8 Things Experts Wish You Knew About Yoga

1. it’s not all about flexibility.

Despite what your Instagram feed might suggest, yoga isn’t all about being a human pretzel. In fact, focusing only on flexibility could lead to injury and even undermine your athletic performance.

2. Don’t give up after the first class.

While all yoga may look similar on the surface, they’re not all the same. From Ashtanga to Bikram to Vinyasa to Iyengar, each type of yoga has its own flavor.

3. Work on your foundation.

Just like you wouldn’t run a marathon without a solid base (we hope!), you should focus on fundamental yoga postures at the start of your yoga journey.

4. You will be confused.

Starting yoga can be overwhelming. You may feel awkward moving through unfamiliar shapes and with teachers literally speaking a different language (that’s Sanskrit, FYI!), it’s easy to feel lost.

5. Don’t write off gentle yoga classes.

It’s easy to assume these classes will be slow and snooze-worthy. But whether you are a new to yoga or an advance yogi, you can benefit from the quiet and relaxation that a slower-moving style offers. “Gentle classes are not boring!” says Rountree.

6. Look for Online Fitness benefits beyond the mat.

“I wish I had known yoga’s power to quell anger and rash decisions. It would have seriously helped my road rage that I used to get driving in New Jersey!” says Kathryn Budig, uber popular yoga teacher and author of Aim True (out March 2016). It’s true, yoga will not only stretch your mind but also help strength your mental focus. “[Yoga has] taught me to step back and observe instead of responding with rash reactions and decisions. It’s given me perspective,” says Budig

7. You’ll need a mat that works for you.

While technically, all you need is a mat to practice yoga, it’s worth your while to find the right mat. “I started out practicing in power vinyasa classes and I would get sweaty, which would make things incredibly slippery,” says Jake Ferree aka Trainer Jake on Instagram. “Once I found a mat where I was not slipping all over the place, my practice become so much more grounded both physically and mentally.” Ferree’s favorite mats? Lululemon and Liforme.

8. Don’t use yoga as an escape.

It’s tempting. You’re stressed and you want to find some peace so you roll out your mat to zone out. But not so fast, says Colorado-based instructor Amy Ippoliti. “Yoga is not an escape. You’re not here to escape the difficulties and intensity of the world,” says Ippoliti, “You’re here to engage, embrace and receive all that the world is offering you. And yoga will teach you to do that skillfully,” Instead, yoga will help you tune into the world around you.

[Source: http://dailyburn.com/life/fitness/yoga-expert-advice/]