Instructor Q&A: Trying yoga for the first time

You asked. We answered.

On Tuesday, March 31st we hosted an Instagram Live with Elissa Marshall from Breathe & Be on NEOU. The session included a quick 20-minute flow followed by a Q&A between her and NEOU’s Christi Marraccini.

Elissa answers your questions about beginning your own yoga journey.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@neoufitness) for upcoming Live sessions, blog updates, and program releases.

Q1. What’s your favorite yoga practice and why?

“Hands down, my favorite yoga practice is Yin Yoga. It’s stretchy, it’s meditative, and it guides you to do a lot of internal work that you can only really do for yourself.”

Q2. If you only had 15 minutes for yoga, what would you do?

“Not a lot of time. I’d do three Sun A’s, three Sun B’s, (and you can learn how to do those in my standing basics class) - that’s to get a little energy flowing. I’d do some long hold stretches like the low lunge, forward fold, maybe a twist. That’s to get some tension out of my body. For the rest of the time, I’d just sit and meditate so I can mindfully observe my thoughts.”

Q3. Why is focus on the breath so important during yoga?

“Focusing on the breath is fundamental to any yoga practice, but I’d say it’s important to any type of fitness, or movement, or workout. What happens when you focus on your breath is you’re actually steadying your mind. You’re coming into the present moment because you’re actually working with what’s right there. Breath is also the connection between mind and body, so you hone your mind, you also hone your body, and your movements become way more purposeful. Try my three-part breath class.

Q4. What’s the secret to balancing and standing on one leg?

“The secret to balancing or any type of posture that’s really hard for you is to practice, practice, practice. Keep showing up, try it again, and every time you do have a good sense of humor with yourself.”

Q5. What’s the best way to get started with yoga?

“All you need to get started in yoga is the courage to try. You don’t even need any equipment. If you have a mat that’s great, but an open carpet space is perfectly fine. Find what style works for you, but on my playlist, I offer Yin yoga, beginner, advance vinyasa, even a little Ashtanga. Once you figure out what you like, make a routine of it and the rest of the journey unfolds.”

Have more questions? Join our Facebook Members group and ask away. Then, take a full class with Elissa on NEOU!