If you’re looking for a relaxing activity that will help you stay active and enjoy back pain relief, yoga is one of the few pastimes that will fit this bill. However, if you’ve never done it before, it can be overwhelming to think about finding a place in a centuries-old practice. To ensure your yoga adventure gets off to a smooth start, take advantage of the following tips for beginners.

How to Get Into Yoga

1. Getting Started

If it’s your first time getting into yoga, don’t try to teach yourself online; take a class where you can interact with an instructor in real time and ask questions as they arise. Most beginners benefit from starting off slow with a vinyasa flow class, which will walk you through the fundamental poses and help you get acquainted with the structure of a yoga class. These exercises will be slow and meditative, so you can focus more on back pain relief than an extreme workout.

2. Holding Poses

If you’re looking to release tension in the body and gently strengthen your core, approach your first few yoga classes with patience. As you assume the poses shown by your instructor, only hold them as long as they are comfortable; listen to your body’s pain signals instead of pushing through them. As you become stronger, you’ll be able to hold poses for longer periods without hurting yourself. 

3. Asking Questions

One of the best ways to improve at any practice is to be curious and open-minded, so don’t be afraid to ask questions as your yoga journey progresses. If you’re not sure how to position your legs or arms, ask the instructor to guide you to the right posture. In addition to improving faster, this will also allow you to avoid further aggravation to muscles, tendons and joints.

While yoga is an excellent route to lasting back pain relief, you should also consult a specialist. The experts at iSpine Pain Physicians, serving the Twin Cities, MN, area, will happily assess the root of your discomfort and suggest both short- and long-term solutions for pain management. To learn more about their services, visit their website. You can also schedule an appointment by calling (763) 201-8191 today.