First Class Trepidation

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hello Everyone!

I am new to yoga, having practiced mostly from home watching DVDs this past month. I am so thankful to have found yoga, as it has already given me a sense of calm and accomplishment about my day each day I practice. I usually do a Rodney Yee or Shiva Rea flow each morning.

While I am not terribly out of shape, I don’t want to develop bad habits so early on in my yoga practice and therefore think I could really benefit from a once weekly in class instruction. That said, the only class that really works with my schedule is a sunday morning mixed level class. The website says the class is open to beginners. I have a few weeks yet (given the holidays) before I begin this class but I have some newbie nerves.

Any advice from fellow yogis out there? Anything I should concentrate on in these next few weeks while practicing at home to prepare?

#2

Just go to the class with an open mind and ready to listen and to learn.

You do say what style/school the class is…it could be very different from the DVDs you have been using…so just turn up on time(or early), tell the teacher you are new and if you have any injuries etc…relax and enjoy the class.

Do not be afraid to ask questions and if your teacher teaches something which seems to contradict what you have learned from the DVDs ask the teacher (after class) about it…teachers should always be able to give a clear reason why they teach what they teach and the way they teach it…if not then find a different teacher …and "because it is tradition"or “because that is the way my teacher did it” are not good enough answers.

#3

Some classes and teachers and styles handle mixed levels and new students with greater aplomb than others. This should be something the student pays attention to as it often speaks volumes of the teacher, venue, training, et al.

When you go to the class perhaps select a spot toward the back of the room (some feel more comfortable there out of the limelight of the front) and use the opening sequence to clarify why you are there. Refine that intention, making it crystal clear.

Then find the joy in the practice. There really isn’t anything at all to have reservations about, assuming there’s actually yoga going on in the place you have chosen.

#4

Hi Cindy,

I don’t think, you need any preparation for a class where beginners are welcome. Just make sure you have comfortable clothes and all the accessories you need to bring (mat, towel).

How is your practice going? Do you develop any aches and pains or do you feel good with what you do? I am practising since a year and one thing I learned is just so important: Never ever push, you just don’t get anywhere by touching your toes. It is more important that you turn up healthy and with an open mind rather than with an injury (I am talking from painful experience!!)

Have fun!

#5

Cindy… no one cares about how you look in the class:) maybe only teacher does.
Everyone is so concentrated on their practice, so no one will look and judge on you:) Try to enjoy your yoga class and concentrate on your body and teacher’s instructions

#6

Thank you everyone for your responses, they make me feel more confident about my first class. I apologize for my late reply - my internet was out the past few days.

So far my at home practice is going fairly well. I do respect my body’s current flexibility limitations and try not to go beyond what my body is telling me is right on the day. The only current issue I am having is that I do have some soreness in my wrists during plank and downward dog. I try to practice 4-5 days a week, but this morning realized that my wrists really needed a day off.