First time yoga class

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hi everyone Im new here. I have been doing yoga at home for 3 to 5 times a week for 5 weeks now. Its been very relaxed and nothing to intense. Im starting slow and one of the reasons is that Ive had a broken leg and have knee and back problems.

I feel a little disapointed after going to my first yoga class tonight. It was very exhausting and the instructor hardly mentioned modifications for beginners. The class went very fast compared to what I had been use to. I never felt that my breath was connected to any of the moves making it more difficult to do some of the poses. I felt like we moved in and out of poses to quickly, but what do I know. The first half of the class was upbeat and then a slow down which is probably normal. I was just so busy trying to keep up that I really didnt get anything out of it. I need the relaxation along with the physical workout. Im not sure if I should go back or check out another class in a nearby town. There are only two places in my area that offer yoga. I almost doubt that the instructor tonight was liscensed.

I would appreciate thoughts from others about this. I really need someone who can work with me a little on this, but dont see it happening with this instructor. Also I would love recommendations on yoga dvd’s and that I could do at home even instructors. Thanks everyone :wink:

#2

Same thing has happened to me. Every class situation is different to a home practise session. I used to lose my rhythm in class. However you need to remember that a class (at times) has to cater to w aide range of students…what suits some may not suit others.
I would advise to go to the class again…with the idea that it cant be the same as it is at home but its still yoga!!! If after a couple more classes you still dont like it maybe try another class. The teacher is the invaluable source to help you on your journey

#3

In your text you ask “…what do I know” referring to yourself and your perception of the class you attended. What you know is how you feel, and ONLY you know that. When it is not clouded by a masquerading ego what you feel is the single most important element of an asana practice.

To your question on this particular class…
There are two points. The first is that a class has to suit the person. The second is that pace and feeling are inversely related. The faster one moves the less the chance of feeling. Of course the skill of feeling is just that, a skill. Therefore it can be refined. However that refinement does not change the inverse nature of the relationship mentioned above.

So perhaps your specific needs mandate a slower paced class. Perhaps this class did, in fact, move too fast for one reason or the other - either by its very design or by your perception.

Going back to class is fine. Three times is a good sample as long as you are really paying attention to your feelings and not letting your mind get in the way. If after that you are not feeling nourished then an adjustment to the practice would be a sound course of action.

gordon

#4

Thanks guys. I will try the class several more times then go from there. I will try talking to the teacher. I tried talking to her after class but she was busy. Im having killer back pain so at much as I am loving this I may have to slack off for a bit or maybe maybe just do poses that are supposed to be healing for the lower back. I will probably avoid bending and twist. I really love yoga so far, and this website is nice!

#5

I’m also new here, and this seems an appropriate thread to make my first post.

About a year ago, I had knee surgery. Then earlier this year (March) I had a tibial spine fracture, though thankfully the ligaments remained intact. While I was doing PT, there were some exercises that were distinctly yoga-esque. So about 3 months ago I started yoga, and went to my first class.

Well. While the teacher was appreciative of me letting her know my limitations, it seemed she really only checked up on me at the end of class. (How did it go? How does the knee feel?) I felt a bit confused and lost, and I had mentioned it was my first class ever.
I tried a different class at the same studio but with a different teacher, and it was night and day. This teacher consistently asks DURING class how things are feeling, and she’s really proactive about offering modifications, and assists in some stretches. I absolutely love it. And I have no doubt that practicing these last few months have had positive effects on my knees, as I can tell I have greater flexibility and range of motion. (Though I still can’t do Hero & Child’s pose).
I would say to try a different teacher at your same studio, or try the other one. You may need a “gentle” yoga class or something that’s not as fast paced as the one you did first. Actually, one of the things I’ve loved about yoga so far are the seemingly infinite variations and styles available, which makes it easy to find something that’s right for me and my recovery.

#6

Hello kyogagirl64!!

I’m studying yoga in India, I’ve been here for more than 5 months and I can tell you that yoga can be so dagenrous for beginners, actually most of us are beginners. So, to start you should first find a good teacher who can really help you, someone who is teaching by his experience and not by books, even if the teacher is liscensed as you mention.

Standing poses, but well done, are good for your knee and back problems. The only thing I can do it’s just suggest you the place I’m learning yoga, which is called “hiyogacentre” , to learn it you should come to India but maybe you don’t want so they sell DVD’s if you want to check it out.

Anyway, I wish you find what you are looking for, be happy!!

#7

I Joined yoga teacher training program offered by Arhanta yoga.

Today I attended my first yoga class. A few years ago, I would never have imagined myself doing so, but lately I've been more open to trying new things.

Only a few months back, I attended my first yoga class.

It was a very hot day and the sun was shining brightly. We were in the park, laying our mats in a line on the grass while the instructor gave us instructions.

The instructor was very patient and she explained everything clearly. She had a soothing voice which made this experience all the more pleasant.

We started off by doing some breathing exercises. At first it was hard for me to relax and focus on what I was doing as I was surrounded by strangers and also because I felt like I couldn't do it right. However, after a while it became easier and I started enjoying myself and feeling more confident.

#8

You can relax and take a break whenever you need to and it’s not weird at all. If something is hurting, don’t be afraid to back out of the pose and let the teacher know. Don’t push yourself too hard on your first class- remember everyone is on their own journey :slight_smile: have fun!