Yoga- what to expect?

[Deleted]

I work out all the time but I am taking yoga for the first time. I have a yoga mat. I am not very flexible.

[cahabalily]

It depends entirely on the type of yoga and your studio. I practice vinyasa and love my studio and instructors. They always ask about existing injuries and trouble areas, and gear the class towards helping those.

[papie]

What kind of yoga? My only advice is to take it easy and not push too much in the stretches. The first time I took yoga, I was all "oh, I can do this. And this, and that. I rock!" and then I couldn't walk the next day.

[beebeeeater]

A big part of yoga is letting go of expectations, but since you're a beginner, I'll give you a pass on that this time. I've been practicing yoga for about a decade and am a yoga teacher, so if you have any more specific questions I can try to help you out.

Are you going to a Basic class? I'd recommend making sure to be hydrated. Let the teacher know you are brand new and inform them of any injuries you may have. There will likely be people of all different levels in your class, so put your mat somewhere in the middle/back of the room and keep your eyes on the instructor or someone who has a more advanced practice. Most of all, commit to cutting yourself some slack. It's not a competition AT ALL, so don't feel like you have to "measure up" to what someone else is doing.

Don't worry about how agile you are (or aren't!) - yoga is a lot more about mental dexterity than physical flexibility.

[Deleted]

Aug 14, 2012 9:12:46 GMT -5 papie said:

What kind of yoga? My only advice is to take it easy and not push too much in the stretches. The first time I took yoga, I was all "oh, I can do this. And this, and that. I rock!" and then I couldn't walk the next day.

Power yoga!!

[janegold]

It really depends on the class and instructor. Yoga can be very slow and relaxing or very vigorous and challenging. Regardless of the type you are taking, I assume you'll be at a beginners or all-level class so the instructor should be good about explaining proper form and offering modifications to make poses harder or easier.

On your first class, try your best to focus on form and don't push yourself into trying more difficult options. Just go at your own pace and rest in child's pose whenever you need it. Don't compare yourself to anybody else.

ETA: Power yoga will likely be fast-paced and challenging. It tends to focus a lot on strength. You can certainly do a power yoga class for your first but I would also really try to get to a basics class and learn proper form, terminology, basic vinyasa flow, etc.

[beebeeeater]

I wouldn't recommend power yoga to someone who has never done yoga before AND has limited flexibility.

If you're determined to try it I would say just be sure that you don't over-do things. It's easy to get carried away in thinking you can stretch *just that much further* and then wake up the next morning unable to put your pants on by yourself.

[Deleted]

Aug 14, 2012 9:21:27 GMT -5 beebeeeater said:

I wouldn't recommend power yoga to someone who has never done yoga before AND has limited flexibility.

If you're determined to try it I would say just be sure that you don't over-do things. It's easy to get carried away in thinking you can stretch *just that much further* and then wake up the next morning unable to put your pants on by yourself.

I figured that. I defiantly won't get carried away. I know I am not flexible.

[Deleted]

Queefing. Expect to hear queefing.

[Deleted]

Power yoga is the most work. Although if you have trouble relaxing and aren't good at meditating it's actually a good place to start. Just be patient with yourself and don't try to push too much. If something hurts pull back a bit, if you need a break, go into child's pose for a bit and don't forget to breathe!

There are still times where I can't get some of the postures to work even though last week they took no effort at all. It's really strange.

[Deleted]

oh! And grab a couple of blocks from the room to use. It does make some of the positions easier until you get comfortable with what they should feel like.

[Deleted]

Aug 14, 2012 9:38:38 GMT -5 @randomcdn said:

Power yoga is the most work. Although if you have trouble relaxing and aren't good at meditating it's actually a good place to start. Just be patient with yourself and don't try to push too much. If something hurts pull back a bit, if you need a break, go into child's pose for a bit and don't forget to breathe!

There are still times where I can't get some of the postures to work even though last week they took no effort at all. It's really strange.

I have alt of trouble relaxing so it's probably be good fr me.