Practicing yoga for the first time can be very challenging for beginners. There will be lots of questions and lots of self-consciousness. If you enter a group class there will always be other persons next to you who are more flexible, more advanced, or stronger than you. Here are some answers to the most common beginner yoga questions.
1.Where should I take my first yoga class?
The best way to start is to find the studio within walking distance or a few minutes’ driving distance. Pick the studio that offers a class for beginners. You will get to practice with others who are at the same level as you. The teacher will lead the session step by step at a beginner’s pace and you can practice with less pressure.
Yoga can be slow, gentle, strong, fast, and flexible. There are so many yoga styles, do your research and find the one you like, and don’t be discouraged if your first try is not the right one.
2. Why should I start practicing yoga?
Yoga provides a lot of benefits and it’s literally for everyone. Yoga can help reduce stress, increase your concentration, understand the mind and body connection, gain strength and stamina, improve balance and stability, improve posture, develop body awareness, and a lot more. Look into yourself and find out what you need your body to be improved on and if yoga helps then there you go!
3. I’m not flexible, will I be able to do it?
No one is born flexible. Yoga helps you to be more flexible not the other way around. You don’t need to be flexible to practice yoga. Instead, you need to practice yoga if you are not flexible. Yoga helps you to stretch your body to your max and your body works amazingly with the movement that coordinates with your breathing. There are also option poses for you to practice at your pace.
4. What should I wear and bring?
Wear anything you feel comfortable in and which will allow you to have a full range of motion. You won’t need socks and sneakers as you will be practicing bare feet. If you have knees problems, bring or wear a knees supporter as well. This will help prevent you from hurting your knees when you have to stand on your knees. A yoga mat won’t be necessary because most of the studios will have it. But it is better to check with the studio before you go.
5. What are the different styles of yoga?
There are so many styles of yoga for you to choose from nowadays. For beginners, I would recommend slow-paced yoga; Yin yoga, or Hatha Yoga. Yin yoga you will mostly be on the ground focus on your breathing and hold the pose for at least 10 breaths. Hatha Yoga will require a bit of movement with Sun salutation focus on stretching and holding the pose for about 5 breaths.
6. Why is everyone Om-ing?
OM is said to be the sound of the universe. It is a symbol of our connection to all living things and beings. It is a way to seal in the lessons of the yoga class.
For me, chanting OM in a yoga class can create a stronger sense of community and actually gives us a chance to use our voice in a yoga class where we otherwise might not speak a single word.
Chanting Om before yoga class can help focus the mind in preparation for meditation, help focus in the present moment.
Chanting Om after yoga class can help to awake our mind, restore energy after an hour of practicing and a few minutes of relaxation through Savasana.
It is, however, pretty intimidating to new students, and you are by no means required to participate.
7. Is the teacher going to touch me?
During the yoga session, the yoga teacher will properly adjust your pose by touching you. Most of the time the teacher will ask first if you’re not comfortable with being touched, make sure to let the teacher know.
Adjustments are a wonderful way to experience poses. A slight touch or pressure can help you to realize that you’re holding tension in a muscle or help you go just a little deeper into a pose.
8. Is it ok to fall asleep during Savasana?
As a yoga teacher, I love to hear students say they fell asleep during Savasana. It means that you are yourself completely and have silenced your mind.
Savasana can be the most important pose in a yoga class and it is the much-needed restorative complement to more active poses. It is a time to be complete with yourself and do your best to silence your mind. Rather than doing this through sleep, the challenge is to keep an awareness of breath and body without distracting thoughts.
Hopefully, that clears up some concerns and gives you a little boost of confidence to get started! Yoga is amazing and will change your life if you allow it. Feel free to comment or ask any questions.
AMBER YOGA 