simple: as often as you can manage to maintain consistency and regularity. Whether you choose to practise just one day a week or every day, avoid setting unrealistic goals and instead aim to be consistent. Over time, you will find that your body and mind will urge you to practise more often, increasing the number of sessions per week. Don’t set unrealistic goals, don’t strain your body and you will see results in no time. 

For both the more dynamic and challenging practices as well as the more relaxed or meditative ones, it is advisable not to practice after a large meal. It is recommended to allow at least an hour after a meal or to have a very light meal before practising. Your body will feel more comfortable on an empty stomach.

The traditional yogic diet requires the yogic practitioner to eat a satvic (pure) diet. Fresh, raw, natural foods are recommended, especially vegetables, fruits, roots and tubers, dairy products, grains and seeds, honey, natural and mineral water, which provide vitality.

Yoga is a vital practice that touches all areas of your life, helping you to know yourself better and improve your physical and mental wellbeing.  That’s why it’s ideal and compatible with any other activity that interests or motivates you, including other sports. If you do other sports, you will see how practicing yoga can help you gain flexibility, strength, balance, improve your mobility and coordination, help you relax physically and mentally, and prevent possible injuries.