There are countless health benefits of practicing yoga, but getting started and committing to doing it on a regular basis can be challenging. At Pilates 580 in Oakland, CA, both beginners and experts will find classes that they thrive in, and personal sessions are available for those who want a little one-on-one attention, as well.

Here are four yoga tips for beginners:

• Keep A Journal: You might hear some insightful comments during yoga class that you want to remember later, or you might just want to track the positions that you can do and the ones that you have yet to tackle. Either way, start a practice journal and update it after every class so you can look back and marvel at your progress.
• Buy A Decent Mat: Yoga is a fairly economical hobby, which means it’s easy to just dive right in without having to make a serious financial investment. That doesn’t mean you should skimp on equipment, though. Buy a good sticky mat that will provide you with secure footing during all the different positions.
• Focus On Your Breathing: Yoga helps to relax the body, but don’t forget about using it to help relax your mind, too.  Meditation is an important part of the overall yoga experience, and your instructor at Pilates 580 will encourage you to focus on your breathing throughout the class.
• Read Up On Sanskrit: Sanskrit is the language of yoga, and it’s a beautiful one at that. In your free time, research a little about the language so you will understand and appreciate the many mantras that yoga uses.

If you’re considering taking up yoga, check out Pilates 580 in Oakland, CA. Their yoga studio offers convenient group classes and private sessions, which are customized to meet your individual needs. Check out their website to learn more about their yoga studio, and call (510) 338-3932 to purchase sessions today.