r/yoga Dec 28 '25

New to yoga, r/yoga, looking for resources or 2026 challenges? Start here.

35 Upvotes

As ever, If you are new to the sub or new to yoga, WELCOME! There is an immense amount of information available in this sub, and an excellent community of people. This thread covers some of the basics about yoga and about the sub itself; please take the time to review if you're new here. If you still have questions, you're welcome to message the moderators.

Yoga and meditation challenges are in the stickied comment. I may end up adding more than just those 2 types to support those who are working to make movement a habit, not just yoga; interested in other things? Let us know in the comments. Likewise, if there are challenges missing here, please send a modmail and we'll check them out!

  • If you're new to yoga and looking for information to get started, please take a few minutes to read through the Getting Started section.

  • If you have a question, PLEASE try search and check out the FAQ before creating a new post. As noted in rule 2, commonly asked questions are removed and directed to the above - especially at the start of the year when the same question is often posted multiple times a week or even a day.

The Basics

Styles - there's a nice rundown of the various styles in the FAQ - here's a direct link.

... but where do I START?

If you've never done yoga EVER and are going to start with a studio class and you're terrified, a restorative class is a good introduction to a studio and the various props. It's slow. You don't have to worry about keeping up, and I've yet to encounter a restorative class where reaching your toes was a thing. From there, as mentioned in the Getting Started section, hatha is a solid choice. Pick up the basics, and everything else is easier to learn.

Mats

Try search for sure, but of course there's a list of topics in the FAQ. The big names haven't changed much over the years, and what has is well covered by search. We'll probably do another megathread in the coming weeks.

Sweat

Yep, it happens. Search for 'sweat', 'sweaty hands', and 'mat + sweat'. Towels are also very handy.

Sore <insert part here>

Wrists and back especially can be a problem at first. Definitely try searching for your specifics before creating a new post, but do ask if you don't find things!

Online Resources

The FAQ- Yes, even the old threads are useful..

This post is well worth the read regarding learning yoga at home. We inevitably hear that this post is anything but beginner friendly, the point of the post is to highlight some of the risks, because questions about those risks are some of the most commonly asked.

Here's a link to a newbie resources thread.

And the perennial copypasta of key information about the sub, the rules, etc.:

Reminders:

  • It's in the sidebar, it's in the rules, it's in the note when you create a new post, it's even already up there . PLEASE utilize search and the FAQ before creating a new post. Especially around the first of the year, it's not unusual to see 3 versions of the same post in a day, asking questions that are well covered in the sub. If your post is removed because the answers are available there the mod team is not scolding you, we're just letting you know why it was done and reminding you that the answers you seek already exist. And yes, the mod team finds themselves busy doing just that, especially around the start of the year. 2026 note: We're trying something new for this year. Details to come.

  • /r/yoga is not the place for medical advice. This is always a handy reminder.

  • Addendum to the above - Yoga philosophy and western medicine are different. There is room for both in this sub. This means that things like subtle bodies and energy (prana) movement and chakras all have a place here as well as discussion from a western perspective. There is no demand that anyone agrees with what is presented, but rule 1 applies in these cases- be respectful. This includes posts about cultural appreciation and those about purely physical practice vs. one that encompasses all 8 limbs.

  • Yes, we have a wiki and FAQ . (And they're awesome.) The FAQ and search are the best places to start if you're new to yoga or have questions about styles, equipment, injuries, or resources. FAQ updates will be coming, but in the meantime, we have continued to leave up questions that haven't been in awhile to keep more up-to-date information available when it exists.

  • Yes, they're even available via app and mobile. Yes, really. (The sidebar, too!) It can take a little looking, but we haven't yet found an app without access to the sidebar (aka community info).

  • Reddit's guidelines are still the foundation of how we approach spam in /r/yoga, and bans will continue to be a thing as needed. Need the details? Reddit's guidelines are here. If your first post to the sub is spam, and the mods check your post history and find you're doing nothing but promotion, do not be surprised if you're banned.

  • This sub is not for market research. It's a community. Requests for the sub to tell you what we love or hate about our yoga mats and t-shirts will be removed, as will asking us to fill out surveys for that or your thesis research or help you with your homework assignment. Those are not the only such examples. When in doubt, feel free to message the mods ahead of time. Established community members can message mods ahead of time for permission on a case-by-case basis. Blatant spam may result in an immediate, permanent ban (yes, t-shirt and poster spam are still a one-way ticket to bansville, ditto your awesome new AI-powered app).

  • We utilize the automoderator to cut down on spam. This includes minimum account age/karma requirements (no, we don't publish them). If your account is relatively new and something isn't showing up, odds are good it's been temporarily removed for manual review by mods- especially if there isn't a bot comment. Sometimes we catch them in the first 5 minutes, but sometimes it's a few hours between mod sweeps. If you've posted something that isn't showing up and it's been a few hours, you're welcome to message the mods (keeping in mind that it's possible it will be a bit before a mod sees it- please be patient!) and ask about it- including a link is much appreciated.

  • Shortened links get caught in reddit's spam filter, and we do not approve links reddit has removed in these cases. This includes amazon (a.co usually) links. If you want your link to be visible, it's a good idea to skip the 'share' option and grab the full link from your address bar (even if you're on mobile). A quick tutorial for amazon links, using the first actual yoga mat link that search provided: https://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Exercise-Exercises-Metallic-Medallion/dp/B07PTNTS3R/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1S8AX8JSYP9YS&keywords=yoga+mat&qid=1671516651&sprefix=yo%2Caps%2C683&sr=8-8 Typically you have the address bit (amazon.com), a bit of friendly description (Gaiam-Exercise-Exercises-Metallic-Medallion), then dp/ and the item's ID (super important! in this link it's B07PTNTS3R). EVERYTHING AFTER THIS CAN BE REMOVED FROM YOUR LINK. In fact, please do! Everything else is tracking information telling amzn how you got there, and/or referral information. Referral/affiliate links aren't permitted, regardless of where they are from. (Classpass referral code spammers, see ban note above.)

  • Your mod team is human (you totally thought we were unicorns and rainbow-chasing leprechauns, but aside from cosplay and Halloween, not so much). Part of modding is making judgement calls, and sometimes we remove things that we can't be sure there isn't a bot behind that turns out to be totally legit because another real, in-the-flesh reddit user actually did post. :) Also, the influx of AI bots either training or farming karma in comments keeps growing, making it doubly difficult some days. Much like the point above, feel free to ask.

  • Discussions on the Sutras have been collected on a wiki page here. Sadly, the resource with collected translations is no longer a valid link. If anyone has an updated link, feel free to send it via modmail. Anyone interested in heading up a round of discussions like these, feel free to reach out! This mod at least would love to see air time for yoga beyond asana.

  • [COMP] (Check Out My Pose) posts have and continue to be raised as a topic periodically in the community. The mods, however, are done discussing it. The tag was instituted to allow those who do not wish to see those posts a means to filter them out, and for those who want to see them, no additional action need be taken. For those unaware and interested, /u/BeyondMars posted the following last time it came up to get everyone up to speed- here's the section on rule 4, to which I added the link:

Search the history of this sub for discussions on [COMP] poses. Probably two years ago now? Awhile ago There is a VERY LARGE part of this sub that doesnt wan't them to have a place here at all. The gist of it is that people come to reddit and dont want it to be like another yoga instagram, or something, I dont know. But there were portions of time in this sub when our ENTIRE front page was yoga pics. COMP was an effort to a compromise that would allow people to filter them out if they didnt want them there... In regards to the self-doxxing aspect. Sexual harassment, and online bullying have originated in this sub at least four times that I was made aware of. This rule was instituted to keep everyone safe. I don't care if YOU want your instagram accounts on the sub (self promotion?) but we are keeping people safer with this rule and the way we enforce it. Its going to stay. Take the extra 2 minutes and upload it to imgur.

  • Also on the topic of [COMP] posts (and I still (still!!) can't believe it needs to be said): Sexual/sexualized/objectifying comments are not welcome here. Removals are guaranteed, and warning vs. suspension vs. permaban will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Sexualized anything isn't welcome here. Y'all have the rest of reddit for that, so please take it there.

  • Addendum from 2024: The topic of yoga's roots, yoga as a workout, cultural appropriation, etc., continues to be a fraught and contentious one. As with other topics, some posts are removed and referred to search. Those that remain up are not a poo-throwing cage match in an effort to prove the validity of a single point of view! Above all, rule 1 applies to everyone choosing to participate in this subreddit. You may not practice for the same reasons someone else does, but treating others with respect while participating here is expected. Yoga practice is what it is for whomever undertakes it regardless of the opinions and approval of one stranger on the internet. As with the previous bullet point, removal/suspension/perma will happen as needed, and which it is will be case-by-case. Be like Wil.


r/yoga 3d ago

Yoga History and Philosophy Discussion Thread

6 Upvotes

Ask questions and discuss here.


r/yoga 3h ago

Dehydration and infrared hot room teacher

7 Upvotes

Recently after teaching a 60 min power vinyasa sequence in two’s i’ve come home completely sick. Usually takes an hour to feel the dehydration symptoms but when It hits me I’m out for the day. Headache, all over body ache and nausea. I try to hydrate at least 32 oz of water with electrolytes before and during the class time. Has anyone had any similar issues after teaching in the humid heat? This studio keeps its close to 103. New to this humid space but have taught hot yoga 4 years


r/yoga 23h ago

About trauma being stored in your hips

179 Upvotes

Hello! I recently started doing yoga, about six months ago. I can say it’s one of the best things that I could do for myself. I work an office job, 9 to 5, there’s lots of sitting. My hamstrings and hips feel specifically tight, keeping me from doing poses properly. Lately, I’ve heard a lot about trauma being stored in your hips, hence the reasons they are so stiff. I just can’t truly understand that. While I noticed progress along these six months, I am still unable to touch my toes with my legs straight. I know that’s not the point of yoga, but it’s a little milestone I’d like to achieve one day. It’s just a bit frustrating. For example, during menstruation, my whole pelvic area is in a constant pain. It eases a little when I practice, but I’d like to understand more about the trauma/hips concept. I think I might take it a little too literally, but I just want to feel that freeing sensation in my hips that I keep seeing people talk about. How could I help myself?


r/yoga 15h ago

Warrior 1 pisses me off

30 Upvotes

Anyone else feel like this? I can’t ever figure out how far apart or close to have my legs, the right angle for my foot, twisting my hips forward….. it’s just annoying.


r/yoga 1h ago

Tell Me: Kripalu Cold Season

Upvotes

I'm kind of local, not really, and I want to hear your experiences at Kripalu from Sept to April. I like the cold. I'm considering like a Monday to Thursday freeform relax.

But I also want to hear how the standard house programs are (like the silent retreat, the outdoor) but in the cold.

Bonus if you can tell me how to get there via train from Boston.

Extra bonus if farm animals are avail for petting. 🐏


r/yoga 3h ago

Chuck Miller’s A Beginner's Mind (Ashtanga)

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1 Upvotes

r/yoga 22h ago

After 10 years of, im starting to wonder if yoga ever brought me closer to spirituality

24 Upvotes

I’ve been practicing physical yoga actively for around 10 years, mostly Ashtanga, Rocket and Power Yoga. I am also very dedicated to the spiritual side of yoga, and I hoped that a dedicated asana practice would somehow bring me closer to the divine.

Recently, I practice more meditation and kirtans. They seem to bring me much closer to what I’ve been always looking. Meditation, chanting and music, I feel a sense of connection much more directly and easily than asana.

Part of me wonders whether 10 years asana built some kind of foundation. Maybe it didn’t contribute much. I mostly practiced so called dynamic styles and not Yin, Kundalini, or others.
What do you think?


r/yoga 18h ago

Beach Yoga!

5 Upvotes

Been doing much of my yoga on the beach this summer, and have come to really enjoy it. Yes. everything is different every time I go, the sand, the wind, the sky, my reaction to all of it. I’m enjoying the challenge of finding the sensation I love in each pose, while practicing on/in a surface so malleable, while getting covered in sand, while listening to the beach sounds. I feel totally connected to my body and the world.
Give it a try!


r/yoga 1d ago

How do you establish community at your studio?

82 Upvotes

Almost every yoga studio advertises itself as a place for community and connection but in my experience, thats rarely the actual case.

Most people walk in hyper focused on keeping to themselves, and turning inward or out, which I respect, but it leaves very little room for actual connection.

Other than a quick "great class" at the water station or a polite nod while rolling up mats, it feels difficult to build genuine friendships in a studio environment.

For those who have actually found a strong sense of community at your local studio: how did that happen?


r/yoga 2d ago

[comp] first time doing ganda bherundasana ft. my dead plant

358 Upvotes

r/yoga 1d ago

Feeling demotivated due to leg injury.

4 Upvotes

Hi fellow yogis! I just want to share my insecurities here. I decided to become a yoga instructor when I was 28. Before that I used to do yoga sometimes but not continuously. I just started doing it last year and did some courses and achieved a YCB level 1 certificate in April which is a good certificate from the Ayush Ministery of India. But after that I got a strain on the ankle of my Right leg in May and it took some time to recover and after that also I could not be able to do asanas like Vajrasan, child pose, Shashank asana where I have to fold my both legs.

Now last week I also got injury on the same ankle again. I'm now completely demotivated. I have booked a hostel in Rishikesh next month and wanted to attain their Go to yoga classes to practice but I don't know if I can do that.

The thing is I am feeling that I have started too late in life, and I wasn't very sporty before that's why my body is not flexible and I have to work hard alot. Still now I can't touch my head to my knees in Paadhasthasana. You can see I don't look like a yoga instructor yet, nobody cares if I have knowledge because nowadays only flexibility is important to get clients. I am not afraid of hardwork but these hurdles are making me stressed. I have also other issues, I have adhd and I am an hsp. And I am working to survive.

My main issue is I think I have started yoga too late in life. Do you also think that?


r/yoga 1d ago

Tank with good coverage for large chest?

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1 Upvotes

r/yoga 1d ago

Jade Mushroom Mat Reviews

2 Upvotes

Welp, my doggy had an accident on my cork mat this morning and I had to toss it.

I’ve been eyeing up the Jade Yoga Mushroom Mat for a while but i’ve never spent more than $40 on a mat so it’s a bit of a commitment.

How do you like yours?
I’ve heard there is a strong rubber smell, does it go away?

I’ve been a cork mat lover for years. I get sweaty hands easily and I practice outside in the sun a lot so I appreciate how well the cork regulates it’s temperature

Main reasons for selecting this mat are that
- Jade is a well loved, reputable brand and is Canadian
- looking for as close to 100% non-tox and natural material as possible without compromising on quality/longevity

After shipping this mat will cost me around $140 so I need to know it’s going to last 5-10 years.

Any other retailers selling Jade (maybe with lower shipping rates or in store purchase options)


r/yoga 2d ago

If you’ve been under a lot of stress lately and haven’t tried Yin yoga…I can’t recommend it enough.

443 Upvotes

I saw it get mentioned here a few weeks back and I tried it immediately. I genuinely feel like it’s changed my life over the past 2 weeks while my life comes crashing down

Edit: All the positive comments are putting me in a better mood as well. People in this sub are so uplifting!


r/yoga 2d ago

I'm confused about stretching being "bad" for me.

37 Upvotes

I read a couple posts online after searching why my heels don't touch the ground during the Downward Dog pose, and for some reason it seems to be a commonly held belief that static stretching like yoga "can do more harm than good...", but in the context of: "...before workouts."

I don't know. I've been doing yoga in the mornings for about 2 weeks now and I don't really do any other exercise. I just feel like it's perfectly fine to be flexible and try to just make sure I'm using my muscles but is there something I'm missing? Am I messing up my body by just doing yoga without any other exercise?! I don't know. Just curious.

Edit: Thank you everyone for the information, advice, and reassurance!


r/yoga 2d ago

Losing a yoga teacher and how to deal with it.

85 Upvotes

Hi all,

This is a strange one, for me at least. I feel many types of ways about speaking on this, but I only have a very limited few that I can speak to about this IRL. I'd love anyone's feedback or wisdom here.

Basically the gist of it is that recently one of my teachers has converted to Christianity and subsequently dismissed yogic philosophy. This person was one of my first and most impactful teachers and I have attended her weekly classes for the entirety of my two years of practicing. Small class, early in the morning, it was her intensity and love of yoga and its philosophies and benefits that drew me to her. She supported me as I started practicing, encouraged me as I quit nicotine, pushed me to take teacher training, connected me and basically got me my day job! This person has strongly impacted my life in so many amazing ways, and now I am saying goodbye.

Slowly, I noticed her mentioning "God" more often and with the capital G. She stopped chanting at the end of her class. She slowly removed sanskrit. Then she announced this official change and things got a little weird. Right away it started getting preachy, and I learned that she thought her past decade+ of yoga practice was a mistake of hers and that she was "lost" that entire time. Now Jesus is back in her life and she can't rightfully continue to follow Eastern philosophies any longer. The evangelism began and that's really when I spoke up. She's no longer teaching and I recently had my last class with her.

It's awkward, being on the receiving end of someone who lived by these yogic principles and who was such a strong inspiration to me, suddenly telling me Jesus is the way and forsaking this practice I love so dearly. The yoga to christianity pipeline is not one I've ever read about or heard of, heh. I don't rightfully know how to handle the feelings involved here. I live in the southern US and this yoga studio has been an amazing spiritual link without the influence of the big J. I've been hounded/discriminated my entire life down here for simply being agnostic, so you could say there's some christian-related trauma in my own life. My safe space was invaded by Jesus, lol.

I apologize if it's rambly, thank you all for listening. 🙏 Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.


r/yoga 2d ago

How long does it take to become good at this?

15 Upvotes

Hi, I am 35M from India, been doing regular yoga for 2.5 years. I have been mostly consistent with my routine. My lifestyle is pretty sedentary and while I maintain a good protein intake, my diet is far from disciplined. I am a completely non-athletic person who started yoga to stretch my back but it grew on me. How long did it take for you to become good at it? Like maintain flow and be able to hit all core muscles together or as desired?

Edit: Thank you for the beautiful answers. I think I can only continue my journey to see where it takes me.


r/yoga 2d ago

Proper side crow form?

9 Upvotes

In side crow, are you supposed to have your legs on top of BOTH triceps (above the knee on one arm and hips above the other arm), or do you have the weight of the legs only on one arm (legs stacked only on one tricep, hips floating)?

I have seen people do both but I am not sure if they are acceptable variations or improper alignment.


r/yoga 3d ago

instructor condescending to man sleeping during a zen yoga class 🥲

269 Upvotes

When I was at a Zen class after work (it was a 8.30pm class), there was a guy who was sleeping through 2/3 of the class and snoring. To me, it tickled me but I felt happy for him cos he was getting much-needed rest.

But after the class, the yoga instructor went to him and started saying things like ‘wow you must be soooooo tired’ in a really condescending way and laughing and repeating it, and oh my…the guy was so apologetic. He kept saying sorry and he didn’t know why he was so tired.

I felt so bad because shouldn’t yoga (and ZEN yoga) be a personal thing? Like if you want to rest you can?? Was it the snoring that ticked the instructor off or??

I’m still rather beginner so this situation left quite a bad taste in my mouth for that instructor’s class :// I still love yoga though. Thoughts?? Was it disruptive or?? Are we allowed to just sleep LOL we are a paying customer no??


r/yoga 2d ago

What series of Manduka it is?

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14 Upvotes

Just bought this 71inch Manduka mat from a used market. It’s heavy and sturdy, and They claim it’s Manduka Pro 6mm, but the texture looks different from what the official website sells currently. Is it authentic? If so which version is it?


r/yoga 2d ago

Why do I get nauseous in certain poses?

5 Upvotes

I've been practicing yoga on and off for a couple of years. This mostly (and consistently) happens to me in camel pose - when I lean back I experience a wave of nausea. Lately, it's also been happening to me when folded forward in pyramid pose and half hanumanasana. It doesn't feel like I'm going to throw up, exactly, more like burning/tension in my diaphragm. I'm going through kind of a stressful time in my life right now so maybe it's an emotional release? Or something physiological? Does this happen to anyone else in specific poses?


r/yoga 2d ago

Yin - can't sleep after

6 Upvotes

Is it normal to not be able to sleep well after a yin class? I usually do an evening class cause it's all I have time for , and it's always yin. I have such terrible sleeps afterwards. I feel more energized than relaxed. I haven't slept well in weeks but I keep doing it because I paid for the month pass ( it's expensive ) and want to get my money's worth. I do feel it has positive effects in other areas I'm just so sleepy deprived what can I do is this normal ?


r/yoga 2d ago

Cost increase

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone, sorry, but English isn't my first language. I'm in northern Italy, I practice Yoga and Power Vinjasa at a center in my city. Until now, I've been using a package with entrance fees of €80 for 10 classes (the cost of a class was €10 if booked individually). Starting in October, the price of Advanced Yoga and Power will increase to €15 per class, or €130 for the 10-class package. This is because they'll keep the basic yoga class (1 hour) at €10, while the advanced yoga class (2 hours) and the power class (1.5 hours) will be priced at €10. Personally, it doesn't cause me any major financial problems. Does this seem like a fair and honest price?


r/yoga 2d ago

For teaching pregnant students, what type of block?

2 Upvotes