New to yoga? Tips for yoga beginners

Starting a yoga practice
New beginnings – when we make a commitment to start anything new there are usually a few emotions or ideas attached, perhaps some trepidation, excitement, hope, maybe even fear or doubt. Many of us have tried to commit to something and failed, this awareness of past attempts may be somewhere in the back of our minds too, niggling. I know I tried on and off to make yoga part of my routine for many years before I gave myself permission to fully commit and reap the benefits that come with that. Now my yoga practice in its entirety is so much part of my daily way of being in the world, its akin to breathing itself. Being prepared and knowing what to expect may help us make that commitment and make it to the first class (again).

1. Choosing a class/teacher – if you are a total beginner you may feel yoga is yoga and simply think any class will do, however like anything there are so many styles of yoga, levels/grades and each teacher will have their own way of bestowing their understanding of yoga to their students. Speak to the teacher prior to class, ask about the style, suitability to you and your needs and be honest with where you are. Starting with a gentle practice or encouraging teacher might just give you the confidence you need to return each week. Where you practice is important too. Unlike other practices, environment is important when you take to your mat, especially regarding the mental health benefits. A warm, inviting and relaxing space can add a surprising dynamic to the practice.Where you practice may also dictate the type of yoga you will work with. Practicing in a gym for example is more likely to be a fitness orientated experience, practicing at a shala or dedicated studio is likely to be a very different, fuller experience of yoga, neither is right or wrong just be curious to find what and where suits you, your needs may also progress as you do. The first class I ever took was with my sister and was was held in a rather small and dull school class room, we were all beginners. The yoga teacher herself was a rather cranky older lady, who did not embody the teachings of yoga as I understand them. She was dismissive and impatient and actually plain mean to a few students.  Not a great start. Needless to say I didn’t finish the course of classes due to the “vibe” in the room. My sister and I still joke about it as it could have put me off for life but thankfully I felt something was in it for me. However my sister never took another class until she came to my own classes 20 odd years later. Thankfully there are now many options compared to when we made that first attempt to find a class. If your first taste of yoga does not suit, there is a vast array of yoga options out there and one just right for you.

2. Drop all expectations – a concept this might sound cliche, however without doubt we all have preconceived ideas and expectations walking into a class. This is especially true considering what is presented to us as yoga from the images on instagram or wherever you may get your yoga ‘messaging’ from, ideals of extreme bendy poses or flexibility akin to olympic gymnasts. Beautiful aesthetics but most of us should not expect to be practicing them without many years of dedication. Most of us of a certain age have injuries and habits which make these expectations simply dangerous. I have had to let go of my own expectations of my body, its been a journey yet it is also very liberating, that little voice comparing my abilities to those around me has slowly gotten so small I rarely hear it now. This is acceptance of and gratitude for the amazing body I inhabit all at once and part of those wider benefits yoga brings, self acceptance. That, of course, is not to say we should not challenge ourselves in our practice and hope to see progress in our physical body, yoga is a transformative practice, where we will see significant positive changes physically and mentally with regular practice, if we can just be patient and practice awareness at all times. Yoga is for all bodies, so let yourself off the hook and practice the way that benefits your unique beautiful body the most.

3. Patience – This one is related to number two above. We have gotten so accustomed to having everything at our fingertips in an instant that we don’t often get an opportunity to exercise real patience. Our bodies are still bound by the traditional laws of time though and we must be patient with our progress. Building awareness of our edges, our limits, our strengths and where we can go safely in our practice will help us to stay healthy while we develop. Adjust a pose or breathing exercise if you feel pain, breathless or over extended. Learn to listen to the subtle signs of your own body. This co communication is as much a part of a yoga practice as any pose or sequence.

4. Start where you are – many people will say they will take a class when they have lost some weight or are more flexible. While it is understandable it is also totally contradictory, we may feel we need to already be at a certain level to be acceptable on the mat, but how will we ever be at this illusionary level without the practice? As tip number 2 and 3 has already alluded to, there is no time better than now to start, yoga is for Every Single Body and now is always the best time to start.

5. Equipment/clothing – you don’t need to spend a lot of money on the right yoga wear, although a whole industry has developed around telling you that you do. I love my leggings but I don’t need to buy designer or spend a small fortune to find good pairs. Same with a yoga mat. I invested in a more expensive mat only after I became a Yoga teacher myself. Often the teacher will have mats for use until you feel you want to invest in a mat. Wear loose clothing you can move in, thats all thats truly expected. I know many people when starting something new will rush out to buy the gear and then resent it when it’s left gathering dust, let us be honest, in reality the joy of shopping was probably the actual reason for the splurge. We are human but don’t let cost or perceived ideas of appearance put you off starting the journey.

In conclusion, you have nothing to loose and have so much to gain in taking that first step. Be brave and keep trying.

Want to book into a supportive and encouraging yoga class with me? In person and zoom classes available. Looking forward to seeing you progress and build those yoga foundations.
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