Mary Bradley | On July 29, 2015
Picture this scene: you’re lying on a mat in a sunlit studio. There are a few others around you, lying on mats too. You take a deep breath, fill your lungs and empty them back out again. Your muscles have no tension and your mind has stopped racing.
You could just as easily melt into the earth as you could float up into the sky. Your yoga class has come to an end.Yoga is the ancient practice of uniting mind and body, allowing students to channel inner peace. The journey to find inner peace, however, begins with taking the first step.
For Beginners
While it may be intimidating for newbies, yoga classes are available for all body types, ages and skill levels.
Offered through independent studios, gyms and DVDs for at-home convenience, yoga is a mobile exercise, as it can be practiced just about anywhere with little equipment. Many studios and gyms offer mats to borrow, so the bulk of the cost is simply signing up for the class itself.
You only need a few items to begin yoga: a mat if not provided, water, loose and flexible clothes and bare feet. Some instructors recommend blocks/straps to provide stability and an added challenge, but they may be provided by studios as well.
We recommend yinyasa or hatha classes because they’re less difficult. Instructors will usually talk about modifications, like exploring side plank with one knee on the mat or practicing handstand by a wall. This makes it possible for you to shape the class to fit your needs.
If some postures are painful or come with too much sensation, lower to child’s pose for some rest.What to Expect
Shop around online for the best studio or gym to fit your price range, travel distance and overall feeling. Some studios have drop in prices, so you can test out a class without making a commitment, or they may offer new student prices.
There are plenty of examples of beginner yoga poses online to practice before class. Note both the English and Sanskrit (an over 2,000 year old Indian language) names for the same pose. Some instructors use only one language, while others incorporate a mix of the two.
Whether or not you want to research poses ahead of time, head to class with an empty stomach and drink plenty of water beforehand.
Class often begins with “om” and meditation. Then, the class will move into a warmup, more rigorous postures and end with relaxation. Talk to the instructor if questions come up before, during or after the class.
Remember that yoga is a practice. You don’t have to be able to do a crazy inversion or an advanced balancing pose. Take it one day at a time, and use class as an opportunity to tune inward and cultivate your inner strength.
Feature Photo via We Heart It