First class tonight

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I attended my first yoga class tonight and am hoping to get some feedback on if my experience was unusual.

I did not spend any time researching different types of yoga, and mostly chose the class based on convenience. My thought was that I could get a basis in any sort of class, see how I liked it, and then re-evaluate.

I attended a beginner’s class and was pleasantly surprised to see that there were only four of us there (I thought I might get more assistance this way). The environment was great and not at all intimidating, and I went into the situation feeling calm and looking forward to giving it a go.

The instructor seemed nice enough at first, but I found that the farther we went in, the less comfortable I was. He consistently commented that I and my neighbor, who had joined me, were doing every pose at a different pace than the other two girls (who had taken classes before, but not with him). He also seemed hesitant to show us how to do the poses, siting that he felt that everyone’s body does each pose in a different way (I can buy that, by the way, but was having trouble doing anything at all without a solid example). So he would sometimes do the pose for us as an example at first, but would never do it alongside us.

He also asked often that we not look at him while we were practicing and to instead either close our eyes or look forward and listen to his instructions. This was very difficult for me, as I am a visual learner. I understand the need for focus on your own body, but was having an extremely difficult time even understanding what my body should be doing. He was also using terms that I was unfamiliar with and the environment in the room was so quiet and meditative that I did not feel comfortable opening up a dialogue to ask for further explanation.

By the middle of the class he seemed exasperated with me and my neighbor and at one point asked “what are you doing?” rather testily. By this point, I don’t think I was getting any physical, and especially not any mental, benefits from the class. By the way, he did know that this was the first time that both I and my neighbor had practiced any type of yoga at all.

I am a little nervous to go to another class after this. I won’t be attending another by this instructor, of course, but I also worry that I could possibly have a similar experience elsewhere. I am in good physical shape, but I think if I do continue to have problems, they will be related to following instructions and focus (though I do think I was TRYING very hard to focus!)

I certainly don’t want to be the person in the class that makes it less fun for other people by slowing things down to a snail’s pace. Can any of you seasoned yoga-ers tell me whether you think my problem may lie in the instructor, or in something else? Your advice is very much appreciated!

#2

I’m new to yoga too and that certainly sounds like the problem lies with the instructor. He’s supposed to teach. He’s an instructor… Maybe you can find another instructor that you could benefit from. This instructor certainly doesn’t cut it.

#3

Hmmm, I hope you find a beginner’s class that accommodates your style of learning better.

As you develop in your yoga, you’ll notice that the external picture of an asana is like the punchline of a joke. Even if you pronounce it really well, it isn’t funny (meaningful) without the setup. I conjecture and hope that this teacher was trying to encourage you toward discovering the setup within your body by asking you to pay attention to instructions (which occur over time) rather than the appearance (which you get all at once.) Of course, unfamiliar terms aren’t going to communicate well, even to a verbal learner.

You might try emailing your next prospect for a teacher to ask something like, “In class, could I see you get in to a pose before trying it myself?” Since this teacher’s class is the most convenient, you might also give him a second chance by mentioning this aspect of your learning style outside of the classroom. If he was just having a bad day that day (for instance, if four newbies and no returners threw him for a loop), It’d be a shame to miss out.

#4

It would be beneficial to inform any instructor that you are a beginner before participating in a class. A good instructor will be able to address all of the issues that will arise as a result of a student’s inexperience without negatively affecting the rest of the class.

When I first started my instructor was highly anticipatory of every problem that I encountered and was quick to offer help and solutions. After hearing accounts from others I realize that I was fortunate.

#5

Hello “struck”.

Of course the answer to your particular question depends a bit on the stated level or type of class you attended. If you attended a power vinyasa class then the class would likely not slow for you. If you attended a viniyoga class it would likely not speed up for you. And if you attended a level II class the instructor might expect a level two student. But you say it was a beginner’s class and in such a class the information shared should be rudimentary in nature to meet the needs of students coming to such a class.

However, all this being said, I personally do not feel a terse tone asking “what are you doing” is appropriate for any conveyance of Yoga.

Unfortunately we live in a framework where yoga teachers earn such a label in a weekend and so there’s no way to know the training of the particular person you were working with. Additionally, we’re not told whether the class was in a fitness center or yoga center so making a determination about where the issue rests is difficult.

What I can tell you it that it sounds like this particular class was not for you. If you feel otherwise, keep going. If not, go til you find one that resonates with you.

#6

Though I amnwhere near as experienced as some of the people on tis site (I’m an advanced beginner!), that sounds all wrong to me. All the teachers I have had have been very accomodating if I am struggling or need guidance. Perhaps the pace doesn’t always slow, but ow he expected you to follow with your eyes closed during your first class, I don’t know!

I urge you to try more classes with other people and in different styles of yoga. I had a bad first class too and didn’t go back again for years. Then I got picked on by a Bikram teacher week after week and took another long break from yoga. Now I am lucky enough to have some really great teachers and I wish I’d not let the not-so-good ones put me off someting that I have a passion for.

#7

I’m not as experienced as many who post here. You indicated you where in a beginners class. Based on your observations I would try another studio.
My first beginners class was the exact opposite of yours. My teacher was very helpful and was one of the main reasons I continued my practice.

Every pose was demonstrated. Her tone was caring. "What are you doing"
is not appropriate in a yoga class. I left my first class feeling so good I could felt I was walking on air.

Remember this is your yoga. If your not comfortable with it look elsewhere.
The mantra in my studio is "It’s not Yoga perfect It’s yoga practice.

Namaste

#8

[QUOTE=ufatbasted;25759]I’m not as experienced as many who post here. You indicated you where in a beginners class. Based on your observations I would try another studio.
My first beginners class was the exact opposite of yours. My teacher was very helpful and was one of the main reasons I continued my practice.

Every pose was demonstrated. Her tone was caring. "What are you doing"
is not appropriate in a yoga class. I left my first class feeling so good I could felt I was walking on air.

Remember this is your yoga. If your not comfortable with it look elsewhere.
The mantra in my studio is "It’s not Yoga perfect It’s yoga practice.

Namaste[/QUOTE]

I had almost an exact experience. You should feel good.

#9

Your first class, you are bound to be feeling vulnerable and nervous.

I would give your instructor another chance first and see if it was them that was nervous too…

As to directing your attention inwards sometimes with your eyes closed, that is correct but sometimes it’s better to follow your instructor especially on the first one…

I just think you’re instructor was unable to differentiate in his class between beginners and advanced students which was more his problem than yours…

Don’t let it put you off yoga… try someone else if it’s no better the second time…

Sx

#10

[I]I am a little nervous to go to another class after this. I won’t be attending another by this instructor, of course, but I also worry that I could possibly have a similar experience elsewhere.[/I]

First good for you. The instructor’s second chance does not have to be on your dime. It will come his way when he sees the continued low numbers of returns to his method. Zero regulars? Not a red light but a caution sign.

So here we are-round two. We put round one behind us. We summon a little spirit and get ready for the bell…

Ding! We sell something and come up with $30 bucks and buy a passport to Prana. http://passporttoprana.com
We get past the fact that there is only a month left on the card and just giv’er.

We do some homework on the site and look for studios in Chicago that are offering beginner yoga classes. We walk in and say “Hello, this is my second yoga class and I’m a visual learner; does your instructor model the poses or is their someone here I can watch?” We smile and pause. A great studio will make us welcome and comfortable and will have a regular that would be honoured to step up their game and be a model for a new yogin.

With our passport we can hit a whack of studios for the $30 bucks and find a fit.

Namaste

#11

[QUOTE=struckMatches;25690]I attended my first yoga class tonight and am hoping to get some feedback on if my experience was unusual.

I did not spend any time researching different types of yoga, and mostly chose the class based on convenience. My thought was that I could get a basis in any sort of class, see how I liked it, and then re-evaluate.

I attended a beginner’s class and was pleasantly surprised to see that there were only four of us there (I thought I might get more assistance this way). The environment was great and not at all intimidating, and I went into the situation feeling calm and looking forward to giving it a go.

The instructor seemed nice enough at first, but I found that the farther we went in, the less comfortable I was. He consistently commented that I and my neighbor, who had joined me, were doing every pose at a different pace than the other two girls (who had taken classes before, but not with him). He also seemed hesitant to show us how to do the poses, siting that he felt that everyone’s body does each pose in a different way (I can buy that, by the way, but was having trouble doing anything at all without a solid example). So he would sometimes do the pose for us as an example at first, but would never do it alongside us.

He also asked often that we not look at him while we were practicing and to instead either close our eyes or look forward and listen to his instructions. This was very difficult for me, as I am a visual learner. I understand the need for focus on your own body, but was having an extremely difficult time even understanding what my body should be doing. He was also using terms that I was unfamiliar with and the environment in the room was so quiet and meditative that I did not feel comfortable opening up a dialogue to ask for further explanation.

By the middle of the class he seemed exasperated with me and my neighbor and at one point asked “what are you doing?” rather testily. By this point, I don’t think I was getting any physical, and especially not any mental, benefits from the class. By the way, he did know that this was the first time that both I and my neighbor had practiced any type of yoga at all.

I am a little nervous to go to another class after this. I won’t be attending another by this instructor, of course, but I also worry that I could possibly have a similar experience elsewhere. I am in good physical shape, but I think if I do continue to have problems, they will be related to following instructions and focus (though I do think I was TRYING very hard to focus!)

I certainly don’t want to be the person in the class that makes it less fun for other people by slowing things down to a snail’s pace. Can any of you seasoned yoga-ers tell me whether you think my problem may lie in the instructor, or in something else? Your advice is very much appreciated![/QUOTE]

I would try and find an Iyengar class. You definately wont feel uncomfortable there. I started with Iyengar and it certainly worked for me.

Good luck.

#12

I have heard many instructors say you need to try multiple yogas from multiple teachers. You need to find a yoga discipline to suit your personality, and a yoga teacher to suit your needs. Don’t give up on yoga, it will make your life so much better!!

Also, don’t feel bad about being a visual learner. I’ve been practising for three years and I still look around the classroom sometimes. I’d like to think, however, that at this point, some people may seek visual guidance from me every now and then :wink:

Try another class from a new instructor and tell us how you liked it! Good luck!!

#13

Oh wow, I think if that had been my first experience with Yoga, I would have never gone to another class. Every teacher I’ve ever worked with emphasized that you should move at your own pace and if you feel like you need a break, just go into Child’s Pose for a little bit and then rejoin the class.