Yoga Advice for All Levels

Yoga is a form of exercise that incorporates mental and spiritual practices into physical movement. It consists of different asanas or yoga poses — standing or on the ground — that flow into one another. Practicing yoga can help you relax, build strength, and improve flexibility.

Whether you're a beginner or a pro, learn about various types of yoga and how to get the most out of your time on the mat.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you clean a yoga mat?

    You should clean your yoga mat on a bi-weekly or monthly basis. To do so, clean the yoga mat with soap and water. You can use a microfiber towel dipped in soapy water followed by a clean towel to wipe away the soapy residue.

  • How do you become a yoga instructor?

    Those who love and excel at yoga often want to become instructors themselves. Becoming a yoga instructor requires certification. You can become a certified yoga instructor by enrolling in a school that follows the Yoga Alliance Standards.

  • What is hot yoga?

    Hot yoga involves yoga classes performed in humid studios heated from 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot yoga classes tend to be flowing, Vinyasa-style classes. One exception is Bikram, a type of hot yoga that follows a specific 26-pose format in each 90-minute class.

  • What is Hatha yoga?

    Hatha yoga is a gentle and slow-paced style of yoga. If you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics of yoga, Hatha is a good place to start.

  • What is Vinyasa yoga?

    Vinyasa yoga is a broad classification that encompasses many types of yoga, including Ashtanga, Baptiste, and power yoga. It is a rigorous practice that involves sun salutations, which pair movements to breathwork. If you’re looking for a type of yoga where the poses flow into one another and classes do not follow a set sequence of poses, vinyasa is the style you’re looking for.

Key Terms

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  1. Maharara S, Sabar N. The concept of 'OM': (with special reference to Chāndogya Upaniṣad)Int J Sanskrit Res. 2020;6(3):4-9.