Beginner Yoga: Foundational Poses to Start Your Practice
Think you need to be flexible to start yoga? That is a myth I hear every day. My beginner sessions focus on simple, foundational movements to help you gain confidence and mobility at your own pace.
In this beginner series episode, I teach Utthita Parsvottanasana (Pyramid Pose). I walk you through the setup step-by-step, explaining how to keep your hips square and use props like a yoga block to make the pose more accessible.
This video is perfect for beginners wanting to improve hip mobility. I demonstrate three simple but effective poses: Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle), Ardha Kapotasana (Half Pigeon), and the very relaxing Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby).
If you have tight hamstrings, this video is for you. I guide you through three gentle stretches: a Forward Fold with a Twist, Half Split Pose, and a modified Seated Forward Fold, emphasizing patience and consistency over force.
I call these my "juicy" stretches because they feel so good in the body. This video shows a simple flow including a shoulder stretch in Vajrasana, a gentle Vajrasana backbend, the Puppy Stretch, and a Seated Lateral Stretch.
About this collection
When you join these foundational classes, we do not chase the perfect pose. Instead, we use simple props like yoga blocks to bridge the gap between where your body is now and where you want it to be. This means you can practice an Utthita Parsvottanasana (Pyramid Pose) safely, keeping your hips square and your spine long, without forcing your hamstrings to stretch further than they are ready for.
Why Start Here
Many people feel intimidated because they see pictures of complex, advanced yoga poses online. My beginner series is the exact opposite of that. I focus on Hatha and Vinyasa basics because these styles provide the stability you need to build a lasting habit. Whether you are working on opening tight hips or finding balance in a standing posture, we break everything down step by step.
How We Practice
At my Malleshwaram rooftop studio, we keep group sizes small. This is intentional. Because the class size is limited, I can provide hands-on corrections and ensure you are moving in a way that respects your joints. We use specific cues to help you engage the right muscles rather than relying on momentum.
What You Will Learn
In these foundational sessions, we work on:
- Proper Alignment: Learning where your feet, knees, and hips should be so you don't develop bad habits.
- Using Props: Understanding how to use blocks and straps to make poses accessible regardless of your current flexibility.
- Breath Awareness: Connecting your movement to your breath, which helps turn a physical exercise into a moving meditation.
If you have been feeling stiff from sitting at a desk all day or just want a safe space to get started, this is where you belong. We focus on progress, not perfection.
Gowri
I'm Gowri, and I started this journey because I felt stuck and inflexible too. At Mudra, I keep classes small and supportive because I believe yoga is for humans on mats, not for showing off.
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