First Yoga Class

[Luika]

I'm taking my first yoga class on Thursday. It is something I've always wanted to try and the opportunity has arisen. Any pointers or recommendations for beginners. I feel like I'll be a clutz!
Louise

[AndreaU]

Once I started with my first yoga class, I was hooked. I wasn't really in it to get in amazing shape, yet to feel better overall by improving my flexability and mind power. My first class was over an hour and a half long, but it didn't seem that long at all. I guess it depends on who is teaching. Some places have power yoga or body toning yoga- my instructor was a serious yoga purist who trained in India. We did a LOT of breathing exercises (with meditation music in the background- very soothing!), working our way into various stretching exercises. General tip: don't eat a huge meal right before class & make sure you go to the bathroom before you go. Once we're in class, there are no interuptions.

Anyway, hope that helps. Most of all- enjoy! Even if you never go back after your first class, try to walk away with something you can use.

[KValley]

Hi Louise,

YAY! Another potential yoga convert :)

My advice is to not worry about what anyone else in the class is doing, how flexible they seem (or not), how long they are able to hold a pose. Do what feels right and comfortable to you. A good instructor will show you ways to modify a pose to make it easier or more difficult. Nothing should hurt- that doesn't mean it shouldn't be a challenge- just that a pose should not cause discomfort or pain.

Take it easy at first- with each exhalation, take the pose a bit further, deeper. Listen Listen Listen to your body- it will tell you when it has gone far enough. Remember that progress will come only with consistency over a period of time, so expect to feel a bit awkward this first go around- you are asking your body to do some different (albeit wonderful) things.

I agree with Andrea- don't eat at least an hour, preferably two, before going.

Relax and enjoy. Let us know how this first class goes. Ask your instructor what type of yoga he/she is teaching- I'm just curious.

Namaste,

Julie

[Luika]

Andrea & Julie,
Thank you so much for your encouragement with my first yoga class. Trying something new is always stressful... even when it is supposed to be relaxing!

Over the past couple of years, I have tried to maintain an active strength training / cardio routine. In the past few months, I have been slipping (finding excuses) more often, and I needed a boost/change in my physical activity to keep me motivated. Finding a stress reliever is also very enticing! I am particicularly encouraged by introduction into breathing exercises.

The class I am taking is 90 minutes once a week for four weeks. Sounds like a reasonable way to start out. I'll keep you informed.
Take care,
Louise:p

[SusanT]

I was a little puzzled by my first few classes. It really didn't seem like we were doing very much. I now know that our instructor was teaching us the basics that would help us master more challenging poses. She was also getting to know us and our physical strengths and limitations.

Enjoy your practice!

[SusanT]

Lukia - how did your class go?

[Luika]

Susan,
Thank you so much for asking! At the last minute, the class was cancelled due to lack of participants:(

I was so enthused about going... something I've wanted to do for a long time... and it fit into my schedule. They will offer it again in the fall. I'll keep you posted!
Louise

[SusanT]

So sorry to hear it was canceled! I hope there are enough people signed up in the fall for the class to take place.

[Svadhisthana]

Living Arts has a series of Yoga videotapes that are Excellent. I love the "a.m., p.m. yoga for begginers" tape set. Rodney Yee and Patricia Walden are both wonderful instructors. The poses are flowing and they give detailed information for any modifications neccesary. It's a wonderful way to begin and end your days. They also have a begginers tape instructed by Patricia Walden, that covers several asanas. I have found that ALL of Living Arts videos are high quality. You may also want to buy "Yoga for Dummies" the video. It's hosted by Sara Ivanhoe. Another great way to learn the basics of yoga. You can use any of these tapes until the class size is large enough. The only equipment needed is a sticky mat and strap. (Blocks would be nice to have also.)


Namaste,

[Luika]

Svadhisthana,
Thank you so much for the tape information.

I thought about trying a tape... it may help me to feel a little less conspicuous when I actually take a class. Thanks.:p

[Leslie w]

Louise, sorry to hear about your class being cancelled. I agree if you can't do a class get a video. There are so many good ones out there and I've learned so much from them. I particulary like David Swenson's Ashtanga yoga series. He's an excellent teacher and his Short Forms video is wonderful for beginners. It's available at the Yoga Zone or Amazon website.

[Little Bit]

I'm starting a yoga class next week, and wonder if anyone has advice or encouragement for a timid newbie in the world of hatha yoga?

I did a bit of meditation type yoga a few years ago, but didn't feel very well grounded in the basics and wound up wandering away from the practice, so I'm thinking that it might be a good thing for me to try working with the asanas and see where that study might lead.

I liked the contemplative nature of much I experienced with my other practice, so I'm hoping this other training might help me find a way back to my seated meditations.

I've never been the most well coordinated person on the planet, so I guess I'm just trying to cope with lingering insecurities about my ability to keep up.
I still remember hating parts of a dance class I took in high school, where we each did steps diagonally across the room while all the other students looked on and sometimes jeered. I loved parts of the class, but not that!
:(

[SusanT]

Little Bit - Yoga is incredibly competitive - if you don't keep up they'll throw you out! :D

Just kidding! Don't feel self-conscious (sp?) - everyone will be concentrating on doing the poses and your instructor will be there to guide you.

I hope you enjoy your class!

[Little Bit]

Thanks for the encouragement, Susan. :)

I've wanted more formal instruction for a long time, but never managed it til now.
I'm feeling both pleased and apprehensive at this new start.
Don't know why I'm insecure about it, guess it's been a while since I've had the chance to study something that really interests me, and I'm a little worried that my expectations might be too high. Slow and steady, right? ;)

Now if only Dad would quit calling it my 'yogurt class.' *sigh*

[Bike2Work4Me]

We have our first yoga class here at work today. My company just added on a gym and exercise room for the employees and they're offering free yoga. I can't wait!

[Little Bit]

I just got back from my first class, and wow, am I relaxed. Found a few knots I didn't know were there!
I had trouble figuring out / remembering when to breathe in and breathe out during poses, but guess that'll get better with time, so long as I don't KEEP doing it backwards, LOL.
I also had a bit of trouble figuring out how I'm supposed to follow the instructors additional instructions while my eyes are closed, but I guess I'll get better at that too. She did come round the room and help us individually, which was nice. The morning class only had three students, but I do wish the studio weren't so close to the railroad crossing.

[slknight]

Taking encouragement from everyone here, I've just signed up for a yoga class too. My first class is next Tuesday night (this week's one was cancelled for obvious reasons). I'll let you all know how it goes.

-Susan

[Little Bit]

Just reporting in: I'm a bit stiff after yesterday's class, but not really uncomfortable. It didn't seem as though we were doing anything especially strenuous during my first class, but I can certainly tell I've used my muscles! :)

[Bike2Work4Me]

I had my first yoga class, too, yesterday. It was fabulous! I'm a bit stiff this morning. If you haven't tried it yet, it's definitely worth doing.

[Little Bit]

I went to my second yoga class today, and thought I'd report that with a different teacher, the tone and the focus of the work we did was different than in my first class, but that I learned a lot today too.
I'm still stiff, and my legs seem awfully tight, but my hip joints seem more relaxed. My posture during the rest of the day is also improved, LOL!
I look forward to seeing how things change for me as the class progresses. Maybe I can be coordinated enough to stand on the balls of my feet NEXT class, LOL!

I'm really glad to have found classes to take!