Yoga can become quite complex, with the most experienced Yogis practising poses that the layman would look at in awe and fear. But for a beginner there are plenty of simple poses you can start with if the more esoteric efforts give you pause for thought.

These poses go only a little bit further than simple sitting, standing and lying down. The idea behind them is a simple path to relaxation, to shake off the everyday stresses one is feeling, and to give people a start towards performing the more complex poses and attaining a heightened state of relaxation.

If you have looked at people doing Yoga and have been put off by the complexity of their poses and the amount of time you deem would be necessary to reach that level, then there is a simple entry point to yoga for beginners. Very simple, in fact – you begin by standing. Yes, standing. This is achieved simply by standing straight with feet together, hands touching thighs. And that’s it. This pose is intended to achieve a stable pulse.

Now you know how to stand, you’ll be interested to hear about other methods of doing Yoga. Well, sitting is next up. Unlike the average methods of sitting, this does not involve a chair. It requires you to sit on the floor with legs together and outstretched, toes turned upwards and palms rested on the floor.

Of course these are the most simple steps concerned with Yoga, and to get the greatest benefit out of it you will need to do a bit more work. But they do exemplify how simple the beginnings of yoga are.