Yoga can often be quite the intimidating experience if you’re just starting out. The learning curve is pretty steep, including everything from: the poses or shapes that you make with your body, learning a foreign language, studio etiquette, mats and props to use and what’s required, philosophy of the practice, which type of yoga to practice (hint: try more than one style!), then add on what to wear to feel comfortable (a huge industry these days), and that’s just beginning. I’m sure you have so many questions surfacing and with endless resources have differing opinions it can be tough to sort through it all. So, where to start? Here’s a little guide to get you started.
Practice
One of the quickest ways to familiarize yourself is to dive right into the practice. It’ll likely feel awkward and challenging but so does anything when we are beginners. I often recommend searching Youtube (free) and Glo, they offer a free trial too, or Alo Moves, as little as $9 per month. In fact, when I don’t have the time in my busy schedule to hit a studio class, these are the first three resources I’ll hit up. If you can practice with a long mirror in front of you while at home, it will also help with alignment cues. You’ll get a chance to learn some of the names of poses and how they should look and feel in your body.
Practicing at home also provides the opportunity to linger and explore how different asana feels on your body, take note of the effects and be consistent.
Tune in
Ultimately, listen to your body—it’s pretty smart and will provide immediate feedback. My motto is pretty simple, don’t do anything that doesn’t feel right. Sharp or shooting pain is never good to experience during your practice but keep in mind the there is a slight difference between pain and discomfort, usually a dull ache or burning sensation.
I like to encourage a sense of curiosity, begin to notice ease vs. effort, where your thoughts are, what sensations arise, and how you want to feel.
BREATHE
Your breath can be another powerful informant. If you notice that you’re holding your breath or huffing and puffing, it’s a good indicator to back off or take a breather (maybe even in child’s pose). Allow your breath to become a place to rest our mind, giving the body a chance to feel.
STUDY
If you feel like you’d like to get some basics under your belt before dropping into a class. I have a few Beginner Yoga video available on YouTube, feel free to subscribe. If you don’t like these, try a search for beginner yoga, you’ll come up with many many hits. In addition to my videos, I’ve heard great things about Yoga by Candace and Yoga with Adrienne too.
Join me for a class in Oakland, my current offering can be found here
Yoga really is a journey and it can sometimes take years to see progress in your body but without a doubt you’ll begin to feel shifts and changes even after your first class. Remember to be patient with yourself and enjoy the self discovery. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Cheers to your new journey,
Paige