New to yoga with a question

[sadianne]

Hello, I'm new to this forum. I've taken some classes, and enjoy yoga and I'm looking to expand my practice.

When you are starting out, how often do you suggest I practice and how long? Any other suggestions?

I'm in my mid 40's, about 40 lbs overweight and have a back problems from a previous injury.

Thanks for your suggestions.

[Pandara]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum. The following is only my view and there may be other views to your question as well. You must remember that yoga is apart from all the other benefits also a purification of the physical system. When you do certain asanas you place pressure on your lymphatic system, muscles and some internal organs. In the beginning I advise my students to only do yoga for the first six months only once a week, due to this purification. Many students develop headaches the first few times or they may feel not so well and develop colds, this is the body expelling all the impurities. Purification also happens on the subtle levels of your being and again so many people become very depressed and develop anxiety if they do too much yoga in the beginning or if the yoga practice is not controlled by a well trained teacher.

My advice take it slow in the beginning, listen to your body and then increase your frequency say to twice a week for at least a year before you increase it again. Also remember your body needs to build its own intelligence about the asanas and what happens to it, and this may take some time, so give it all the time it needs and be gentle and kind to it, don't force things and eventually you will know when it is right to increase the frequency.

Also be careful with your back, you don't say much about your problem, but please take care, you can if you place too much stess through too much yoga actually hurt your back again in the beginning. First take time to strenghten the tummy and back muscles before you increase the frequency.

[InnerAthlete]

Hello Sadianne,

Are you asking abut a home practice? Obviously how long you practice is only a choice at home as classes have fixed times. I prefer the 90 minute sessions.

What is important to me in this regard is that you pay careful attention to the by-products of your practice. Sadly some practices for some people in some ways merely makes them aggressive and egoistic. So pay careful attention to who you are as a person as a result of your practice. If you are amassing injuries, if you are feeling tension, if you are unable to sleep, then please consider that the current practice may not be appropriate for you.

Likewise if you are constantly "blissed out" unable to focus, and feeling disconnected from the world that too may not be the appropriate practice for you.

Consider this a direct answer to your question.
Practice (asana) twice per week in a duration of 50-75 minutes.
Observe how that practice serves you.
If you are empowered by the residue and have the time to practice again in the week, and can do so with utter joy...rock on.