Helpful hints for Beginners starting out
Starting yoga for the first time can feel intimidating. Many people worry about making mistakes or feeling awkward, which is completely understandable. However, it's important to remember that every experienced yogi was once a beginner, and we've all been through those early challenges. To help you feel more comfortable, here are some tips and questions answered for beginners new to the yoga mat
Avoid comparing yourself to others
It’s natural to feel the urge to compare yourself to others when you first start attending a yoga class. You might find yourself wondering if your poses are as good as the person next to you or if you're as flexible as someone else in the room.
However, focusing on comparisons can take you away from the true purpose of yoga. The goal is not to measure yourself against others, but to create a space where you can relax, breathe, and be present with your own practice. Your progress is personal—whether you’re able to execute poses perfectly or not, the key is to enjoy the journey.
Instead of comparing, concentrate on your own movements and breath. As a beginner, it's normal to not be able to do everything right away, but with regular practice, you will improve. Yoga is about personal growth, not competition. By focusing on your body and breath, you’ll leave each class feeling more grounded and centered
Avoid Rushing
It’s important to give yourself enough time in each pose and stay mindful of your entire body. If you’re used to a fast-paced life, it can be tempting to rush through your yoga practice the same way.
However, yoga is not about rushing to finish. Allow yourself time to find stillness, settle into your mat, and prepare your body for each asana. Focus on ensuring your body is properly aligned before starting and, most importantly, don’t forget to breathe! Move slowly into each pose, paying attention to your body’s sensations, and take several deep breaths while holding the pose. When exiting, do so gently, remaining aware of your body’s movements.
Be Patient
Yoga may appear simple at first glance, especially if you're already active or engage in regular exercise. Many newcomers to yoga believe they’ll be able to join a class and immediately master the poses. However, it’s important to remember that even if you're physically fit, yoga challenges your body in different ways. If you're not accustomed to exercise, you may need to ease into it with gentle movements to release stiffness.
The asanas require you to stretch and move in ways that might be unfamiliar. Be patient with yourself—there’s no need to get frustrated. Achieving the perfect poses takes time
Leaving the class early ?
Shavasana, or final relaxation, is an important way to conclude a yoga session. During this time, the teacher will guide you through a relaxation process that helps you fully unwind. This period can last anywhere from 5- 10 minutes or longer, offering you the opportunity to absorb everything you've practiced during the class and mentally prepare to return to daily life.
Some beginners may feel that this part of the class isn’t necessary and rush off to continue their day, but this is a mistake. The relaxation phase is one of the most vital components of your practice. It not only allows your muscles to stretch and release tension, but it also provides mental space to focus on your breath and find calm.
Some Yoga Misconseptions
You need to be flexible to start Yoga-
Yoga is not just for the flexible or fit. It's a personal practice focused on enhancing your mental and physical well-being, where the only comparison is to your own progress and needs not to other yogis in the room.
Gradually build your abilities through consistent practice. Whether your goal is to improve your fitness or use yoga for mindfulness and mental clarity, you can tailor it to suit your current level by using the teachers different variations offered.
Regular practice will naturally improve your flexibility. Age is also no barrier to starting yoga—you can go at a pace that works for you. Yoga combines flexibility, balance, and strength, and if you need to focus on improving any of these areas, there's no rush. Perfection is not the goal, and you are not competing with anyone but yourself—it's all about your unique journey.
Yoga is a religion
Yoga is not tied to any specific religion; rather, it is a philosophy focused on maintaining the health of both the mind and body, providing a moment of calm and space for mindful breathing.
Yoga is accessible to all, regardless of your lifestyle. Whether you lead a peaceful life filled with green smoothies, high flying executive or a busy parent with children and chaos, taking time to recharge and care for yourself benefits everyone. No matter your age or gender, there's a place for you in a yoga class. You'll find joy in connecting with fellow practitioners and experiencing the positive energy of a group session.
The spiritual side of yoga is about uniting the body and spirit, fostering a healthy relationship with yourself, your surroundings, and others.
Yoga is mainly for women
Yoga was originally developed and practiced by men, but its widespread appeal in the Western world has been largely influenced by women, leading to a more female-dominated atmosphere in yoga studios. However, it's important for men to know that there's no need to feel intimidated or hesitant about joining a class, as many sessions now feature a balanced mix of participants from all genders.
Yoga is an excellent way to build strength and muscle. It can serve as a great complement to other forms of exercise or as a standalone practice to enhance mental and physical focus
Questions your too shy to Ask
Do I Have to Breathe Loudly ?
Your breath is personal to you, so it’s not necessary to match the volume of your neighbour’s breathing. Instead of focusing on how loud or quiet others are, direct your attention to the act of breathing itself—focusing on your inhales and exhales. Yoga is about tuning into your own practice, syncing your breath with your movements, and finding your inner calm, so just let go and follow your own rhythm.
What If I Don’t Know the Chanting Words?
Don’t worry, you’re not required to chant or memorize the Sanskrit names of the poses unless you’re pursuing yoga teacher training. If you’re unsure of the words, just listen to the rest of the class and join in if you feel comfortable, or simply skip it. There’s no judgment either way. As you continue practicing, you'll naturally become more familiar with the poses and their names over time. Just focus on your practice and enjoy the journey
What If I Need to Go to the Bathroom?
If you feel the need to use the bathroom during class, don't hesitate to go. It’s better to take a quick break than to try to hold it in. Just be mindful of others by leaving quietly and returning without disrupting the flow of the session.
Is Sweating normal ?
Yes, sweating is completely normal in yoga since it's a physical activity. Don’t feel embarrassed if you sweat—it's actually a sign that your body is working hard and detoxifying. Sweating indicates you're engaging your muscles and building strength, so embrace it as part of the process. Keep going, you’re doing great!
What if I Fall Asleep During Savasana ?
It’s totally normal to feel sleepy during Savasana or nod off – it can happen during this resting pose, especially if you're feeling tired. However, Savasana is meant to be a time for deep relaxation, not a nap. As you practice yoga more, you’ll learn to distinguish between true relaxation and dozing off. Try to stay awake by focusing on your breath, noticing how your body feels, and observing your thoughts as they come and go. This helps you stay present and enhance the benefits of the practice.
What if I fall out of pose ?
It’s completely normal to lose your balance or stumble when you’re trying out new yoga poses, especially if you’re just starting out. Making mistakes is part of the learning process, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. If you fall, just laugh it off and get back into the pose. No one is judging you. As instructors, we’re here to help you safely explore the poses and provide modifications when needed. The key is to listen to your body, avoid pushing yourself too hard, and stay mindful of your limits.
WILL YOGA CAUSE ME TO PASS WIND
This is a common question, and it’s understandable! Yoga often involves bending, twisting, and stretching, which can increase the likelihood of passing gas since these movements put pressure on your digestive system. It’s completely natural, so don’t stress about it if it happens. If you do let one slip during class, just carry on without drawing attention to it.