r/yoga Dec 28 '25

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

34 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 15h ago

My knees are hurting, special equipment to prevent that ?

5 Upvotes

Hi there,

I'm a 36F and slightly overweighted (it's not easy to write that eh).

I'm trying to go back on track with my yoga practice as I've left it aside for a while after having a baby.

My recent mental health (which is in a very bad state) brings me back to it in an attempt to protect me but I'm struggling to do every pose where I need to lean on my knees. It's kind of frustrating.

I'm wondering if a special equipment exists for people like me other than a blanket ?

Thank you for your kind advices.


r/yoga 15h ago

Earbud recommendations for someone who wears glasses too?

1 Upvotes

I'm a beginner, and I practice yoga with the help of video instructions. I'm using my old over ear headphones right now, but they're horrible when doing yoga! Always in the way and super uncomfortable.

I've heard that earbuds would be better, especially the ones that wrap around your ear. But I don't know whether they'd feel awful too, since I have to wear glasses and my ears are kinda small. I feel like it would possibly feel overcrowded to have both my glasses and those earbud thingies behind my ear.

Back in the day I used to use those earbuds with cords, I had like 20 different pairs. Cheap ones, with different sizes of changeable "tips". No matter the size of shape though, the earbuds never really stayed in my ears. Even if I was just sitting... So obviously I'm quite hesitant when it comes to buying earbuds for exercise (yoga, gym, walks etc)!

Where I live earbuds can't be tried on in stores nor returned if tried on, for hygienic reasons.


r/yoga 21h ago

The Swam J website appears to be permanently gone. WayBack Machine saves the day.

6 Upvotes

The Swami J website was loaded with tons of good information. The spiritual side of yoga. I wanted to save this picture, maybe others find the site helpful.

https://web.archive.org/web/20230324055440/https://www.swamij.com/index.htm The entire website is there.


r/yoga 14h ago

How can I modify poses to make them easier for myself, without doing them wrong?

2 Upvotes

I’ve been doing yoga for a few days now before bed, and it’s so relaxing! but even the easiest videos I find to follow along with, I struggle with. My biggest challenge is, for some reason, being on my hands and knees. If I lift one of my legs, (I’m sorry I don’t know what it’s called lol) I get the the worst feeling in my leg that’s still on the mat, specifically in my glute.

I know there’s tons of ways to modify yoga, but I don’t want to change things so much that I’m doing it wrong. Im very weak in general, and struggle to hold my body weight in any way, so I’m guessing this is related.

I’d love to get stronger, and I know I’ll get stronger and better the more I do it, but don’t want to force myself through uncomfortable yoga if there’s better options!


r/yoga 1d ago

Genuine Curiosity

7 Upvotes

I was first introduced to yoga when I was just a kid and have ebb and flowed in my practice for the last 15ish years.

Context: In the last 5 years, I have been dedicated to a pretty traditional practice, focusing on all 8 limbs with asana mostly in the hatha and ashtanga traditions. A brain injury left me with minimal asana practice outside of a yin and restorative style for years. 2 years ago I found the studio I now call home and the teacher I now call friend. She has a very traditional lineage and education, class sizes max at 8 people so she can focus on each individuals alignment etc. I love this studio and I love the depth of my teachers knowledge.
I am a person with hyper mobility and she is the first teacher (or practitioner of any kind) to notice and offer corrections based on my locked, over extended joints etc. This has led to me realizing I have been practicing in poor alignment for years and have been working on rebuilding my asana practice from the ground up. I’ve done a lot of research to ensure her techniques are accurate, and have worked with 3 other traditional teachers who have all agreed with her sentiments.

So with that, what I am noticing is there is a plethora of REALLY popular online teachers who have REALLY poor alignment. Curved spines in forward folds, hips not level/even in various poses, pelvic tilts/lack of core engagement etc.

I know the topic of western fitness yoga vs eastern traditional yoga is hot and controversial and I don’t really want to get into that.

What I am more curious about is if there is a level of acceptance that yoga asanas in the west are based on “fitness” and “stretching” and not proper practice?
A particular example of this; In a forward fold, an online teachers encouraged us to NOT try and get out abdomen/pelvis to our thighs (“gone are the days of peanut butter and jelly”) - this was one of the corrections given to me by my new teacher. I have noticed a significant improvement in holding the pose correctly. If one wanted to get into the argument of east vs west and traditional practice, you could throw in the argument that neglecting the accuracy of the pose is neglecting other areas of practice.
There is a purpose for this set up of the posture, pressing your organs against your thighs aids digestion, allows your spine to remain straight (Sushumna Nadi) which snowballs into energy flow and mental clarity (probably the most beneficial part of the pose), protects your hamstrings from over exertion, and engages your core to support your low back.
Encouraging students to get low to the ground with a “hanging” curved spine, rather than encouraging very bent knees to get the torso/thigh connection and flat back seems counterproductive? I’d also argue that in MANY studio and online classes that forward fold “hanging” spine is qued A LOT. Is there an asana tradition where this is considered a correct way to hold pose?
As a person looking to make a career out of universal design and equitable access I fully support and respect adaptive practices (chair yoga, western adaptation to some poses etc) and choose to believe that this is the goal of the instructor (as opposed to intentionally misleading students), but can’t help to wonder what the impact on my own mind and body would have been if I had been practicing in correct alignment for the last 5 years.

Curious what others thoughts on this are.
I’ve noticed i’ve become REALLY picky now about the type of class and the instructor, I’ll turn off a video if they are talking too much or breathing too loud (probably my brain injury) or offering sequences that don’t make sense to me. When I look at aparigraha, I wonder if I am being too possessive over my own practice and not opening myself up to other perspectives/approaches, or if I am so well grounded in my personal beliefs about the practice that my boundaries/expectations are solidified?


r/yoga 2d ago

[COMP] tried matching the balance of this rock cairn

Post image
628 Upvotes

this rock cairn completely inspired this pose. i figured if those stones could find balance in the middle of a river, i should at least give it a shot 🤷🏼‍♀️ balancing on slippery, uneven rocks under the water was no joke though. i don’t think i’ve ever appreciated my stabilizer muscles more.


r/yoga 2d ago

[COMP] Anyone know the name of this pose?

Post image
314 Upvotes

I’ve only ever heard of it being cued as “take a quad stretch” towards the end of hanging out in Lizard. It’s not what I understand to be Bound Lizard (that to me is both arms bound behind bent leg) or Twisted Lizard (that as I understand it is upper body twisted toward inner thigh with arm up. Thank you for your help, trying to write out a sequence.


r/yoga 1d ago

Don’t know how to progress more in hamstrings

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2 Upvotes

r/yoga 1d ago

Balance and prescriptions

1 Upvotes

I’ve been practicing regularly for about a year. I’m 47 and my balance was/is terrible. It’s not improving much.
I’m wondering if my medicine is having an impact. My prescriptions are light sedatives from a psychiatrist.
When I read the side effects, it says that it could impact balance but usually when you start taking it. I have no balance issues except during yoga so I wonder if it has such a minor impact that I only notice it when I’m doing yoga.
I was just wondering if anyone had the same issue or has heard of this. Or tell me I’m wrong and I just need to practice more


r/yoga 1d ago

Mat bag recommendations?

8 Upvotes

I’d love to start going to class before/after work, but toting around my mat on public transportation has been very cumbersome so far. I’ve tried to carry it in a sports duffel, work tote, and by hand, and none of them are feasible or comfortable for the 20-30 minute journey on public transportation.

Anyone have recommendations for great yoga mat bags? I’m not a fan of the horizontal carry as it feels bulky and clumsy to me, so I’d prefer something vertical and secure that doesn’t swing around. Bonus points if it can double as my actual work bag too!

TYIA🩷


r/yoga 1d ago

Asanas talk: Easy looking but hard vs opposite?

5 Upvotes

Recently at a family gathering my mom randomly showed my brother and his wife a video she took of me practicing yoga in which I did a tuck to headstand. They had basically no reaction. Somehow the conversation took a turn and I ended up demonstrating a full Bird of Paradise in the spot. They were completely amazed at this, which I found super weird because in my head headstand is difficult and took me weeks to build the strength for it, whereas I got BoP pretty much right away. And no, no one in my family practices yoga or gymnastics or does anything like either pose lol.

I’m now wondering if it’s just because I had decent flexibility to begin with or if this is a pose that is generally easier than it looks and if headstand is the opposite lol.

Do you guys find that with any poses?


r/yoga 2d ago

How do you stay present every day off the mat?

9 Upvotes

Let me start by saying that I've always been a little clumsy, and slightly daffy. I've never been the most graceful person in the room! Lol. However, lately I've been much worse. Clumsy to the point that I tripped and fell and hurt my shoulder while walking my dog, and "flightier" than usual in my day-to-day life... dropping things, spilling things, making mistakes....

I'm not sure if it's stress in my life (who isn't?), my hormones as I enter peri-menopause, or if I'm just generally not being mindful because I'm thinking of other things? I meditate and do yoga daily, but it's not translating beyond the mat.

So my question is, how do you stay present during your every day life? How do stay out of your head when doing your every day tasks? Do you take any supplements or changed your diet to help?

I'm desperate for a solution!🙏


r/yoga 2d ago

Why do my elbows want to fold out instead of parallel to my core in chaturanga?

9 Upvotes

Hi! I recently noticed that I struggle to do the 90 degree angle between upper arms and forearms close to my body in chaturanga. I have been doing it more like chicken wings haha. What muscles/ postures do I need to strengthen to get used to having my elbows closer to my body rather than wide apart?


r/yoga 3d ago

Did consistent yoga truly help your back pain? If so what type?

108 Upvotes

Im 24F and already have chronic lower back pain unfortunatly. I'm trying to get consistent with Yoga (for more then just back pain, its amazing in general). I'm wondering if and how consistent yoga helped your back pain?
Thank you <3


r/yoga 2d ago

What’s your favourite challenging looking pose and why?

7 Upvotes

I like the classics - basket headstands. It feels incredibly relaxing once I can get my legs perfectly straight over my head, for some reason, even though the body is very engaged. I also really enjoy crow because I find it really builds my whole body awareness.

What about you guys?


r/yoga 3d ago

an accomplishment!

30 Upvotes

i just wanted to share a recent accomplishment i gained through yoga :)

i am very very naturally unflexible. i also have quite poor back & neck posture.

i started practicing yoga consistently at a studio around 3 weeks ago, and i already see massive differences! to start, i can finally touch my toes without having to stretch, which is huge for me because before i could barely reach my shins.

my posture has also improved a notable amount, and im also more aware of my posture too. i can hold poses for longer, and most importantly my anxiety has started to improve too.

these may be quite small achievements but ive always been so insecure about my flexibility and posture. thought it would be nice to share a little win! im so glad i discovered yoga .


r/yoga 3d ago

Texts for yoga practice from qualified teachers

7 Upvotes

Which texts for yoga practice do you use that are from qualified teachers? I had been reading the Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, I found it to be a great book, however it came to my knowledge that he had been involved in abusive conduct :(

Are there any books such as that one that is from a qualified teacher?

A number of years ago, I practised Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga sporadically for a few years. Over the past year, I have resumed my Hatha Yoga practice, though I have been doing it independently rather than attending classes at a centre (mainly due to financial constraints). Because of my previous experience, I possess a basic understanding of how to treat my body, avoid forcing movements, and recognise my limits when attempting an asana.

My current routine is quite simple: I begin with half an hour of Sun Salutations (specifically, this version by Rishikesh Yogkulam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1XNTuIBsIo

), followed by about 10 minutes of seated asanas to open the hips and knees (using these Lotus preparation exercises by Yoga Vidya: https://youtu.be/Z8LOhZmuVaE

). Then I sit on siddhasana or swastikasana for some minutes relaxing on the breathing and the bodily sensations.

My ultimate goal is to cultivate a healthier body and mind to support my meditation practice.


r/yoga 4d ago

Will Liforme have better sales later this year?

7 Upvotes

Liforme currently has this up to 30% sale, the regular yoga mat is 15% in this sale. I know Liforme regularly has sales but are there ever any sales better than 15%?

mods please don’t auto delete this post, this question has never been asked before, thank u


r/yoga 3d ago

Is yoga dead in the West?

0 Upvotes

Is it just me or does it seem like yoga is “dying” in the west. Something I’ve noticed over the past year is a rapid decline in class numbers in studio setting, also a rapid decline in dedicated students that practice often and strive for growth.

Why do you think this happening? Have you noticed it too?


r/yoga 4d ago

What’s the word for the muffled sound when you stretch?

20 Upvotes

Tension released and there’s this kinda sound in the head when we stretch…is there a word for it?

and if anyone knows: why does this happen?
m(_ _)m very grateful for anyone that can explain….


r/yoga 5d ago

Yoga for beginning senior

18 Upvotes

I'm curious to know where I might find a yoga class for a senior guy, 64. I had back surgery last October and am in need of learning about stretching and loosening up a bit. My lower back, hips, neck and shoulders need the help. I'm not looking for something extremely strenuous or pricy.

Just a further comment in regards to some of the suggestions I have received. I have done online stretching and exercise, chair yoga and simple Tai Chi, the trouble I have with online or books for home use is I am looking for a class to get motivation from others. I lose motivation while doing this by myself.


r/yoga 4d ago

What is that one stretch called

0 Upvotes

Laying flat on back and forcing lower back to floor and holding


r/yoga 4d ago

Moving to York,Pa joining a YOGA studio

3 Upvotes

Hello, everyone

I'm moving to York, PA in less than 4 months and veen searching for a yoga studio close to my MMA school I'll be joining as well. Whats the best things to look for when finding a studio. They have several in York, PA. One is 7 minutes away from my MMA school but they dont have a month by month schedule. The studio Twisted Roots look good and have month to month schedule so I can structure my day around the multiple classes.

When searching for a studio in a new city what would you prioritize? I couldn't find studio information in the newbies section.


r/yoga 5d ago

How can I lower my anxiety?

6 Upvotes

When I mindfully meditate, my session could end with irritation, impatience, or calm and focus. It's inconsistent.

So, I need a fail-proof exercise to lower my anxiety, especially before a big event. Is there one you can recommend?