Answers to the questions every new yoga student is thinking

Trying anything new in life is a little bit scary. That definitely includes rolling out a yoga mat for the very first time.

As we grow older, our opportunities to try something new become fewer and fewer. The more we settle into our familiar habits, the less comfortable we feel expanding our comfort zone. And while there is a valuable sense of security to be found in our routines, there’s a big psychological benefit to be found in pushing those boundaries by picking up a new skill.

If you’re feeling nervous about your first yoga class I can tell you, you are not alone! Take reassurance in the fact that we’ve all been beginners once. Here’s answers to a few of the questions every new student is thinking.

I feel intimidated to come to class. What should I expect?

Ah that first class feeling. It seems that everyone else knows exactly what to do. Are you the only new one? Is everyone looking at you? The answer is undoubtedly, no. 

Take it in your stride. Declare yourself a beginner with pride. This is an exciting moment and you’re about to start learning a whole new skill. Own it!

You will experience sensations through the practice as the body transitions through unfamiliar shapes and moves in foreign ways. This is part of the joy of the process, but don’t be put off if something feels a little confusing or uncomfortable to start with. This is your body learning a new pattern of movement. It will get easier with time, I promise.

I love working with beginners (we’ve all been there!). It’s an opportunity to share something I love with someone new. No question is too silly or too small and never be afraid to speak up if you just really don’t get it. I’m 100% here to help.

Am I strong enough to practice yoga?

Okay, so what do we really mean by ‘strong’ here? Typically we picture strength as a conventionally physically very able and muscular body (... this preconception isn’t always helped by hyper-exaggerated images we see associated with fitness in the media). 

But what if we think of ‘strength’ from a more holistic perspective? One of the many dictionary definitions of strength labels it ‘the quality that allows someone to deal with problems in a determined and effective way’.

Being strong is coming face to face with things that are at first challenging. Being strong is picking yourself up when you (inevitably) fall out of a pose to try again. Through the practice of yoga, we strengthen ourselves in our reaction to things that are difficult.

“The most important part of practising yoga is that even when our weaknesses cause us to fall, whether it’s on or off the mat, are we able to strengthen ourselves in the response? Are we able to gather our fears and learn from them?” Every Body Yoga, Jessamyn Stanley.

And with practice and time your body will no doubt see some physical changes alongside the mental benefits. You will find yourself balancing with ease in poses that once seemed impossible, holding a shape long beyond a point where you would have once given up.

I’ve been experiencing mental ill-health and have been recommended to try yoga. Will it help me?

Our personal experience of mental health is naturally individual and specific - no two people’s experiences are felt the same way and therefore our ways of managing our personal wellness need to be as unique and independent as ourselves.

Many people find the structure and routine found in the regularity of a yoga class are valuable for getting out of a negative place mentally. Through the practice you will build balance, control and awareness in your body over time, often helping you move with more confidence through the world.

Yoga is a great way to support your wellbeing but beware of relying on any single practice to ‘fix’ anything in your life. Find a well-rounded routine of different physical movements you enjoy, mental practices that speak to you, ways of connecting with those around you and a lifestyle that feels supportive to your overall well being. 

Am I too old to start yoga?

Never! Old or young, yoga is for everyone and it’s never too late to try something new. It’s what keeps us young at heart! 

How do I find the motivation to step on the mat?

Know that motivation is inconsistent from day to day. On days where it feels harder to practice, think back to that feeling just after you’ve finished a class. Remember that sense of calm you may have experienced in the moments after, perhaps that feeling of confidence you felt in your movements. Try keeping a journal of these reflections to look back on when it feels a little harder to propel yourself to practice. From my experience, you never regret coming to a class, but always regret not coming.

For a morning class, prepare yourself the night before and set a friendly alarm with enough time to get up and ready for practice.

I’m not bendy and can’t touch my toes. Is yoga really for me?

You may be surprised to learn that being flexible isn’t a prerequesite to practicing yoga. Yoga is a whole body exercise, incorporating both mental and physical practices and a great deal of focus on meditation and simple movements to connect us to our internal breath and rhythm.

The physical components are just one part of the class. In these poses, known as Asana, a good teacher will balance both strength and flexibility equally. There’s always a variety of options to suit all body types, including plenty to offer for anyone who can’t touch their toes. 

What equipment do I need to practice?

All you need to start is a mat to practice on. Find a space in your home where you won’t be distracted. Wear something that you’re comfortable moving in and you’re ready to go.

Anything else playing on your mind? Don’t hesitate to get in touch to talk about anything that’s stopping you taking that first step.