A beginner should start yoga with curiosity, patience, and respect for the body. Yoga is not about being flexible on day one. It is not about forcing the body into difficult poses. It is not about comparing yourself to anyone else in the room.

• Yoga begins with awareness.

• Notice your breath.

• Notice your posture.

• Notice where the body feels tight, weak, steady, or unstable.

• Start with a beginner class, gentle yoga, or basic poses that teach breathing, balance, mobility, and control.

• Move slowly.

• Use modifications.

• Ask questions.

• Rest when needed.

• Do not push through sharp pain.

• The goal is not to perform yoga perfectly.

• The goal is to build a relationship with your body.

Over time, yoga can help improve flexibility, strength, balance, breathing, focus, and confidence.

Start where you are. Breathe. Move with control. Let the practice grow with you.