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Peterson says that it’s also important to let go of your ego if you’re new to yoga.
Katie Thompson
“Oftentimes we let comparison or the thought thatI should already be good at thispush us to unrealistic expectations.
Another tip that she gives her beginner students: If anything hurts, stop doing it.
And of course, remember that practice makes progress.
“The more you practice yoga, the more youre building awareness in your body,” says Peterson.
Here are 12 helpful yoga poses for beginners.
Demoing the moves isDevon Stewart, a yoga instructor and sexual and reproductive health doula based in Harlem.
Mountain Pose/Tadasana
“Keep your arms parallel with your ears,” Peterson instructs.
“Widen your arms if you’re gonna wanna.”
Feel free to bend your back leg if it will help you lift your torso and lengthen your back.
Quick note: Different instructors may have slightly different interpretations of lunge variations.
If it does, reduce the depth of your lunge a bit.
“Use a block under your bottom hand to add more stability to this pose.”
There’s no shame in doing the move from your knees if it helps you maintain proper form.
This will help keep your lower back in a comfortable place and avoid overextension.
Again, keeping your spine long and flat is more important than keeping your knees perfectly straight.
Gifs and image: Photographer: Katie Thompson.
Hair grooming: Yukiko Tajima.
Makeup: Risako Matsushita.
Stylists: Rika Watanabe, Tiffany Dodson.
ModelDevon Stewartis a yoga instructor and sexual and reproductive health doula based in Harlem.
She has used yoga to stay present for eight years.
