There is no one-size-fits-all yoga class. Yoga isn’t about one way of practicing, but rather a multitude of systems and styles that range from gentle to moderate, to intense. Many people think that yoga is only for the fit and flexible, but even the most inflexible beginner can do yoga. If you are a first-timer, we hope you’ll find our yoga tips for beginners useful and reassuring.
Even though you may be anxious about attending your first class, try to remember that yoga is essentially about mindfulness, breathing and asanas (yogic body postures). You’re coming to class to practice, stretch and elevate your mind to a more peaceful plane. Try not to overthink it.
Here are some tips that may help to get you started:
REMEMBER THAT YOU’RE JUST A BEGINNER
The very first thing that you should keep in mind is that you are an āsana-beginner. This simply means you are at a very exciting place, right at the very start of your yoga journey. There’s absolutely nothing to worry about; you are in good hands when you are held by yoga, and everything will be okay.
One of the most helpful things to remember as a beginner is that yoga is supposed to be challenging, but it is also supposed to be fun! You will probably have a head full of questions when you first come to a class but try to remember that our teachers are very experienced and love to hear your questions!
More importantly, please remember to breathe.
TAKE YOUR TIME
You do not have to master all the poses immediately, so remember to be kind and compassionate to yourself.
Remember that you will not get everything right the first time or even the first few times. The key is not to give up. You might occasionally lose your balance or look silly, but almost everyone does at some point. Don’t let it get to you. Keep going and, in time, you’ll receive wonderful benefits.
LEARN TO BREATHE
You may feel some anxiety when you first begin to practice yoga. Keep this in mind: taking deep breaths can help you to relax and remind you why you first came to a yoga class. Remember that you do not have to push yourself too hard or beat yourself up over not being good enough. Focus on your breathing to dull all these negativities.
LET GO OF YOUR EXPECTATIONS
One of the most important yoga tips we could probably give you is to remember when doing yoga that you are, well …doing yoga. You are paying attention to your body, your āsanas, and your breathing. You are committing to the practice for the purpose of achieving union between mind, body and soul. You are not comparing yourself to others or thinking that you have to do this or that to keep up.
Learning to let go of expectations is essential when you are actually doing the postures. The key is to practice mindfully and not to overthink.
HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE PROCESS
The yoga world is full of beginners, and there’s no shame in that at all. Do what you can, and practice until you can get things right.
There’s no need to go to a class if you don’t feel comfortable, but if you do venture out to a class, remember to have fun. Enjoy your time spent in class, work hard, but don’t push yourself too hard. Yoga is meant to be a safe, fun, and enjoyable experience.
RECEIVE MORE YOGA TIPS FOR BEGINNERS FROM THE POWER YOGA COMPANY
If you’re ready to take the first step on your yoga journey, The Power Yoga Company may be the perfect match for you. Our qualified, sensitive and committed teachers offer over 50 classes a week at our leading London yoga studio.
Come along to one of our all-levels classes and get more of our essential yoga tips for beginners.
Book a yoga class today and let’s get your yoga journey started!