When you first walk into a yoga class for the first time is scary. The students seem to know where to sit, how to roll out a mat and what pose comes first. Meanwhile, you’re wondering how flexible you are, if you are in the right clothes or breathing poorly or not.
Here is the secret: You don’t have to be flexible, experienced or perfectly calm to start yoga. Every yoga practitioner was a beginner at least once. Just a little preparation and an open mind and the first class will be an enjoyable experience.
1. You Do Not Need to Be Flexible
A lot of yoga myths are that you have to be able to touch your toes or do impressive stretches before you go to class.
Related Articles
Yoga is about working with your body as it is now. Flexibility can gradually be enhanced with regular, comfortable practice. You don’t have to copy the person on the next mat, or get yourself into a difficult position.
Start slowly and respect your body's limits.
2. Wear Comfortable Clothes
You don’t need expensive yoga clothing to go to your first session. Get comfortable clothes that stretch, bend and move freely.
Related Articles
Leggings, jogging trousers, shorts and a breathable T-shirt are all reasonable options. Don’t wear clothes that slip or restrict your movement.
Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
3. Arrive a Little Early.
When you arrive at the studio 10 to 15 minutes before class you have a little time to settle in, find a mat and speak to the instructor.
Tell the teacher that you are new to yoga. They can explain basic instructions and suggest easier variations when necessary.
And arriving early also prevents the stress of rushing into the room after the session has begun.
4. Do Not worry about remembering every pose.
As a starting point, for your first class you might hear new names such as Downward-Facing Dog, Warrior Pose and Child's Pose.
You don’t have to memorise them in a hurry. As soon as the instructor says it, watch his or her instructions, follow along with them.
If you lose track of the sequence, pause, take a breath and rejoin when you feel ready. Nobody expects you to know everything on your first day.
5. Listen to your body.
Yoga is not a competition. Some poses feel good and others are a challenge to your balance or flexibility.
Progress gently and avoid pushing through sharp pain. Rest in Child’s Pose or another comfortable position when needed.
If you have a medical problem or health issue, you’re going to contact your healthcare professionals and tell your teacher before class.
6. Breathing Matters More Than Perfect Poses
Yoga is typically a combination of movement and controlled breathing. And beginners get so caught up in the copying of a pose that they tend to forget to breathe naturally.
Try to breathe slowly and avoid holding your breath unnecessarily. If a movement feels difficult, slow down and return to a comfortable position.
Your breathing can help you stay aware of your body and make the session feel calmer.
7. Do Not Compare yourself with others.
At first glance the experienced student is seen effortlessly balancing or stretching out to be taller than everyone else. We have different bodies, abilities and different levels of experience.
Focus on your own progress instead of someone else’s. You do not want to be a yoga instructor; you’re learning how to grow as a yoga practitioner.
8. Enjoy the Experience.
Your first yoga class might feel awkward, and that’s perfectly okay. You’re likely to wobble on a balance pose and forget an instruction or have to take a few breaks.
Treat these moments as part of learning. After class, look at how you feel physically and mentally. Give yourself time to discover the style of yoga you enjoy.
Conclusion.
Your first yoga class does not have to be perfect to be worth attending. We can all expect you to dress the part of a comfortable body, arrive early, listen to your instructor and respect your body.
Leave your expectations at the door and be curious. You may find it is yoga is less about touching your toes and more about finding a little space to breathe, move and connect with yourself.
Comments 0