yoga for beginners

Want to get into yoga, but don’t know where to start? These foundational poses will set the stage for your evolving practice.

Are you ready to roll out your mat for the first time? We've got everything you need to know to get started with this mind-body practice.

Considering the many health benefits of stepping on the mat, everyone—and we mean everyone—should be jumping on the yoga train.

You may have read of people doing 108 Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) at the time of the spring equinox, or own mala with 108 beads. Here's why the number is considered so auspicious.

These poses and practices offer huge benefits for your body and mind—no matter your age or stage.

Open your chest and find proper alignment after a tough standup paddleboard workout. This beginner SUP yoga sequence will get you started.

Warm up for Eagle Pose with these three prep poses that will open your shoulders and hips.

We asked 19 senior teachers to share with you the kind of advice that can move you closer to their caliber of talent. You're welcome.

Not only do props help you find more space, freedom and stability in your poses, they’re also great teaching tools with endless uses if you get creative. Dedicate some time to playing with props.

Eddie Modestini, a longtime student of K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar, who will lead Yoga Journal’s upcoming online course, Vinyasa 101: The Fundamentals of Flow, reveals how often you should roll out your mat if you want to become a "serious" yogi.

It’s not likely to get an infection from a yoga mat, but that doesn’t mean those studio mats are clean.

Our expert weighs in on observing your feelings and letting them go—even when your practice or class gets irritating.

Need help getting started with inversions? Try these 6 poses from Two Fit Moms.

New to yoga? We've got answers for you. These 10 common questions for yoga beginners should get you on your way to a deeper practice and mindful meditation.

YogaWorks' Julie Kleinman has advice for addressing tough topics with a coworker.

Erica Rodefer Winters demystifies 5 expressions overheard in yoga class.

Intimidated at first by her lack of experience in yoga class, a young woman learns to relish the learning process.

Erica Rodefer Winters shares basics about yoga for aspiring yogis.

Build the power and foundation you need to transition between poses.

The 2012 Yoga in America study revealed the main reasons people come to yoga, with flexibility, general conditioning, and stress relief, among them. Erica Rodefer Winters wonders why people don't know about the deeper benefits yoga, like more balanced emotional states and better relationships.

Not everyone has a positive experience the first time they unroll a yoga mat. Erica Rodefer Winters asks the question: Whose responsibility is it to make sure first-timers feel at ease during class?

Learn the basics of Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana, a purely American invention in an ancient Indian tradition.

Check out YJ Editors's author page.

Where it all began—learn about the history of yoga, the roots of this ancient practice.

Natasha Rizopoulos explains where and how you can start with pranayama, yoga breathing.

Tim Miller gives advice for yoga beginners on what kind of Ashtanga class to choose.

Every meditator knows the pain of stiff knees and an aching back. By stretching the connective tissue, Yin Yoga conditions you to sit longer—and more comfortably.

Check out Richard Rosen's author page.