kat180

I've organised a few of us to start yoga classes to get fit and help with stress of final yr of uni. But I've since found that my other two friends are really flexible and used to do gymnastic whereas Im really....not.

Im excited but now also little worried Ill now be the unfit, and look terrible next to them :S

mandatoryfun

I don't know, but my first yoga class is tomorrow! I'm majorly excited (although not that flexible or fit, either...), but I'll definitely let you know once I'm through with it!

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PixieCurl

One of the best things about Yoga is that you can get benefits from it regardless of your level. There is no "perfect pose" so you doing the best you can while maintaining good form will reap you the same benefits as your friends doing the best they can. And FWIW, a lot of form in Yoga is different from the form you learn in gymnastics. I'm a former gymnast and find that I had to change the way I did certain things for Yoga.

Let the instructor know that you're new, really focus on your breathing, and take breaks in child's pose whenever you need to. You'll get more comfortable the more you do it.

(I'm an instructor, BTW)

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Guide18

Pixie is right -- yoga is not competitive and you don't need to worry about whether you are better or worse than anyone else.

When I started yoga classes I was very stiff, and the teacher just helped me modify the poses for my level. Hopefully, you will have access to some props like straps and blocks that help "bring the floor closer" as my current teacher likes to say.

I hope you enjoy your classes!

kat180

Oh dear- my friend has just told me about how people fart in yoga

Its gonna be me. My life is just a series of embarrassing events :S

Now I really am nervous!

kat180

Oooo please let me know what its like and how you get on!

LoloDSM

I used to practice yoga regularly and one of my favorite things an instructor said is "there is no judgment in yoga." Don't worry about how flexible you are (or aren't). Just concentrate on your breathing and your body.

Yoga isn't about "performing" or being the best. The first time I did it, I almost cried because it was the first time in months that I didn't think about my lousy boyfriend, money, or my job. It's wonderful.

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RedCatWaves

If you're doing yoga correctly, you won't be looking at your classmates...you'll be too busy concentrating on your own form.

Don't eat for a few hours before class...a full belly is too uncomfortable and inhibiting anyway, and may bring on farting.

PixieCurl

Yes, this. Yoga should be practiced on an empty stomach. If you need, have something small like a piece of fruit an hour before class. I also always tell new people in my class that they should remove shoes/socks (if they don't already know) and I remind EVERYONE to make sure their cell phones are off or silent. Nothing spoils a class like a ringing cell phone. Also, plan to stay through the end of Savasana (final relaxation). If you really don't want to stay for it, leave before it even starts. Nothing's worse than people clanging around leaving the room while most of the class is in final relaxation.

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kat180

Thanks for the tips about food- I wasn't sure when was the best time to eat. My class is at 7.30 for an hour and a half so I might have a snack hour or so before hand and eat afterwards- that or have my proper meal at lunch time.

Ive got a couple of weeks yet- Im doing once get back to uni- need to get something to wear for it. I live and breath in jeans!

Guide18

Wear something fitted, not too loose. A t-shirt that flops in your face when you bend over will be distracting.

PixieCurl

Anything comfortable and not too baggy. Also dress in layers until you know how warm it will be in the studio. The studio I teach in is always freezing.

Enjoy!

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kat180

So I had my first yoga class 2nite!!! I really enjoyed it- didnt feel self conscious which is odd for me lol!

I feel all stretched out now and like I might be bit achy in the morning! I kinda feel like I was just going through the motions- rather than really understanding the breathing exercises and getting the right poses but Im hoping that will change once been few more times

Mandatoryfun- how was your class?

Magoo

I just started taking yoga classes again after being away from it for a couple of years and I had forgotten how much I LOVE it!!!

I swear I feel like jello when I leave and I also find that I carry over a lot of the stuff I learn in class into my everyday life, like the breathing and stress relief techniques.

I'm glad you liked your first class.

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burgundy_locks

happy u enjoyed it! ive been contemplating (only contemplating- not making any decisions) yoga. but i dont know y im so nervous about it. i guess im shy.

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kat180

I dont know that I really understand the breathing techniques- I was trying but I was just breathing normally- I dont get the difference

PixieCurl

For the breathing, you want to take slow deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling through the nose. As you exhale, make a soft sound with your breath as if you're breathing out a candle. As you inhale, allow your belly to expand, and as you exhale, relax your core. Those are the basics, and there are more advanced techniques from there.

The biggest thing is moving through the poses with your breath. For example, always inhaling into Warrior I, exhaling into Warrior II, always exhaling to downward dog, etc.

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TheSunshineState

PixieCurl - I enjoy yoga, but i never got peoples love of downward dog! It's aweful. That one pose can ruin my mindset for the class.

I just feel so uncomfortable in it. It's awkward and my hands and feet keep sliding apart. I would pass on it but it's a big part of alot of the sequences where your fluid.

Why does everyone love it so much?? Maybe I hate it because even when I try and touch my toes while sitting I can't even bend my torsoe forward one degree...

Just thought I'd let ya know that one person does exist in the world that HATES those pose with a passion.

PixieCurl

Are your hands and feet sliding apart because your mat isn't sticky enough? I'm not sure exactly what you mean.

Either way, everyone has their favorite and least favorite poses. I rarely hold downward dog for a long time in my classes, usually just flowing through it for one breath during a vinyasa (a little longer in the beginning of class, when I'm reviewing form for each pose).

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TheSunshineState

I thought it might be my mat but the same happens with the gyms yoga mats too.
My yoga teacher always refers to it as a resting pose. Maybe that's what I don't understand. Everyone else in the class thinks that it's a great pose to rest and regroup in. For me it's all hard work and irritation.