Want to Start Basic Yoga but Don't Know How?

Here's a 4-step guide for total beginners to start yoga from scratch. It's written by Kru Zi from Luxsica Yoga & Beyond, who jumped into yoga at 19 and has been teaching professionally for over 10 years now.

Kru Zi from Luxsica Yoga

Must-Have Equipment to Start Practicing Yoga

1. Yourself + Your Breath

Honestly, that's really all you need to get going. Yoga is all about you and your breath, using simple movements to start. You can totally forget about those crazy headstands or folding yourself into a pretzel for now!

Yoga isn't nearly as intense as it looks on your social media feed. It's just about hanging out with yourself and noticing your breath—and that's plenty for a great start.

2. Non-Slip Yoga Mat

To kick things off, you can grab pretty much any brand as long as it's made of PU. A quick way to check is to give it a rub—it should feel really grippy and rubbery since it's made from natural rubber.

I wouldn't recommend those foam or TPE mats. They're way too slippery and just can't handle the pressure when you're pushing your hands into the floor.

3. Choose Yoga Wear That Keeps You Worry-Free While Moving

One big worry when starting out is all the bending and folding. I used to stress about showing too much skin! To be real, high-neck sports bras aren't always the cutest. You want your sports bra that looks great but also keeps everything secure so you can move with total confidence.

I've had my Wakingbee "WB Bra" since 2016! It keeps everything in place and doesn't budge when I'm upside down. That's definitely one thing you won't have to worry about.

Kru Zi's WB Bra

Basic Yoga Poses to Try Practicing by Yourself

If you want to give it a go at home, start with some easy stretches. Try sitting with your legs out and folding forward from your hips. Just hold it there, focus on your breathing, and try to stay for about 5 breaths. This is a perfect way to begin.

Start practicing yoga with simple poses without needing a lot of equipment

If you're still feeling a bit lost, check out this 15-minute morning yoga video. Just follow along and let your body get used to the flow!

3 Preparations Before Starting Yoga Practice

I always get asked, "What do I actually need to do before I start my yoga practice?"

Yoga is pretty mindful in every way, and that includes getting ready. I usually suggest my students do these 3 things before we jump into class:

1. Cleanse Your Body Before Practicing Yoga: Wash Your Face, Hands, and Feet

I ask everyone to wash up first because you'll be touching your body a lot. Sometimes you're lying exactly where your feet just were, or your face is inches from your toes! It's just nice to keep things fresh while you practice.

Plus, keeping yourself clean means your mat stays in good shape for much longer!

Washing your face lets your skin "practice" too. It gets to breathe and sweat without any makeup in the way. Your skin will honestly thank you for that one hour of freedom.

In the old-school books, a pre-yoga shower is the gold standard. Some people think sweat has good minerals and rub it back in, so they want to make sure they're starting clean.

But hey, that's just one school of thought. It's not a strict rule and there's no scientific proof—just something some yogis swear by!

2. Refrain from Eating at Least 1–2 Hours Before Yoga

Yoga isn't just about big moves; it actually massages your insides with all that twisting and bending. Doing that on a full stomach can be pretty uncomfortable or even make you feel sick. Try to wait at least an hour after eating—sticking to light snacks or drinks is even better.

3. Silence Your Phone and Turn Off Vibration

And seriously, leave the phone outside. It's way too easy to get distracted, and it can bug others too. Total silence (no vibration either!) is the way to go.

Starting Online Yoga vs. On-Site

Lots of people start with YouTube and then hit the studio later. That's a brilliant way to begin! It's perfect if you're busy or just feel a bit shy about being the "new person" in a group.

However, no matter how many videos you watch, nothing beats having a teacher. Whether it's online or in person, having someone there to tweak your form makes understanding your body so much easier.

Don't believe it when people say you *have* to go to a studio to see progress. Online video calls are just as good! If you have a teacher who gives clear tips and focuses on your breath rather than just "perfect" poses, you're golden. Plus, no traffic to deal with!

Final Words on Starting Yoga Practice from Kru Zi

After 10+ years of this, here's my best advice: you don't need to do the hard stuff or spend hours on the mat. Just try to sneak it into your day. Stretch your back when you step away from your desk, or do a quick fold before bed. Small steps make a huge difference! Your body will be so grateful for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting Yoga

Is it good to wear makeup while practicing yoga?

Kru Zi says skip it! Yoga is work for your body. Going bare-faced lets your skin breathe and sweat freely. It's definitely the best way to practice.

Do I have to start learning yoga at a studio only?

Either works! The main thing is having a teacher who can give you tips in real-time. Whether that's at a local studio or via a video call, you'll get so much more out of it.

Written by: Kru Zi, Luxsica Yoga & Beyond

Edited By: Tangmay, "SEO Bo-Ba Style" by Chalakorn Berg

Style By: Wakingbee, the activewear brand born to support you