Feeling nervous about yoga? Here’s what really happens in a beginner-friendly class
If you’ve searched online for ’yoga classes near me’ and pictured yourself in a studio for the first time, you might imagine people contorted into complicated-looking shapes. Some are worried they won’t be fit or flexible or co-ordinated enough. Others fear they won’t know how to relax or won’t be able to keep up.
Most worries are about getting every pose ‘right’.
Truth: most people come to a beginners class with some of these fears. For many, their hardest hurdle is walking through the door.
Curious about beginner classes but want to know more?
Here’s what really happens when you walk into a class at Mount Martha Yoga.
You don’t need to be bendy. Can’t touch your toes? Sit comfortably on the floor? Balance on one leg for more than five seconds? Don’t worry – you don’t need any special skills to start.
Yoga isn’t about how flexible you are when you arrive. It’s the practice that will help you increase your flexibility over time. Many students come to their first class unable to move their body in the ways they thought they would need to. The good news is, none of these things are necessary for a good yoga practice.
My classes are full of modifications, I offer lots of options to adapt each pose to your unique body. It isn’t about contorting yourself into a shape; it’s about meeting yourself where you are today.
Nobody knows what they’re doing
Listen up, first-time student: you do NOT need to know anything about yoga when you walk into my class.
You will not be expected to know the difference between a Downward Facing Dog and a Puppy Dog.
Classes for beginners are specifically designed with you in mind. Classes will usually be slower paced, with lots of detailed instructions to help you feel supported. You will be guided through every movement and encouraged to listen to your own body.
In fact, you may find that as soon as you start moving, your nervousness evaporates. Many people say they worry more before a class than they ever do once they’re actually on the mat.
Yoga is a time to listen to your body, not push through discomfort and overexert yourself. If you need to take a break, grab a drink of water, shuffle your mat closer to the wall or just lie down for a few breaths – we do!
Rest is just as important as the ‘bits’ of yoga where you’re moving around. There are no ‘correct’ versions of poses (although there are some incorrect ones to avoid injury).
Yoga isn’t just stretching
Of course yoga helps with flexibility. It also builds strength, balance, mobility, coordination and body awareness. But one of the biggest benefits is the opportunity to switch off. Life can be hectic. We spend hours each day checking emails, answering texts and jumping at every ping. If we’re not careful, we can lose touch with ourselves in the process.
Enter yoga class. Going to the mat creates space to pause, reconnect and breathe. Even if you spend the whole time thinking about something that happened earlier, you’re still allowing yourself the opportunity to switch off and relax.
For a lot of students, this is what they love most about their practice.
Yoga is for every body
This is a yoga class, not a competition.
It is for everyone. Regardless of your age, fitness level, life stage or body type – it has something to offer you.
Our classes have people who come for the exercise and movement alongside people who are trying to relieve stress, manage pain, heal injuries and restore balance to their lives.
We have students young and old.
Yoga can be therapeutic for some, while others come simply to unwind after a long week. But everyone is welcome.
Yes, it’s normal to feel anxious about trying something new
I’ve taught enough beginners to know that nearly everyone feels nervous about stepping onto the mat.
You’ll probably love savasana
One last thing… at the end of every practice there is a little bit of time called Savasana, or final relaxation. Essentially, you lie down on your mat whilst your body and mind soak up all the good feelings you created during class. New students are always surprised by how nice this feels!
We live in a world where very few of us take time to just…stop. Even dedicating 5 to 10 minutes a day to simply relax can have amazing benefits. Some students say savasana is the favourite part of their practice and they understand why people come back.
At Mount Martha Yoga we pride ourselves on creating a non-judgemental community where students can move at their own pace, ask as many questions as they want and feel comfortable being themselves. Find the studio online by searching for ‘private yoga lessons Dromana’ to book in.
