Essential Yoga Tips to Start Your Practice (Part 1)
Yoga is more than just physical postures—it’s a mindful practice that connects breath, body, and spirit. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, these four foundational tips can help you cultivate a more meaningful and sustainable practice.
1. Remember to Breathe
Breath is the heart of yoga. Without conscious breathing, yoga becomes just another workout. When you sync your movements with your breath, you create a meditative flow that calms the mind and energizes the body. Moreover, breath can help you stay present in the moment and let you mind focus on whatever you do now – without thinking about hundred different things that appear in your head every minute (called: monkey mind).
It also shows you wherever you struggle with the pose – either if it’s challenging or beyond your natural range of motion. So always listen you your breath in Yoga.
Try this: Inhale as you expand (like lifting your arms in Mountain Pose), exhale as you release (like folding forward in Uttanasana).
Why it matters: Proper breathing oxygenates your muscles, reduces stress, and keeps you present.
2. Respect Your Body’s Limitations
Often, students are trying to copy whatever the teacher shows without tapping into their body forgetting that Yoga is not about forcing yourself into the “perfect” pose—it’s about meeting yourself where you are today. Pain is not gain in yoga; pushing too hard can lead to injury. I always tell my students that Asanas should be both challenging but comfortable (due to Yoga Sutras of Patanjali).
Moreover, everybody is different. Not only you are different than me, but also you might be different from yourself you were 10 years ago! I also can’t perform few things I did in my twenties with ease. So always respect the limitations and work with them till the point of comfort.
Try this: Use props (blocks, straps, bolsters) to modify poses and support your body.
Why it matters: Honoring your limits fosters self-compassion and sustainable progress.
3. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
It’s easy to glance at the person next to you and wish you were more flexible or stronger. But yoga is a personal journey—every body is different, and every practice is unique.
Maybe your journey is ti find flexibility or take better care of your spine. Maybe it is to decompress after a long day and find a moment to release all the stress. Maybe it is simply to change your habits and be healthier in life. Every journey is different and no worse than the other!
Try this: Close your eyes in class sometimes. Tune into your body, not someone else’s.
Why it matters: Letting go of comparison helps you cultivate gratitude for your own progress.
4. Set an Intention for Your Practice
Before you begin, take a moment to ask: Why am I stepping onto my mat today? Your intention could be as simple as “I move with ease” or “I welcome stillness.”
It is a part of each my life practice (in studio and sometimes online). But even if your teacher doesn’t ask you to set up one – do it for yourself.
Try this: Place a hand on your heart, take a deep breath, and silently set your intention.
Why it matters: An intention keeps your practice mindful and purposeful, beyond just physical movement.
My Final Thought
Yoga is a lifelong journey, not a destination. By breathing consciously, respecting your body, letting go of comparison, and practicing with intention, you’ll deepen not just your poses—but your connection to yourself.
And if you want to try it – check my regular classes in Montreal like Gentle Yoga to release stress or Healthy Spine Yoga for health reasons. I also teach at special events that include Sound Healing. Moreover, now I host Yoga in the Park and organize other activities and workshops like Yoga & Hike or Align & Shine: 1-Day Summer Retreat of Yoga, Manifestation and Sound Healing.
Which of these tips resonates most with you? Share in the comments!
