So many times I’ve heard a person say they tried yoga once and never want to try it again. When I ask why, it’s usually because the person went to a class that was too hard for them and ended up leaving class feeling defeated.
Hearing stories like this makes my heart hurt. No one should ever feel bad after taking a yoga class. It’s so important for people new to yoga, and even people who’ve been practicing for a while, to understand that they don’t have to be able to do every yoga pose after their first class, or their 1ooth class for that matter. A person can take yoga classes for years and still have new things to learn. For example, I’m 25 and I’ve been doing yoga for almost four years and whenever we work on inversions in class, I usually hang out on my mat in child’s pose. On the other hand, my 51-year old mother practices inversions all the time for fun. She tells me she never would have practiced inversions when she was my age because she didn’t like being upside down. So funny. I was told once (or maybe more than once) during a class that yoga is about the journey, not the destination. I love that because it’s so true.
If you are one of those people that swore you’d never take another yoga class because of a bad first experience, give it another try. If you have been putting off trying yoga for the first time ever because you don’t know what to expect, please come try a class and see that it’s not so bad. Just be sure you go to a class that is beginner friendly!
Here are some tips all people who are new to yoga should know.
If you are taking a class and the teacher says to do a pose that doesn’t feel right, you don’t have to do it. Just because you can’t do a pose doesn’t mean you are “bad at yoga.” You will get there someday, maybe, and if not it’s ok. Remember, yoga is about the journey, not the destination!
Just because the class time might be convenient for you that day doesn’t mean the class is right for you. Do a little research online or call the studio to get some information about which class you should start with. Most yoga studios have classes for all levels, so there’s plenty of room for you to grow in your yoga practice!
Don’t compare yourself to other people in class. You are in class for YOU. Leave your ego at the door, please.
Don’t give up on yoga. Maybe you took a class that wasn’t the right one for you. Maybe you didn’t like the way the instructor taught. Don’t worry, everyone eventually finds a place in the yoga world that works for them.