First, thank you for clicking on this blog and taking a read today…this is your first step… YES, your first step, as you must be intrigued or interested in starting yoga or maybe you are just curious about why you should start a yoga class.
Well, I can advise.... I was like you many years ago; I was a total beginner to just like YOU! (but since I started, I have never looked back and never will).
Remember, yoga is so much more than just movement on your mat…Whether you want to learn to slow down, breathe deeply, or just strengthen your mind-body connection, starting a yoga practice can help in so many ways.
Maybe you have heard about all the amazing benefits of yoga, from helping with stress and anxiety to increasing flexibility and building strength. Maybe you want to learn to be present and find a deeper connection to your breath in a way you have never before or just want to find inner peace and calm.
This is your time to start something truly amazing, and yoga truly is for everyone, as there are so many different styles out there. Some may work for you, some may not it's finding what’s right for you…
So where to start…
DECIDE WHERE YOU WANT TO START PRACTISING YOGA
Do you want to go to a yoga studio and learn from a yoga teacher?
Do you want some 1-2-1 classes to give you a bespoke taster session in private with a yoga teacher?
Does your local gym or health/wellbeing centre offer yoga classes?
Or do you want to learn online in your own home by doing some free videos online?
Honestly, if you're a complete beginner to yoga, you would gain a lot from visiting a yoga studio or venue space environment, and I would strongly recommend this, when I started my yoga practice, I went to a proper Yoga studio. Yoga studios/venues often offer the most experienced yoga teachers and often offer a class of yoga for complete beginners so you can start comfortable and in a relaxed environment with other new yogis.
Do your research online and have a look at different yoga offerings in your area.
HOW TO CHOOSE A YOGA ROUTINE AND STYLE?
You may find that you prefer to practice evenings, mornings, or during the day or around work, children, and lifestyle.
There are also so many different styles of yoga which you can implement into your week. Yoga studios can often recommend which one is best suitable for you, or you may want to try different styles to see what will work for your routine best. Different styles can be practised at different times of the day. (Remember if our unsure, always ask).
In your search for beginner-friendly yoga classes, look for words like “Hatha Yoga,” “Yin Yoga,” “Gentle Yoga,” “Yoga for all levels,” “Restorative Yoga” or “Relaxation Yoga. ”
These are all perfect styles for starting yoga.
Other classes may focus more on building strength, and not just flexibility. Vinyasa flow classes will move at a more dynamic pace, and typically incorporate sun salutations, a series of basic yoga poses, including mountain pose and
downward-facing dog.
There are slightly more challenging yoga classes, such as power yoga, kundalini yoga, Ashtanga yoga, and Bikram yoga. These are best practised once you feel totally confident within your practice and are ready to explore different varieties. These are also practised in the heat such as in hot yoga studios.
Finally, it’s important to understand that there are plenty of non-physical forms of yoga. These can include meditation, pranayama or breathing techniques, and Yoga Nidra, a deep form of relaxation.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST YOGA CLASS?
So when you start as a beginner you may need to fill in a health / medical form. This is just so the yoga teacher understands any injuries or any health concerns that you may have. This is so the yoga teacher can help guide you comfortably through your yoga practice in a safe manner. (Remember, Yoga teachers are not doctors or therapists so making sure you have a doctor's consent to practice yoga beforehand is really important).
Arriving early to your class around 15mins is always best so you can get comfy and ready to start on your mat, also a good way to speak to the teacher beforehand and get to know your surroundings and ask any questions etc…
Once you are ready to roll out your mat, come to lie down on your back or take a seated position allowing yourself some quiet time before you begin your practice.
Yoga classes may start with a meditation or breathing exercise (just have an open mind and enjoy the experience you are offering yourself). Then the teacher may guide you into the warm-up of your yoga practice just allowing yourself to connect with your body, mind and breath. Moving through your yoga practice.
Towards the end you will then come to lie on your backs to finish your practice with a savasana this is often always practised at the end of a yoga session this is one of the most important parts of your yoga practice so really embrace this final part of your practice. Some teachers may also finish with chanting and meditation and even some final breath work.
What’s the most important thing to remember about your first yoga class?
Have an open mind. Don’t. Stress. All you must do is follow along. Try and let go of the voice that keeps asking “Am I doing this right?” “Do people think I look stupid?” or “Am I falling behind the other students?”
The health benefits of beginner yoga don’t come from making comparisons, they come from cultivating your mind-body connection.
FINAL WORDS FROM ME
Stepping foot on a yoga mat can be the hardest part, getting to a yoga class can be the hardest part. But once you are there, ask yourself why did I start? What made me step foot on my yoga mat for the first time? Be grateful for your body and be able to move your body in a way you may have never before. It’s a beautiful thing to offer yourself.
~ Let go of expectations
~ Let go of ego
~ Let go of negative thoughts/mindset
~ Let go of “Yoga isn’t for me”, “I am not flexible enough" or “I'm too old”
~ Let go, embrace enjoy every moment of your practice, every moment of that hour you have allowed yourself just to be present and connect to yourself. Find consistency and patience yoga is a dedicated practice, and practising regularly is when you see the benefits.
Thank you for reading and congratulations on your new journey with yoga.
Namaste Emma Blunston
If you are interested in starting your yoga practice with me for the first time, I am offering a FREE TASTER SESSION in January 2023 to anyone who has never practised yoga with me before and is a total beginner to my Thursday Evening, Stoke Prior Yoga Class in Bromsgrove.
Just book by this link here BOOK MY SPACE and use code: FREECLASSJAN to book your taster session with me.
