Yoga may have hit the mainstream years ago, but the prospect of giving it a chance still intimidates many individuals. With so much media ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the complex physical and mental accomplishments of many a seasoned yogi, it’s easy to understand how some folks might get the wrong idea about what the yogic arts entail.
No yoga masters spontaneously pop into existence! It requires years, sometimes decades, of training and practice to achieve that level of strength, flexibility and discipline. If you’ve never done yoga, you have nothing to fear! It is a gentle, wholly accessible process you easily customize to fit your unique needs.
Why Yoga?
Yoga appeals to so many different kinds of people because it provides such a wealth of benefits. Along with increasing your strength and flexibility, the practice can also help in some of the following situations:
+Encouraging weight loss
+Insomnia and fatigue
+Asthma and allergies
+Depression and anxiety
+Heart diseases
+Strokes
+Arthritis
+And plenty more!
Your First Class
A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, but you have to invest your time into making sure you take it right! Knowing how to analyze what you’re looking for and where to attend the most suitable classes is essential when learning more about yoga.
Choosing
Price, times and location will always be primary concerns for anyone curious about pursuing yoga. Only consider yoga studios with qualified, experienced staffers. They will understand how to best navigate a newcomer’s needs, ensuring the maximum amount of quality stretching, breathing and meditating. No official certification board exists in the United States, but organizations providing training classes and certificates are located in most major cities. The studio’s website should list their instructors’ previous teaching experiences and how they came to master the practice.
If you happen to have any physical limitations due to age, medical condition, pregnancy or injury, you can still enjoy the wellness perks yoga offers. Never let these factors hinder your desire to give the practice a chance! Some beginner classes exclusively cater to different concerns, and the best-trained instructors know how to adapt more generalized instruction to special requirements.
No matter what you need to personally consider before starting your yoga journey, do your research! It will ensure you get the most out of your inquiries into the yogic arts and enjoy them to their fullest possible extents.
What to Expect
Beginner yoga classes aren’t terribly intense or challenging experiences. They cover the basics of breathing, meditation and properly posing. Instructors understand and address any and all beginner concerns, correcting any mistakes they notice and answering student questions. More importantly, they possess the knowledge and training necessary to help you discover your limits and adapt to them.
As you grow in mind and body, you will find yourself growing in awareness of movement and space as well. Yoga is a slow, harmonious process, so give it time. Like all sustainable solutions, it requires time and energy for results to present themselves. Never rush.
Samples of Great Beginner Poses
Your beginning yoga instructors won’t twist you into pretzel shapes! Introductory classes showcase easy poses for outer comfort and inner peace alike. You may encounter some of the following positions when attempting yoga for the first time:
+Downward Dog. Excellent for stretching out your back muscles, this pose will require you to arch your back, hands and feet flat ohttps://pinterest.com/pin/171559067027124750/n the floor. Downward dog is one of the most rudimentary and popular yoga positions.
+Corpse Pose. Lie down. Spread your arms out slightly. Your instructor will guide you through positioning your pelvis, arms and legs. The corpse pose is extremely easy, and one of the most restful and calm. It makes for an ideal cool down at the end of a session.
+Lotus Position. Even non-yogis know the lotus position! Fold your legs and let your hands fall comfortably in your lap. Close your eyes and breathe deep. Yoga is all about relaxation and reflection, and the lotus position epitomizes that particular quality.
+Tree Pose. If you can balance on one leg, then you can master tree pose. All you have to do is stand up and bend one leg so that your foot is touching at (or below, if you prefer) the knee. Then clasp your hands together as if in prayer. Although more “advanced beginner” than explicit beginner, we sometimes use this one in our open and mixed classes for all skill levels!
This is hardly a comprehensive listing, but these poses should give you an idea of what you might expect from a beginner yoga class. Your instructor will make sure you perform them correctly to avoid injury and get the maximum benefit of the stretch.
We’re Happy to Help!
Joy Yoga Center hosts lectures and classes appropriate for individuals and groups who know very little of the practice. Check the schedule for our Intro to Yoga and Basics. If you’re looking to add a little inspiration or challenge, try one of our mixed classes for practitioners of all skill levels. There, you can pick up pointers from more experienced peers in addition to your instructors.
We have several membership options for you to explore! Right now, you can sign up to pay only $89 for six months of unlimited classes. New and returning (absent 90 days or more) members can pay $39 for one month of unlimited classes – an offer not valid with our other deal. Check back regularly for updated promotions! Joy Yoga Center wants you to love yourself and the life you live. And yoga can help make that happen.
