12 Yoga Tips for Beginners to Get the Most of Their Practice
The popularity of yoga has soared in the last decades, and it seems that every other friend and acquaintance of ours is already practicing it. But don’t let it fool you into thinking it is easy: yoga is quite challenging, especially for beginners.
The good news is that there are some practical tips to make your yoga beginner’s challenge easier and make it a pleasant and worthwhile experience.
Here Are 12 Yoga Tips for Beginners to Get the Most of Their Practice
Penetration of our mind is our goal, but in the beginning to set things in motion, there is no substitute for sweat.- B.K.S. Iyengar
1. Decide why you want to do yoga
We may decide to do yoga for many different reasons. You may get into it to extend your religious practice, for spiritual growth, or simply to maintain good health. Each reason implies different practices and knowledge, so it is important to know what exactly your reasons are.
2. Get advice from an experienced yoga teacher
Some of us don’t feel like we can start practicing yoga on our own, and go to studios to take yoga classes. Others try to establish home practice and try to start doing yoga on their own. Both options are quite viable, but getting proper advice at the beginning will give you a good understanding of where to start. A teacher can give you advice on which poses to do and how often, based on your current health and body structure.
3. Buy a sticky mat
A sticky mat is an indispensable tool for some poses. Beginners often have balance problems, and a sticky mat will ease the proves and help you avoid problems such as muscle sprains and cramps.
4. Take care of comfortable clothes
The basic kit you will need consists of stretchy pants or leggings and a top. You need to make sure your clothes are comfortable and allow for free movement.
5. Make nutritional adjustments
Your food should be lighter and contain slow carbs and fiber; eat more oatmeal, grains, fruit and vegetables. A healthy diet also implies more substantial breakfasts and very light suppers. Eat something light a couple hours before your practice, but never practice after being hungry for hours.
6. Stay hydrated
Water is key when you start any physical activity, so make sure you drink at least 1,5 liters per day. Take a bottle of water to your every yoga class.
7. Write down notes
Names of poses, practices and other relevant terms are often said in Sanskrit. In order to keep up and not get lost, it will help you to memorize the terms. In addition to that, a good habit is to write down what you have learned each time, so you can track your progress.
8. Work on the spiritual part
Yoga is more than just physical exercise, so get to know more about spiritual awareness and mindfulness as you go.
9. Meditate
Meditation and pranayama (yogic breathing) are two essential practices that complement yoga. They will improve your physical and mental health, and make yoga a much more meaningful experience for you.
10. Introduce breathing practices
Breathing helps reduce stress and oxygenates your body. It will help you progress faster in your yoga practice and gain more of the holistic health benefits.
11. Read books on yoga
Complement what you hear from your yoga instructor with books and videos that will expand your knowledge. Yoga is a complex discipline and needs a many-sided approach.
12. Keep your spirits up
If something is not working out, retry it later and go back to things you liked and that made you feel like you are making progress. Manage your motivation wisely, and don’t listen to anybody but yourself.
It is important to remember that every beginning is a challenge in itself. However, yoga is a very fulfilling and worthwhile practice, and it will definitely be worth your time and effort.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.