Beginner Yoga: Ways to Make the Practice Less Intimidating

If you are new to yoga, it’s easy to feel intimidated.

This is especially common if you are in a class with people who have been practicing yoga for many years.

However, it is also reassuring to know that yoga is not as intimidating as it seems.

If your first yoga class has left you feeling tormented, below are some things you need to take to heart:

Consider trying several yoga studios before quitting.

If the first yoga class makes you feel like yoga is too hard, don’t take it as a cue to quit the practice right away.

Consider trying at least 3 different yoga studios and yoga styles before you decide if yoga is indeed the right fit for you.

Other practitioners will only appreciate the beauty of the practice once they find a studio that resonates with them.

The same might be true for you so try looking for other options before you quit the practice altogether.

Don’t force your body to do poses it is not ready for yet.

In case you missed it, yoga instructors provide other yoga variations on yoga poses because a single yoga variation will not always suit everyone.

As a general rule of thumb, listen to your body at all times and don’t do anything that is too difficult or uncomfortable.

This is especially important for yoga newbies to remember and take to heart.

It’s easy to get intimidated if the person next to you can execute a yoga pose effortlessly.

However, it will be best to remember that that person might be a practitioner for years and has mastered the poses already.

Give yourself enough time to master the poses so you can fully appreciate the practice and keep injuries at bay.

Yoga does not always have to be intense.

If you think yoga is always a vigorous workout, think again!

There are also other variations of yoga that will not entail you to do too many challenging poses.

For instance, yoga variations like flow yoga or restorative yoga focuses more on proper breathing, relaxation, and meditation as opposed to getting an intense workout.

If you like to feel sweaty after each session, then faster-paced yoga variations would be a perfect fit.

However, you would be glad to know that you can always try the gentler varieties if that is what you are into.

Refrain from comparing yourself from the other practitioners in your class.

You’ll be able to appreciate the practice more if you listen to your body and do things at your own pace.

When you compare yourself to others, you will be robbing yourself of the fun of the practice.

More importantly, you also risk getting yourself injured.

Bottom line: in life and on the mat, never compare yourself to others.

Look out for yourself only and you’ll be able to get more out of the practice.

Don’t take yoga too seriously.

Some practitioners commit the mistake of taking yoga too seriously.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to be too serious to reap all the benefits yoga has to offer.

On the contrary, you can still be devoted to the practice and still have a lot of fun.

Remember to take it easy and enjoy so you’ll find fulfillment after each session.

You don’t have to be a vegan to do yoga.

Let’s some common misconceptions about yogis other people believe in:

It is okay to do yoga and eat meat.

It is okay to do yoga and drink wine.

It is also okay to do yoga even if you are a size 6.

If truth be told similar misconceptions often intimidate those who would like to do yoga.

Fortunately, it is reassuring to know you do not have to make significant lifestyle changes for you to be able to fully enjoy the fruits of the practice.

Keep in mind that other practitioners (including your teacher) may also enjoy wine, coffee, and even meat!

This kind of mentality should also apply when executing alignments and poses—fun and safety should always come first before impressing others and keeping up with them.

You don’t have to be as flexible as everyone else.

Many people shy away from yoga because they are not as flexible as everyone else in class.

If you find executing a pose too challenging, you need to cut yourself some slack and remember that everyone was a beginner at some point.

In other words, the person next to you who can execute poses with much ease has experienced the difficulties and challenges you are currently experiencing.

Bear in mind that nobody will expect you to be amazingly balanced, strong, or flexible especially if you are a beginner.

It will come with repetition, patience, and time.

Fortunately, as long as you stay religious to the practice, it will only be a matter of time until you can also do the poses flawlessly.