How I taught myself yoga and how you can too!

Your life consists of thinking that you can’t do something, and by time and trials you either see that you conquered it or you see you were right.

When you start something, unconsciously you start to think that you just can’t do it, it’s impossible, it isn’t for you.

Once I started to run more, I thought that running is the only form of exercise that I will enjoy for a long time. I never even considered yoga, it looked dull and just not vigorous.

Because of running, I started to consider stretching, it does help your muscle to heal faster and you won’t have injuries, if you do your stretches consistently and correctly.

I started with 3–5 minutes of stretching after my runs, and I would feel great afterwards. One day, I typed on youtube “15 minutes of stretching” and I came across to a yoga routine. It was not anything crazy, but I felt great afterwards. Then I saw that people could stand on their heads, I started to google how to do it, learned few techniques and before I knew it, I was doing that. 6 years later, I am still doing yoga and I have learned everything at home, without anyone’s help.

Few tips for people who want to start yoga (or any exercise).

1. Start. The hardest part in anything is starting. You need to be able to put your fears away and decide that you want to do yoga and put on some comfy clothes and either get a cheap mat or just use some rag and you are ready for your journey. (Below, I have put some youtube channels that will help you with starting.)
2. Consistency. If you aren’t consistent, honestly you won’t see any results. This isn’t only about yoga, but in everything. Consistency is the key. If you stretch for a week and then stretch a year later, you will be the same stiff person. (Sorry, but someone needs to say it) Again, even if you are super-duper lazy, just do simple stretching before your bed time, or while you are brushing your teeth. Whenever you can, wherever you can.
3. Progress. Take pictures or keep a diary. I actually do both, that way I can see what I’m doing wrong or right. It will be the best motivation for yourself. You can share with other people and maybe inspire them. Even if you decide not to share with anyone, still document, because a month later, you will be amazed by your progress. Trust me, you will get addicted to your own progress.
4. Some people ask me how many hours should I stretch? Unless, you want to pursue yoga as your career, of course many many hours. But if it is for your health, then start with 10 minutes of yoga, maybe two or three times a week do 30–45 minutes. I personally love doing challenges, when I do yoga every day for a month, at least 30 minutes, so once in a while challenge yourself.
5. Don’t concentrate on doing just one pose. If you want to have a flexible body overall, you need not only work on your splits, but also your back, arms. Some people only want to do splits or stand on their heads. It just doesn’t work that way. Your body is connected and once you start to pay attention to every single part, then you will see a real progress. For example, if you want to do a headstand, then add some abs before and work on your core, it will benefit your headstand or any stand.

6. Do your research. Every time you want to do a certain pose, google how yogis do it. Internet is the best tool to learn, use it for your benefit. Every single yogi has their unique way to do a pose, and you can try all of it, and then decide which one you like the most.

7. Ask yourself: Why you want to do this? In every situation you need to ask yourself. “Why?” If you aren’t sure why you are doing something, at some point you will give up. I remind myself why I love yoga almost every week and the answer is: it makes me feel confident, I would even say sexy, I feel strong, and my mental health only benefits from it.

8. No excuses. I’m sure all of us can find 10 minutes to do something good for their bodies. I only do yoga at home. I have gone to few yoga classes here and there, and honestly if you have a yoga studio and have means to go to a yoga class, definitely do it. However, I like my home practices and being able to do it whenever I want. If I feel like doing yoga at 6am, there is no need to commute or put actual yoga attire. I am aware that home workouts are not for everyone. If you don’t know from where to start, definitely sign up for a class and see how you like it.

9.Learn to love failure. You will fall, you might pull a muscle or two. I lost the count of how many times I fell on my back, or pulled a muscle. Even once I hit my nose with my knee while doing a handstand. Just know it is ok, it is part of the journey, you will heal in no time. Of course, be careful and know your current “limits”. Don’t go and do a handstand on top of the roof, that is not smart.

10.Patience. It is so true that patience is a virtue. Especially for people like me who are impatient and stubborn. I remember when I wanted to do the side splits in one day (!) I pulled my muscle and it took me a month to heal completely. You just can’t get up and decide that you want to do a handstand in one day and expect it to happen just like that. Unless you are an exception, then teach me master! Take your time, you have your whole life ahead of you.

11. Remember how you feel after your yoga session. This is when your diary comes handy. I don’t know why everyone isn’t journaling. It is the best way to remind yourself. I don’t remember every doing yoga and thinking “hmmm this was not good”, so when you feel lazy, you can read your own diary and be inspired by yourself.

My favorite YouTube Channels, I have included the flows that either I have done, splits flows that I use constantly and just people that I like a lot and recommend to people constantly.

KinoYoga (Kino was the first yogi that I found on Youtube and she inspired me to do a headstand, I have learned a lot from her and she has many 1-hour long videos), Yoga with Adrienne (I find her more beginner friendly than the others and she has many challenges), Martina Rando andMartina Sergi, (both Martinas are Italian and if you know Italian, they also have Italian classes, along with English ones and very structured yoga flows) Nicole Wild (fun, creative, challenging yoga flows more for intermediate/advanced practice, but beginners can modify and do them as well), Cat Meffan (yummy flows are from Cat, love her personality and she incorporates strength and flexibility in all of her flows), Briohny Smith (I absolutely love her calming voice, her flows fly by for me), Laruga Glaser (Guided Ashtanga Practice, I suggest you to watch this, she is amazing).

I really hope this blog post was helpful for some of you. If you have any questions feel free to send them at @lillyMinasyan on Instagram.

Happy flow!