We totally get it – trying a yoga class can feel overwhelming. The pose names sound unfamiliar and are sometimes presented in a different language, and it can feel like everyone in the class seems to know what they are doing – except you! Although it might feel uncomfortable at first, the health benefits of yoga (which has been around for thousands of years), are plentiful and worth it! We promise. 🙂
To help you feel more comfortable coming to try out a class, we asked a brand new yoga participant what their top burning questions are about starting a yoga practice. Read below for our answers!
What are the benefits?
Although many people roll out their mat the first time thinking about the physical benefits, traditionally yoga is about so much more. Yoga increases body awareness, relieves stress, reduces muscle tension, strain, and inflammation, sharpens attention and concentration, and calms and centers the nervous system. In addition, yoga can also lower blood pressure and reduce insomnia. Other physical benefits of yoga include: increased flexibility, muscle strength and tone.
Do I have to be flexible to do it?
No! Yoga is a practice of building flexibility, among other things. So come as you are, flexible or not, and you will soon start to see improvements in your range of motion!
Our instructors are always willing to provide modifications to help you get the most out of the class and feel the best in your body, and you can also use props like a yoga block to help you feel supported in certain poses.
Where do I start?
It can be intimidating to try something new. That’s why all our yoga classes can be adapted to the participant. The best way to start is to try a class! The instructor can give you lots of options and will demonstrate the movements so you will be able to follow along.
Let go of the idea that you have to do it all “right” on the first try! Just show up with a curious mind and enjoy the freedom of movement that can happen when you let go of being perfect and getting it right. If you want to prepare in advance, you can read about different types of yoga or look up poses online before your first class, but it really isn’t necessary.
An example of a child’s pose. Hips tilted back towards the heels, arms stretched out overhead to open up the back and chest, resting the forehead on the mat or a block can be used to support as well.
What are the poses I need to know to get started?
Some of the most common poses found in most yoga classes include child’s pose, downward facing dog, warrior poses, and sun salutations.
It is not necessary to know any poses before attending one of our Calm Bodies classes.
What should I expect in my first class?
In your first class, focus as much as you can on your breathing. The instructor will explain and demonstrate different poses, and will provide different ways for your to access the poses in the body that you are in. Yoga is an ongoing practice, and the intention as you start should be around getting into and feeling your body and learning the breathing techniques.
We hope this answers some of your questions about yoga and eases your mind on what to expect in your first class. If you have any questions that we didn’t answer here, feel free to leave a comment or email us at [email protected].
Hope to see you on your mat soon! Sign up for our $39 for 30-Day Offer to try out one of our Calm Bodies Classes today!
