With its own lingo, its own special kind of clothing, and all kinds of difficult-looking poses, yoga can seem intimidating to beginners. But yoga is meant as a personal journey, and most people find the yoga community to be very supportive and welcoming to beginners. Knowing which class to choose, what to bring, what to wear and how to succeed in your yoga practice can make beginning your yoga experience a little easier.
Find a Class That's Right for You
There are many kinds of yoga, and every yoga studio offers different classes and every yoga teacher has a particular teaching style. While most yoga styles share general similarities, there are certain things that make them unique. Ashtanga yoga is very athletic. Vinyasa yoga flows smoothly from pose to pose. Iyengar yoga is very focused on proper alignment of each pose. Anusara yoga is very similar to Ashtanga or Iyengar in its flow and alignment, but also incorporates a lot of ideas about love, emotions and the mind. Bikram yoga always is done in a carpeted room heated to over 100 degrees and the sequence of poses is consistent in each class. Bikram, or other styles of "hot yoga," can be difficult for beginners because of the heat and the intensity of the poses. Consult a doctor before trying any style of yoga, especially Bikram. Regardless of the style of yoga you choose, let the studio know you are a beginner and it will suggest the most appropriate class for you.
Come Prepared
All of the fancy clothing, yoga mats and accessories that go along with yoga can seem daunting if you are a new student. While many of these tools can be helpful to your yoga practice, it is not necessary to buy them all for your first yoga practice. Most yoga classes require a yoga mat, but you might not need to bring your own. Check with your yoga studio to see if there are mats available to rent or borrow. If you are using a borrowed mat, it is a good idea to ask how often the mats are cleaned. If they are not cleaned often, be sure to wipe down the mat with a cleaning wipe before using it or wash your hands right after class. Yoga mats can become slippery, especially if you are prone to sweaty hands. Bring a small towel to wipe away sweat or bring a no-slip yoga towel like the ones made by YogiToes to put over your mat. As you sweat, you will become dehydrated, especially if you are in a hot yoga class, so don't forget a bottle of water.
Come Dressed to Move
Yoga classes will require you to move your body through many positions, so it is important that you wear clothes that allow you to move freely. Clothing that fits too loosely might hinder your movement, so for safety reasons it is better to wear stretchy, tight-fitting clothing like lycra or spandex. You most likely will move through poses that put you upside-down, so if you are wearing a T-shirt, make sure that it will not fall over your face when you lean forward. Yoga is usually done barefoot, so it is a good idea to wear shoes that are easy to get on and off before and after class.
Let the Teacher Help You
Whether you are going to your first yoga class or have been doing yoga for years, it can feel embarrassing if you do not know how to do a pose or if the teacher tries to adjust your alignment. It is important to remember, however, that the teacher is there only to help you. Yoga poses can be dangerous if done incorrectly, so your teacher's tips will help you prevent injury. If you don't understand how to do a pose, ask your teacher. Have an open mind and remember that you are there to learn.
Don't Make Comparisons
Everyone's body is different. A yoga student might be short, tall, lean, muscular, flexible, young, or old, and the student on the mat next to her might be exactly the opposite. A yoga pose will look different for each student and what comes easily to one person might be very challenging for someone else. It is easy to become discouraged when you see another student who can perform a pose more fully than you, but remember that yoga is not a competition, it is a personal journey. Instead of comparing yourself with your peers, simply practice yoga the way that feels right for your body.
Go Back for More
Your first yoga class might be challenging, confusing or frustrating, so remember that yoga is a process. It is difficult even for those who have studied it their whole lives. Challenging your body with any new form of movement or exercise will feel uncomfortable and becomes easier only with practice. Every yoga class and every yoga teacher is different. If you feel very uncomfortable in one yoga class, try a different one, but don't give up.
References
- "Hatha Yoga Illustrated"; Martin Kirk and Brooke Boon; 2004
- "Anusara Yoga Teacher Training Manual"; John Friend; 2008
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