3 Tips For Starting A Yoga Practice

Thinking of starting a yoga practice but feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone.

I’d say most of us feel this way before our first class. We don’t know what to expect and we are worried that we’ll be the ‘obvious newbie’ trying to keep up. And we convince ourselves that everyone will be handstand-ing in their lululemon leggings (thanks Instagram).

Firstly, it’s not like that! However the nervousness is okay. It’s normal when we’re putting ourselves into a new environment or situation.

But there are some steps you can take to help to make your first yoga class a positive experience.

I’ve rounded up a few tips that have helped my students in the past:

1. Just try it!

Start with a beginners course or beginners classes (either in person or online). Get to know some basic poses, understand the structure of a yoga class and slowly learn some breath work. Jumping straight into a regular class may feel overwhelming if you have never practiced before and could ultimately put you off.

2. Give yourself time to feel the benefits.

You may find in your first class that rather than find calm your mind is actually running at a hundred miles an hour, trying to take in so many new poses, new language, a new way of breathing. Go easy on yourself, know this is normal and give yourself time to settle into a yoga practice. You will soon start to feel all the wonderful benefits for your body and mind!

3. Find a teacher who resonates with you.

Sometimes we think yoga isn’t for us but that could be because the style of yoga wasn’t for you or the energy of the teacher didn’t resonate with you. Don’t let that put you off yoga completely. Finding the right fit for you (and I do believe everyone can fall in love with a yoga practice) is what’s important and that may mean trying out a few different classes to feel the best fit.

So take the leap if you’re feeling called to try yoga. I know you’ll love it.

Jen x