Your First Steps into Yoga: Style, Timing & Intention
Starting yoga can feel like entering a new world — and often, an overwhelming one.
Classes are everywhere, styles are endless, and the time options stretch from sunrise to nightfall. For beginners, it’s easy to get lost.
But your entry into yoga matters. It sets the tone for your connection to the practice — to your body, your breath, and your inner space. This guide is here to help you find a style and rhythm that feels right for you.
1. Start with Your Why
Ask yourself:
Why do I want to start yoga? What is my goal?
To feel calmer?
To become more flexible or strong?
To connect with myself?
To find stillness or heal?
Your intention is your compass. Let it guide you.
2. Choose a Style That Supports Your Intention
🌬 Vinyasa Yoga
Dynamic, flowing movement. Builds strength, balance, and flexibility. Good for those who enjoy movement and rhythm.
Best for: a stronger body, flexibility, mental focus
Pace: moderate to fast
Good to know: can be challenging at first, but energizing once your body adjusts
🌿 Hatha Yoga
Slower, more breath-focused. Postures are held longer with time for awareness. Often includes breathwork (Pranayama).
Best for: grounding, mindful movement, beginners
Pace: steady
Good to know: builds body awareness, focus and strengthens the body
🔥 Ashtanga Yoga
Strong, fixed sequences. Physically demanding and structured.
Best for: building discipline, energy, and fast progress
Pace: intense
Good to know: not ideal for beginners unless you’re already active and quite flexible, the base of Vinyasa Yoga
🌙 Yin Yoga
Long-held postures (3–10 minutes), targeting fascia and energy channels (meridians).
Best for: releasing tension, emotional balance, flexibility
Pace: very slow
Good to know: based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, practiced on cold body to reach the fascia- not the muscles, based on Traditional Chinese Medicine( not a traditional Style)
🕊 Restorative Yoga
Passive, deeply supported poses with props. A practice of rest and surrender.
Best for: recovery, nervous system healing, deep relaxation
Pace: ultra-slow
Good to know: ideal for stress, burnout, or physical limitations- Tipp: Try Iyengar -Yoga for this !
3. Interested in the Spiritual Side of Yoga?
Some classes focus purely on movement. Others include chanting, mantras, or yogic philosophy.
If you're curious about the spiritual or energetic side of yoga, look for teachers or styles that honor yoga’s roots — such as Jivamukti, Ashtanga, or spiritually guided Hatha.
Even if not every class includes it, it’s good to know where you want to go with your practice.
4. Where Will You Practice?
At home or online?
Great for flexibility and privacy. Try platforms like Yoga International to explore styles, teachers, and guided programs.
For a more physical oriented and educational style try alomoves- online platform.
In a studio?
Helpful if you are new to Yoga to build a structure or if you need an in-person guidance, or a consistent teacher.
Check nearby Studios via Yoga& movement Apps like eversports.com
5. When Is the Best Time to Practice?
There’s no universal answer — only your rhythm. But traditionally:
Morning: Best if you want to train your focus & clear the mind- Style: Hatha
Afternoon: Best time for practices on flexibility- Style: Vinyasa, Power Yoga
Evening: calming, helps reset and relax- Style: Yin, gentle flow, restorative
Start where your energy feels stable, and build from there. Yoga adapts to you!
6. Are You Ready to Commit to Your Practice?
Progress comes with patience.
Even 10–20 minutes a day is enough to shift your body and mind.
The key is consistency — and the willingness to give this time fully to yourself, without guilt.
You may begin with movement, but over time, yoga becomes a space of presence.
Final Words
There is no one perfect way or time to begin.
You can start with curiosity and explore, or choose consciously based on your goals.
Whatever your path looks like — let it feel like home in your body.
Let it meet you with kindness and possibility.
May your practice become a space to listen, to move, to breathe — and to return.
With warmth,
Mia
