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I’ve been talking for several weeks about lots of different aspects of yoga, and it occurred to me that some of you might want to start doing yoga, but you’re not sure how.

Going to a yoga studio can be overwhelming, and for some people it can be much too expensive. I get that! Group classes at your local gym are also an option. While they’re usually a bit less intimidating, I know you still have to be a paying member to participate.

If yoga studios and gym classes are unappealing or out of your budget, doing yoga at home is a totally viable option, even if you’re a brand-new beginner.

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Did you know that the breathing part of yoga is just as important as the movement part?

Pranayama, which translates generally to “control of breath,” is a part of any yoga practice, but it is also work that can (and arguably, should) be done on its own.

In my quest to inspire more people to give yoga a chance, it occurred to me that yoga is seen as almost an exclusively female activity.

For as long as I’ve done yoga, regardless of where I am, there are rarely, if ever, any men in the classes. I don’t blame dudes for not participating based on the general perceptions of yoga.

However, I’m going to try to shift those perceptions a little bit because I think that guys could really benefit from yoga, regardless of how fit they are or aspire to be.

I mean, it’s working for Dhalsim. (via GIPHY)

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Last week, I talked about how yoga is for everyone. Unless you have a specific condition or medical reason that you shouldn’t do yoga, it is absolutely for you.

This week, I’m going to introduce you to an idea that I’ve found many people are surprised by.

Yoga. Shouldn’t. Hurt.

If a pose or flow is causing you pain, it’s time to re-evaluate.

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I’m going to take a break from chakras this week to address something that I have heard from lots of people in various contexts:

“Yoga just isn’t for me.”

I’m not saying that everyone has to try yoga or love doing it, but I AM saying that it is, in fact, for you. Unless a doctor has specifically told you that you should not do it, there is yoga that you can benefit from.

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