When I was in the Bikram Yoga teacher training program Bikram talked a lot about celebrities and athletes who practiced at his studio, one of whom, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, brought his whole family to the studio. I’ve heard that Jabbar’s son went so far as to become a certified instructor and later won second place in the International Yoga Asana Championship (no link because I can’t find any). Abdul-Jabbar is inarguably one of the most well-known and respected athletes of all time. He’s in his fifties and retired as a professional athlete but he still practices yoga daily. And he blogs for the LA Times. And in a recent blog entry he has some inspiring words about yoga, including Bikram Yoga. I’ve pulled an excerpt below in which he offers some encouraging advice for those just getting started. The article is titled, “Fit after 50: Staying flexible with yoga,” but his suggestions are appropriate for any age.

1. Be consistent. Any new endeavor requires a period of commitment. At first, you may feel awkward or self-conscious, but promise yourself that you’ll stick with it for two months. At the same time, to receive the most benefits, you’ll need to practice yoga at least three times a week.

2. It’s not a competition. As a beginner, your body needs a period of adjustment as it adapts to new demands. Don’t push yourself beyond your limits just because you see others able to do what you can’t. We don’t throw the teen that just got his driver’s license into the Indy 500. Take your time.

3. Practice with a friend. It’s easier to keep motivated if you have someone you work out with. So, if you intend to take a yoga class at your fitness club, or practice at home with a DVD, see if you can get a friend to practice with you.