June 21st is celebrated globally as International Day of Yoga aiming to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits that come from practicing yoga.  It was deliberately selected on the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and shortest in the southern hemisphere – the summer and winter solstices – because these times have significant meaning in yoga and are considered auspicious in many cultures.

Yoga is not only a physical and mental occupation, but it is also a spiritual practice meant to harmonise Men and Nature through the unity of mind and body.

Practicing yoga has become increasingly popular, but it can be quite tricky for beginners.

To help you embark this new journey, we’ve gathered a few tips:

• Choosing the perfect yoga mat.  Look for a mat with a textured surface to benefit your grip. If you’re opting for a more therapeutic experience, go for thicker mats which provide extra softness and support. Beware of thinner alternatives as they may hurt your knees.

• Go for breathable and easy to move-in clothes. Sweating during practice is a given – select your attire accordingly. Form-fitting apparel will enhance practicality. We always recommend using a sports bra and if you would like to practice with shorts make sure they are form-fitting as some poses require you to position your legs in a way that could leave you uncomfortably uncovered.

• Try not to practice on an empty stomach. Even though it’s relaxing, the workout can be rather intense. Experts recommend fueling your body with a minimum amount of food before jumping into practice. Just keep in mind to leave at least 1-2 hours before working out after a meal.

• Carefully choose your teacher. Talk to your instructor before-hand and make sure the level you are starting at is the correct one for you. Yoga takes time and patience; it is all part of the process.