Unlocking the mystery of Yoga for Beginners
Thinking about joining a Yoga class, but not sure what to expect? Millions of people around the world have already taken the first step on to a Yoga mat and are already feeling stronger, healthier and happier.
You may already have an idea of what you think Yoga is and what people who go to a Yoga class look like, you might have already decided that Yoga isn’t for you! But I’m here to help bust any myths you might have and help you feel confident and ready for your first Yoga class.
You already know that you should be doing Yoga – the benefits are everywhere nowadays & people like me are always ready and willing to reel off a long list of reasons why Yoga is good for you.
Whether you’re a complete newbie or have dabbled in a bit of Yoga before, this blog is hopefully here to change your perception & show you that Yoga is for everybody and it’s never too late to start.
Yoga Myths & Preconceptions
First things first, lets bust some myths that you might have, that are holding you back from unrolling your Yoga mat & joining a class.
1. You need to be super flexible
Reality: It’s very rare that anyone who is starting Yoga is super flexible. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons I see people joining a class – they want to get stronger and more flexible! Flexibility comes with practice, so it’s very unlikely that if you walk in to a Beginner’s class, you will be surrounded by people who can tie themselves in knots. Also, it’s totally fine if you are the stiffest person in the room – you’ll notice that people are so absorbed in what’s going on on their own mat (trying not to fall over, remembering to breathe properly etc.), that they won’t even notice (or be bothered) whether you can touch your toes or not. Remember, everyone in that class felt the same way you do!
2. Yoga is only for young & slim people
Reality: Don’t believe what you see on Instagram! Yoga does not discriminate. People of all ages, sizes & abilities can practice Yoga and it can be adjusted and modified to suit you. If you struggle to get up and down from the floor, you can add a Chair to your practice (or try Chair Yoga – I run a FREE class on Zoom on Thursdays at 2pm, sign up on my website). If you are wobbly when you stand on one leg, hold onto the wall. If your legs feel tight, use a Yoga prop like a belt or a block, a pose can always be adjusted to suit where you are. The beauty of Yoga is that it really is suitable for everyone, you just need to find the right class for you – any Yoga teacher should be able to give you modifications if you need them, just let them know. Remember, we’re not all practicing Yoga in super tight coordinated outfits on a beautiful beach!
3. Yoga classes take hours
Reality: As a Yoga teacher, I know how precious your time is and that’s why I offer classes that vary in length. As a general guide, most of my classes last around 60 minutes and workshops where we dive into a topic a bit deeper, usually last around 90 minutes. My classes usually follow the format:
a little bit of relaxation & mindfulness to start (noticing where you are feeling tension/tightness in your body)
deep breathing
a warm-up
standing poses
a balance or two
some poses either seated or laying down
Finishing with Savasana – a 5 minute relaxation at the end of a class, where you lay down, get yourself comfy and just allow your body to relax and take in all the good stuff from the class.
On my online Membership Library, I have classes ranging from 15 minutes upwards – to give you a chance to get a Yoga practice in, even when you’re super busy. You don’t need to practice Yoga for hours at a time to see the benefits, even 10-15 minutes a day will help! It’s all about consistency, rather than duration. Remember, a little bit of Yoga regularly is much better than a sporadic practice if you want to feel stronger, healthier & happier.
3. Yoga is slow, boring & easy
Reality: Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it & if you have tried it and find it boring, you’re probably doing it wrong! Maybe you need to find a different class, a different style or even a different teacher. If you think Yoga is slow, try a class with “Vinyasa” or “Flow” in it’s title, as these classes tend to be quicker and more energetic. “Yin”, “Restorative” and “Gentle” classes will be slower, more relaxed and probably more mat-based (laying down) than other classes. If you find Yoga “boring”, ask yourself what is it that I want from Yoga? Am I using it as a form of exercise, a way to de-stress or something more spiritual? We all practice Yoga for different reasons and it can be disheartening when you start something and you think that it isn’t right for you. Remember, there are loads of different styles, teachers, classes etc. out there, you just need to find the right style for you.
The transformative power of Yoga
You probably know about these already, but lets take a look at some of the incredible benefits of Yoga.
1. Building Strength
People are often surprised at how strong Yogis are & this isn’t bulky-muscle-strong, this is long, lean, physical and mental strength. Yoga poses work your whole body, strengthening your muscles & bones (great as we get older) and your core, which can help you feel strong & powerful in your everyday life.
2. Stress Management
It’s hard to find anyone in this day & age who doesn’t suffer with stress – it’s a constant companion in today’s fast paced world. Yoga helps you to manage your stress levels much better, through movement, breathing & relaxation.
3. Improved Flexibility
With a more regular practice, you’ll notice your flexibility improving & this is something we can actually measure. Without forcing, bend down and reach towards your toes, notice where your hands get to – on your thighs? Knees? Shins? Try a few Yoga classes and do this test again, most people see an improvement in their flexibility within the first 6 weeks, for some people they notice a difference within the first couple of weeks! Alongside this flexibility you’ll also notice less aches and pains as your body stretches out any tension and gets more limber.
4. Mental Clarity
The benefits of Yoga aren’t just physical, it improves your mental health too! A regular Yoga class can help improve your focus, concentration and the mindfulness we practice in class helps you manage stress, anxiety and depression. Another benefit is how Yoga improves your confidence & self-esteem, helping you make better decisions & feel better about yourself.
Starting your Yoga Journey
All this sounds great right? If I have piqued your interest, here’s how you can start your Yoga journey.
1. Start small
10-15 minutes regularly is better never practicing at all, so try to find a pocket of time where you can spend 10-15 minutes doing Yoga. It doesn’t even have to be everyday, but make a commitment to a time/dy and stick to it. Your physical & mental wellbeing will thank you for it & a shorter amount of time is much less overwhelming than trying to find 60 or 90 minutes.
2. Online Classes
The internet has opened up the gates for being able to practice any style, length, focus, type of Yoga whenever you want to. You are able to choose something that you fancy doing, at a time that suits you, without having to leave the house! I run live online classes (on Zoom), 6 days a week, and also have a library of classes for you to use, when you sign up to my monthly membership (full details on my website).
3. Find the right class for you
None of us like feeling like a beginner, or like we are rubbish at something, but I urge you to step past the fear and try a Beginners or gentle Yoga class. That way, you’ll learn all the basics of the poses & the breathing, before moving on to something else. Throwing yourself straight in to an advanced, or fast-paced class, will only end up either you hurting yourself or feeling like you can’t do the class and giving up!
4. Listen to your body
Yoga teaches you to listen to your body, if you are a beginner this concept may seem a little alien to you, but with a regular practice you really start to hear what your body is saying. Yoga teaches you to do what’s right for your own body, to honour your body’s limits and never push into a pose that doesn’t feel right.
Your Yoga community awaits
Joining a Yoga community can be a game-changer on your journey. It’s a place where you’ll find support, inspiration and lasting friendships. Whether you choose in-person classes or connect with like-minded people online, being part of a Yoga community can amplify the benefits of your practice.
It’s time to shatter these misconceptions and embrace the incredible world of Yoga.
Start small, be consistent and don’t let fear get in the way of the transformative power that Yoga has to guide you towards strength, health & happiness.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, how about joining our classes, workshops or courses? There’s even a 5 Day Challenge starting 1st October 2023 – all the details are available on the “5 Day Confidently Strong Challenge” Page.
I’m here to welcome you with open arms & help you embark on a journey towards self-discovery and wellness. It’s never too late to start & the path towards stronger, healthier, happier you starts right now on your Yoga mat.