Hatha is one of the foundational forms of yoga and considered the most basic version by many teachers. It's beginner-friendly because it's the most general type of yoga, according to Lisa Blum, a doctor of physical therapy, certified yoga teacher and physical therapist at Shift Wellness in New York City.

If you're a beginner to yoga, it can seem intimidating. Between the gravity-defying poses you see on Instagram and the overwhelming array of class options, it can be easy to think of yoga as exclusive. The truth is, yoga is for everyone and you don't need gymnast-level flexibility to give it a try.

Start with postures, or yoga asanas, such as downward-facing dog, child's pose, and savasana. In each pose, focus on pressing your hands or feet into the floor, lengthening your spine, and relaxing your hips.

If you're new to yoga, starting with a gentle approach is important. Begin with no more than two or three sessions a week. This allows your body to get used to new movements and helps you focus on mastering the basics, like breathing techniques and pose alignments.