Yoga can be intimidating, especially the way it is sometimes portrayed. It is not all touching your toes and balancing on your hands. It is simply a routine of controlled, focused movements that help to improve your mentality, flexibility, mobility, and more. Here are a few things to know before your first yoga class.
You can go at your own pace.
Often times, the instructor is trying to tailor to many different skillset levels. If they are moving at a pace that is too fast for you, take it at your own pace. They will not be offended, no one will think less of you. The important part is that you are being safe and understanding your own limits and body. No one can tell you what you can and cannot do, only you truly know that. So listen to you and trust yourself.
You can pause at any time.
If at any time you feel the need to take a break, simply take child’s pose. Come to tabletop on your hand and your knees, and press your hips back to rest of your feet. Take as much time as you need to catch your breath, grab some water, or do whatever you need to do. You are not impacting a single person by pausing your own practice. It’s your practice, and they will continue on with theirs.
You can introduce yourself.
To help ease you into a first class, it might be a good idea to introduce yourself to the instructor. Tell them that it is your first class, tell them about any previous experience you’ve had, if any, and tell them about any injury you might have previously had. This will ensure you are getting the best class, and allows them to ensure they are providing adequate modifications and assisting you as best they can.
You can ask for a modification.
If there is a pose that isn’t quite working for you, take a modification. If you know one that works better, take that. If you’re not sure what pose to take instead, ask your instructor. That is what they are there for - to help, to guide you through the practice. Simple raise your hand and they will hop over and help. Don’t feel like you are a bother or that you are interrupting, it’s all a part of the learning process and that is what you are there to do.
You are not alone.
Every single person in that room, no matter what level of fitness they are at, has been in your shoes. Everyone has stepped foot into a gym for the first time once. Everyone has stepped into a yoga class for the first time once. If you feel like someone is judging you, that says more about them than it does about you. You should be proud of yourself and trust that everyone else is too.
Happy practicing.