Maybe you’re completely new to yoga, or perhaps you’ve started practicing at home, either way the prospect of starting a new yoga class can often feel daunting. I’ll be honest, fear meant it took me almost 2 years to take my home practice to a studio but I’m so glad I finally made it!
Here I aim to debunk some of the more common fears, and give you some practical tips to get you walking through the door to your first class.
| Fear | Reality |
| Everyone else will be super flexible | Yoga helps you develop flexibility, no one is expecting you to be an expert and everyone has been exactly where you are now at one point. Chances are even the teacher can’t do some of the crazy poses you see online |
| People will be watching and judging | Everyone is too busy worrying about what they look like to notice anyone else. If you’re still worried, choose a flow class where you move with the breath to flow from posture to posture, everyone will be to busy focusing on what they’re supposed to be doing to watch anyone else |
| I won’t be able to do the postures | All postures can be modified to make them accessible. Teachers are trained to layer the postures so you can work to the level that’s right for your body and props such as blocks and straps are great additions to assist you in postures |
| But I don’t have a “yoga body” | Yoga is for EveryBody. The internet provides an airbrushed version of yoga, with thin, young bronzed goddesses (and gods) contorted into impossible poses – it’s far more likely your class will include people from ages 16-80 of all different shapes, sizes and abilities. Your body is exactly as it should be to do yoga |
| I’m the only person in the room that will feel nervous | Firstly, those nerves quickly fade away when the class and location become familiar. Secondly, teachers often feel nervous standing in front of a room full of people sharing their practice and knowledge with you, they’re looking for your approval and genuinely care about you having a great experience |
| What if I don’t know any of the postures | Teachers will talk you into postures and provide alignment cues. Practice breeds familiarity – yes it may feel all new on your first class, but you’ll quickly start to recognize many key postures that appear in the majority of classes, all it takes is a few weeks |
Tips to get you started
Go with a friend
They call it safety in number for a reason. By going along with someone else, you know you’ll have at least one friendly face in the room and someone to talk to before and after class
Get there early
There’s nothing worse than arriving late, feeling flustered and having to find an available space when it’s a class you don’t know. Aim to get there 10 minute before class so you have time to get settled and familiarise yourself with the space
Let the teacher know it’s your first time
Most teachers will notice new faces and ask you about your experience, but it never hurts to have a quick chat before class. They’ll take care of you and make sure you feel comfortable and welcome
Try not to take it too seriously
Everyone in the room, teacher included, is only human. You’re allowed to smile, laugh and have fun, no-one is expecting you to instantly morph into a super zen creature levitating above it all or keep a deadpan face throughout the class
I hope you have an amazing time at your first class. I’d love to hear about your experience ❤
Yoga Bunny UK 