Welcome to the world of yoga, a journey of self-discovery and wellness! If you're new here, you might have some concerns about starting your yoga journey. The good news is, that it's natural to have concerns. A lot of the yogis you see all over social media were beginners too. Today, I want to share some of the common concerns and how to overcome them.
Are you ready to begin with confidence?
Concern #1 "I'm Not Flexible Enough for Yoga"
It's a myth that you need to be super flexible to start yoga. Yoga is designed to help increase flexibility naturally over time. Everybody is different—focus on your journey, not anyone else's shape. Know that each pose can be modified to suit your current level of flexibility. A qualified teacher will provide options for poses to accommodate different abilities. Prop use is also very common in yoga classes. Blocks, straps, and bolsters allow you to support your body so you can relax into poses. Don't let fear of inflexibility stop you from trying yoga. With time and practice, you'll be amazed at the progress your body can make!
Concern #2 "I Don't Have the Right Gear"
Taking your first yoga class requires very little equipment. All you need is comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and a yoga mat to provide traction and padding. Avoid baggy tops that could get in the way and pants that restrict movement. Form-fitting athletic wear is best. If you don't want to invest in a mat for your first class, most studios have loaner mats or you can rent one affordably.
For other gear, wait until you get more involved in yoga. Once you determine it's something you want to stick with, you can gradually acquire useful additions if you desire, like yoga blocks and straps. The most advanced yogis use little more than a mat!
Concern #3 "I'm Worried I'll Do It Wrong"
One of the wonderful things about yoga is that there is no "right" or "wrong" way, only what works for your body. Every person comes to the mat with different bone structures, muscle tightness, injuries, etc. Listen closely to your body and respect its limits. Don't push into pain or compare yourself to anyone else. A skilled instructor will emphasize body awareness and provide modifications to allow you to find comfortable alignment in each pose.
New students often comment that they wish they hadn't spent so much time concerned about doing poses "perfectly". Use yoga to cultivate self-compassion and celebrate what your unique body can do.
Concern #4 "Yoga Seems Slow and Boring"
It's true that some styles of yoga focus on holding poses slowly and include longer periods of stillness. This helps develop strength, balance, and concentration. However, there are also very active, flowing styles of yoga that keep you moving. Common beginner styles like Hatha and Vinyasa flow offer a balance of motion and stillness. Don't assume yoga has to be extremely slow and mild. Take the time to research different studios and teachers in your area to find classes with an emphasis you think you'll enjoy.
Talk with instructors about the level they recommend for someone new. Know that even in a more vigorous class, you can always slow the pace down by modifying. The most important thing is that you feel engaged and challenged while respecting your body. An experienced teacher will help you strike this balance.
Concern #5 "I'm Not Sure How to Begin"
Getting started with yoga is much simpler than you might think! Look for "beginner level" classes offered locally either in-studio or online via pre-recorded videos or livestream. Beginner sessions focus on foundational poses, breathing, relaxation techniques, and getting comfortable on your mat at your own pace. Many studios also offer affordable 30-day intro packages so you can try a variety of classes. Investing in just one or two private sessions can also help you learn modifications for common poses.
Online tutorials are another great way to dip your toe in, but the support and adjustments from an in-person teacher help most students progress faster physically and feel more confident.
The most important thing is to simply get on your mat! Yoga is meant to be a journey of self-exploration, not perfection. Progress happens slowly and that's OK. Pay attention to how your body feels as you practice and don't worry about how it looks. Be a beginner with patience and curiosity, while also enjoying your progress. Yoga has so much to offer if you give it a chance.