New to Yoga? What to expect....

Photo: Greg McMahon

First of all: DON’T PANIC! Every single one of us was a beginner once, even your teacher! A compassionate teacher will remember that feeling of walking into their first class and not knowing anything! Stay open to the process and remember, you aren’t expected to know everything at first. In my view, yoga is always a work in progress… There’s never a moment when one can say “oh, i’ve GOT downward dog now and i never have to think about it again” — Its perfectly suitable to move with the group and approximate the shapes and as you do more yoga you’ll understand and integrate more nuance and understanding into the āsana (the yoga shapes, sometimes called “poses”) . For that reason, I would recommend that you take a spot near the middle, where you can see someone in each direction you face so that you always have people to follow. (individual teachers may have different opinions or advice on this, so ask your teacher! they’ll let you know where they think is best for you to situate yourself in the room.

Here are some things a person new to yoga should consider before attending their first class:

  1. What do you want to get out of yoga? Having a clear goal or intention can help guide your practice and make it more meaningful.

  2. Type of yoga: There are many different styles of yoga, and some may be more suitable for your needs and goals than others. Do research and ask for recommendations from friends or a yoga studio. Clarifying your goals will also help you decide which style is right for you, do you want a more vigorous and dynamic physical practice? Jivamukti Yoga, Ashtanga or related styles might be more for you. Are you looking for alignment focused practice? Check out Iyengar or teachers who have trained in it. Are you looking for a more meditative or relaxation based practice? You might want to look at restorative, yin, or similar practices.

  3. Instructor: Consider the instructor's experience, teaching style and approach. It's important to find someone who you feel comfortable with and who can guide you safely through the practice.

  4. Environment: Consider the atmosphere and energy of the studio or class. Look for a welcoming and non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable and at ease.

  5. Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes that allow for a full range of movement. No need to buy new clothes just for yoga practice. Ask the teacher or studio what you might need to bring, if anything. Most studios will have all the equipment there for you to use. With more experience you can decide if you want to have your own mat or other props.

  6. Be open-minded: Yoga is a journey, not a destination. Keep an open mind, be patient with yourself, and allow the practice to unfold in its own time. Keep an open mind with teachers too, you might find that you get more out of certain teachers classes, or they just phrase things or teach things in a way that you connect with better, but almost everyone has something to teach us — so don’t hesitate to try out classes with multiple teachers.

  7. Consult a doctor: If you have any medical conditions or concerns, consult a doctor before starting a yoga practice. Keep in mind that your yoga teacher depending on their experience may be able to help you with modifications or alternatives in order to work with any condition or concern that you have, BUT they cannot diagnose you and not every yoga teacher will have the same breadth of experience with your particular condition. Its better to be able to communicate to the teacher what your doctor says to avoid specifically.