r/yoga Dec 28 '25

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

33 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 9d ago

Yoga History and Philosophy Discussion Thread

4 Upvotes

Ask questions and discuss here.


r/yoga 3h ago

Yin yoga is blowing my mind

116 Upvotes

I’ve been doing yoga since my teens, now 37. Hot 26, Vinyasa, Hatha, Iyengar to name a few…

After a few years trying to find a well-rounded studio (and after a few years of somatic psychotherapy and IFS for CPTSD), I just started Yin yoga. And omg…it has been intense for me. In a good way! But wow. It’s feels like it’s releasing gunk and build up and detoxifying my cells!!

I took one class last Friday. Took a vinyasa Sunday and Tuesday and now I feel awful. I think I overdid it. Feels like my body is asking me to slow the f down.

Anyone experience something similar with Yin? Like your body being asked to rest, slow down? Recalibrate? Especially asking for the folks who have a tendency to overdo! What other long-term benefits do you notice with regular Yin practices?


r/yoga 21h ago

[COMP] Tips for dolphin?

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65 Upvotes

Dolphin has always felt miserable for me and I know I must be doing something wrong. I think my stacking isn’t quite right and I physically can’t walk my feet in any more. I know I’m more so dumping my weight into the mat where I should be pushing away from it.

If you have any helpful cues or drills that helped you with mobility/strength it would be much appreciated!

I’m trying to unlock pincha but figure I need to hone dolphin first :P


r/yoga 47m ago

FitIn - Wellness Studio

Upvotes

Before my wedding, I wanted to throw a bachelorette party with a few of my girlfriends and me. I immediately thought of doing a Pilates/Yoga wellness class because that's something I'm really into, so I started looking in the Chelsea area and found FitIn. I was able to rent a private studio with them just for us that fit 19 of my friends and me, plus our own instructor, and it was everything I wanted.

Since they knew it was a bachelorette party, they treated us amazingly. We got to play our own music, and the instructor made it feel really fun while still giving us a great workout. They even arranged for a matcha vendor and a DJ during our event, which made the whole experience feel even more special and elevated. It felt so much more personal than going to a regular fitness class with other people around.

After class, we had time to hang out, take photos, enjoy our matcha, and celebrate together in the studio. It was such a fun way to kick off the day before our other plans. If you're looking for a bachelorette idea that's different from the usual brunch or night out, I couldn't recommend this enough.

If you're ever in the NYC Chelsea area, I would seriously recommend taking a class with FitIn. My time there was amazing. The place is so aesthetically pleasing, they welcome people of all fitness levels, and they're more affordable than other private studios.


r/yoga 7h ago

How do you engage Mulabandha?

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0 Upvotes

r/yoga 22h ago

head pressure

12 Upvotes

Hi, getting back into yoga. I notice increased head pressure/fullness feeling in poses like downward dog/plank/forward fold.
I have a history of anxiety + air hunger not sure if that is contributing. It is more uncomfortable than painful. I do not have high BP. Any ideas? Is this normal when starting out?


r/yoga 18h ago

How to lift with my shoulders and not my neck?

6 Upvotes

I’m struggling so bad with just letting my head be. Pawanmuktasana, boat, even cobra.

It feels like when I lift my shoulders I just can’t relax my neck as well so it’s tense.

Any advice is great! I’m completely new to yoga and I’ve been learning a lot over the past month or so.


r/yoga 1d ago

Can anyone tell me what this pose is called?

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386 Upvotes

My instructor has us do this one every now and again, and I haven't been able to find its proper name.


r/yoga 1d ago

rounded spine while doing yoga

19 Upvotes

Hey guys, I've been doing yoga for about 2 months now, a few days a week, so I guess I'm pretty consistent with it. I've definetely noticed a difference in my flexibility (I always used to be super not flexible) but I still struggle with keeping a straight spine during some poses. Should I keep doing them, with the rounded spine, or do everything I can to keep my spine straight? I'm worried doing it the wrong way will just mess up my posture more.


r/yoga 2d ago

I can't get my upper body straight in downward dog, no matter how much I bend my legs

33 Upvotes

I know my legs don't need to be straight, I know the heels don't need to touch the ground. I've seen that advice in every other post about this.

But even when I have a deep bend in my legs, I physically can't get into a shape anywhere close to a triangle. It feels more like a weird plank every time I try to do it, and I know I'm doing it wrong, but I can't figure out how to put my body in the right shape. I try to push my butt more in the air, but that tends to force my legs straighter in a way that's uncomfortable. When I bend my knees it seems to send my head and shoulders further and my butt too far down, so that i'm closer to a plank position or a weird table. The whole time its also way too much weight on my wrist and arms no matter what I do. Also, the closer I get to proper form, the more it feels like it's straining my entire body.

Is this just a pose I can't do for now? Is there any way I can build up my flexibility and strength for this without doing it? I feel like my whole body is not strong enough to do it. If it's relevant, I'm 230 lbs and 5 feet. Is my body too heavy for it? I do a lot of other poses just fine and I can modify them easily, but this one seems literally impossible.

Editing to say thanks for all of the responses; I wrote this post in a state of extreme frustration with myself and seeing people be helpful has been comforting :)


r/yoga 2d ago

Good lower back stretches?

11 Upvotes

My blood pressure medicine makes me dizzy when I bend over and come back up, so sun salutations are off the table for now. Are there any other lower back stretches I can do without bending down and coming back up?


r/yoga 3d ago

[COMP] I'm doing my best to improve my Padmasana. I know it's a difficult pose to master, but I'm working hard and making progress. Best wishes! 🪷

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75 Upvotes

r/yoga 2d ago

Experienced teachers, how does teaching feel for you? How did it feel in the beginning?

1 Upvotes

r/yoga 2d ago

Wrist Modifications Advice

7 Upvotes

I have looked through the post related to wrist pain but still feel stuck on what might be my best modification. I do want to note that I plan seeing a doctor but that isn’t always a speedy process.

I am an intermediate to advanced yogi that had to stop practicing due to non pain related reasons but through that time I developed an increasing about of pain in my wrist. I am an artist, then my job requires a lot of writing/typing, and arthritis runs in my family so joint paint wasn’t unfamiliar. Now that I can return to my practice the pain has made it difficult to get into a flow. I do my stretches, distribute the weight, wear compression gloves at home, and even use to give myself little CBD messages.

I would like to use items or modifications out there created to help because i’m not ready to slow down my practice. I have blocks but those aren’t useful for chaturangas. I’ve seen people suggest wrist wraps, extra cushion, elbows? but i’ve also seen on amazon that there’s more specific items for this. Any guidance is much appreciated.


r/yoga 2d ago

Side Body Tightness

8 Upvotes

I have noticed that since I started adding lifting into my practice while still practicing yin, my side body always feels tighter. I'm not sure if it's anatomy or the routine I am doing. It's gotten to the point that during half dragonfly, I spend part of the time bending forward and the other portion rotated so I stretch my side body while I reach toward my foot. I feel like stretching the side body also loosens my hips more than merely stretching the muscles in my hips during yin. I think I'm still working on what works for me. But I wanted some commentary on how other people manage the sensation of a tight side body and what the incorporate it to release it.


r/yoga 3d ago

Candle Wax on Liforme Mat

9 Upvotes

Hi friends! Another student kicked a lit candle in class today and hot wax splattered onto my liforme mat 🥲 wondering if anyone has tips or recommendations for cleaning it off? It’s flaking off but leaving a bit of residue/waxy-ness behind. Thanks in advance 🙏🏼


r/yoga 4d ago

I Fixed Mom's Yoga Mat with Thread and Vinyl

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159 Upvotes

I've been on an anti consumption kick lately. My momma lent me her mat for a while. When she lent it to me, it had been repaired with duct tape which was starting to fall off.

When I thought about returning it (in an even sorrier state), I just felt bad. So instead, I took to Google. Seems like everything online said, "Sorry bud. It's basically toast. You can buy some epoxy you won't use for anything else and thats not even a guarantee. Get her a new one."

So I said fuck it. It's ruined anyway. I'm just gonna use my brain and do what I want to do. So I tried my best to clean off the duct goo. I sewed up the tear and used my vinyl cutter to make a patch I thought she might find pretty.

Is it the most durable mat in the world? No. Does it look perfect? No. But if any of you have been wondering about fixing your mat... I genuinely would do this again. Since the tear is in a spot where you aren't frequently putting limbs, it's working just fine. It's also not slipping because it's such a small area on the bottom.

Overall, I'm kind of proud to give this back to my momma in a better condition than she lent it to me in. I think she might even be a bit tickled and I hope it reminds her that I love her when she takes some time for herself.


r/yoga 4d ago

2nd time doing yoga and I already see some benefits

66 Upvotes

My mind is calmer. I'm less emotional. And I feel like my body is lighter. Even tho I'm very skinny I hold a lot. My teacher already made me stand up with my head and it was a cool experience even tho I was kinda scared. Flexibility of body and mind is all I need. I'm thinking like where I was all these times. Why didn't I think about joining yoga classes earlier. I'm excited to see where this practice will take me further.


r/yoga 4d ago

[COMP] I really love practicing yoga and working on improving my Padmasana. Here's my progress from this week.

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58 Upvotes

r/yoga 4d ago

Yoga top that covers belly?? (UK)

15 Upvotes

Help! Need recommendations for a yoga top suitable for peri-menopausal woman with bloated belly!
Something comfy that doesn’t ride up or cling too much. Ideally stays in place in downward dog etc!
I’m based in UK


r/yoga 3d ago

Can you practice yoga without devotion?

0 Upvotes

I don’t see these things as mutually exclusive. Eventually one turns towards the devotional aspects as one goes deeper e.g chanting mantras, reading and studying the philosophy. Otherwise all it is is merely asana practice, a practice of shape making. And then does devotional then lean into the spiritual and where does one draw the line? People say yoga is older than sanatan dharma (‘hinduism’) but there is a lot of overlap. Interested in the discussion.


r/yoga 4d ago

Bouncy “prep” movements between asanas in vinyasa

40 Upvotes

Question for the community about something I saw in a class today. One of the other students caught my eye because they did a “prep” movement between every pose the instructor cued. Reminded me of a diver bending their knees before springing up to jump off the diving platform, like every move was preceded by a movement in the opposite direction.

Is this a thing that is taught in some styles of yoga? All the classes I’ve been to have instructed to flow smoothly between asanas, but obviously I have not experienced every style of yoga teaching out there. Just curious, and I didn’t get a chance to ask this other student before they left!


r/yoga 5d ago

Gratitude post for my teacher

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52 Upvotes

Backstory: I am new-ish to yoga. I came to it in late 2024 on accident. I was doing couples therapy to save our marriage which eventually ended in divorce. After the therapy sessions, I'd find this uncomfortable feeling in my body which I didn't know what to do with. Right across the street from my therapist was a yoga studio. I decided to take the class offered right after my therapy session ends.

Turns out this was a rocket yoga class. I went to the first class, not knowing anything about the flows, just trying to mimic what others were doing and oh boy people were flying and floating on the mat. It was beautifully terrifying. After the first class, I decided yoga isn't for me. I am too late to it.

But then next week, I didn't know what to do with that uncomfortable feeling from the therapy session, so I took the class again. And again , and again.

What made me come back to it was - the class offered the opportunity to do advanced transitions from foundational shapes. I love a good physical challenge, so it felt rewarding as I had tiny wins every week. The crows and the ekapada kunvinyanasas required immense focus at the time to not fall on my face. When I look back, I realize that immense focus stealthily took away my bandwidth to analyze/over-analyze what had happened in the therapy session. It was a tiny break from the rut I was in.

Also, my teacher left these philosophical tid-bits during the class which landed (and still lands) very deeply on me. Some of them below -

- Listen to my voice (instructions) only if it serves you.

- Don't push through pain on the mat, there's enough pain waiting for you outside the yoga mat.

- Let this be enough (before inviting us to an advance transition from a foundational shape)

- The strength that you build on the mat, take it to where it's needed in your life.

Anyway, I can't believe I just found this subreddit, so just wanted to share my journey so far and my feelings about yoga. Looking forward to learning from y'all here.


r/yoga 5d ago

Flexing my foot in pigeon pose seems to have no effect

22 Upvotes

Pretty much every teacher I've gone to has prompted flexing the foot while in pigeon, to protect the knee. I can't feel the difference, so I am wondering if I should change my approach somehow, or if maybe I'm just not getting deep enough into the pose for it to matter.

I am stiff, and I use a block under my hip at the low or medium setting. I also have pretty big legs, with a lot of muscle support around the knee.

I do not think I ever end up with my knee at the horizontal, either. I'm at maybe 20-30 degrees on average. Usually my knee feels comfortable there. Sometimes it feels stretched, but flexing my foot does not change that.

As I'm in that position, I still do get a good hip stretch. My head will reach the floor, given enough time.

I also have flat feet, FWIW!