Yoga for Beginners: 5 tips for your first Yoga class
It can be daunting starting something new, especially when those around you seem far more experienced.
The beauty of yoga is that it is accessible to everyone; Whether you are young or old, overweight or fit, yoga has the power to calm the mind and strengthen the body.
Here are my top tips for you if you’re new to Yoga:
Wear something you feel comfortable in, something that allows you to move freely in, and doesn’t feel too tight or restrictive. This could be tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt, or it might be something more fitted like leggings and a tank top. Bring a hoodie or sweater so that you afre able to layer up.
It is advisable not to eat for one or two hours before Yoga practice, and to drink only small amounts of water during practice. Try to avoid stimulants like alcohol, sugar or caffeine before Yoga as they can make it difficult to tune into the body and breath.
Notice your breath. We human beings breath around 25,000 times each and every day. Normal breathing is involuntary - it happens without us having to put any effort into doing it and we mostly don’t notice we are doing it. Simply by starting to notice your inhale and exhale you can expect to see improvements in your sleep, your stress levels and your awareness and appreciation of the present moment.
Respect your body and its limitations and don’t push yourself to do anything that feels dangerous or wrong for you. This is ‘Ahimsa’, the practice of non-harm, which is essential to skilful and beneficial practice of yoga. Always let your teacher know if you have any circumstances that might restrict o inhibit your practice for example injury or pregnancy.
Have you heard the saying “comparison is the thief of joy”? It’s so easy to look at others and compare ourselves unfavourably to someone who is fitter, taller, stronger, can do handstands etc. If you can accept where you are right now you will be more content in life. Yoga gives us tools to find this acceptance. When practicing Yoga try to focus on you and your journey, appreciate the subtle progress of your own practice.
And most of all, enjoy! Your first class is the start of a remarkable and possibly life-changing journey.
