Yoga - A Beginner's Guide to Getting Started
- Jessica Hildebrand
- Aug 3, 2021
- 6 min read
I started practicing yoga a couple months shy of turning 45. I was not active. I was not flexible. I honestly started as a way to ease in to some kind of workout routine eventually because I knew I needed to do something. Here I am, a little over 2 years later & I'm a certified/Yoga Alliance registered teacher! The journey to teaching is a whole other story, but the point is, I fell in love with yoga.
With movement & breath, it creates an incredible mind/body connection. If offers many proven health benefits, including reduced stress, pain relief, flexibility, & strength, just to name a few! If you're interested in reading a little more about this, I've compiled a list that's fairly easy to get through here - https://www.doyogawithjess.com/post/the-benefits-of-yoga-in-case-you-were-wondering-what-all-the-hype-s-about
Ok, we've established that your new idea to take up yoga is a great one. But now what? Because, this is definitely exciting, but it can also be super intimidating. I remember that part very well! So, let me see if I can help.
1. Get your basics/what to bring
Props -
Many studios will have props there for you to use until you decide you're all in & ready to invest in your own. But not everyone is comfortable using community props. As a beginner you will definitely need a mat, & I would strongly suggest blocks as well. You can pick these up for pretty cheap on Amazon. I would also like to mention, if you have trouble being on your knees, go for a thicker mat! It makes ALL the difference in your practice! My first thick mat was this one, around $20!
I also purchased a set of blocks that included a strap. The strap isn't absolutely necessary, but its great to have & since I knew I definitely needed the blocks, the strap was a nice bonus! I can't find the exact link to mine, but anything similar will work! Around $10!
Yoga bolsters or cushions can also be great, but they're a little pricier. For now, you can always take a blanket that you can roll or fold up if needed. Those trendy Mexican blankets are perfect! This isn't a must have for a first class. If you have it great, take it just in case. But if you don't, attend a class & see if you think you might need one next time!
Or, if you want, you can purchase a complete starter set for less than $40! Something like this is great!
Towel -
I recommend a small towel if its a Power Flow or Hot Yoga class, or if you just tend to break a sweat easily!
Water -
Don't forget your water! You may not end up needing it, but you'd rather have it in case you do!
2. Decide what kind of yoga class you want to attend
If you check out the schedule at a local studio you can quickly become overwhelmed by the choices & talk yourself out of going to any classes at all because you have no idea what is what. Hatha, Vinyasa, what heck is that?! Your best bet at this point is to find a Beginner's class. You need to learn the basics first.
If after you spend some time going to a beginner's class you decide you want to check out some other options, take a few minutes to research that. I have put together a blog post that explains many of the different types of classes out there!
Not all yoga is for everyone. For example, I prefer a slow flow. I don't want a class to be fast paced & super strenuous. I NEED to relax. I went to a Hot Yoga class once. It was only my 3rd yoga class ever. I'm pretty sure I almost died in that class! I know people that swear by it, absolutely love it. I am NOT one of them lol! So see what type of class interests you before just jumping in to one. Or maybe you aren't sure, or can't decide between a few different styles. After you get a little more comfortable going to your beginner classes, take a few different types & see which ones you prefer.
If you read through that & still have questions, feel free to email me - yogawithjess1001@gmail.com!
3. Be prepared
Arrive at least 15 minutes early
You will already be nervous enough. You do not want to be rushing in frantically at the last minute, the only spot left being front & center. This will only add to your nerves. Plan to be there early enough to set up your mat & props, along the side or back if that makes you feel better. Sit on your mat for a few minutes just getting familiar with the space, the vibe, & allowing yourself to relax a little.
Silence your phone
No one will judge you if you accidentally forget, but it will embarrass you. That's just how we are in the beginning lol!
Shut off your comparison instinct
Its your practice, your body. Everyone's practice will NOT look the same. Some are naturally more flexible than others. Some get more flexible with time, some never see the flexibility that ends in splits or backbends. THAT IS OK. The tricky poses are NOT the point of yoga.
Most of our bodies can do do more or less depending on the time of day it is. We tend to be tighter early in the morning. So, just be prepared to accept where you are & appreciate what your body CAN do. Not everyone can do every thing & no one expects you to. Yoga is a non-judgmental practice. Everyone is welcome & no one expects perfection. Forget the perfectly polished version of yoga we often see portrayed on Instagram. Close your eyes when you can, breathe, & enjoy how the practice feels.
Stop any time, & as many times as you need to
If you get tired or winded, if your wrists of knees or ankles need a break, or maybe you get a little dizzy in inversions... its ok, take a break! Again, no one judges for this. Go to a resting pose - child's pose (you will learn that!), or just lying on your belly or your back - & just breathe until you're ready to rejoin. They're called resting poses for a reason!
Don't be afraid to take a restroom break if you need to
Exit & return quietly. You're only human.
4. If in person classes aren't for you, try a home practice
There are SO many beginner videos on youtube! It can be especially helpful to find a beginner's yoga challenge so you aren't spending time looking for a new video each morning, or each time you practice. Here are a few from some of my favorite teachers!
Fightmaster Yoga - Her challenges are listed along the bottom, there are a couple for beginners - https://www.youtube.com/c/Fightmasteryoga/playlists
Yoga with Adriene - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBu-pQG6sTY
Yoga with Bird - She has tons of 5-10 minute beginner videos - https://www.youtube.com/c/YogaWithBird/playlists
That said, please know that even 5-10 minutes a day or a few times a week is enough to get started. If you take on a 10, 20, 30 day beginner's challenge & you can't do it every day, THAT'S OK! Maybe Monday you do Day 1, Wednesday you do Day 2, & you can't get to Day 3 until Saturday, don't give up. Just getting on your mat to practice when you can is what's important!
NOW.... if after all of this, you are still feeling too intimidated to get started on your own, I have a FREE 6 day beginner's course coming soon!
This is SO doable, I promise! You will receive daily emails linking you to private, members only videos. They will be approximately 10-15 minutes, covering 2 poses per day. I will show you the poses, guide you in to & through them, & offer modifications & adjustments for each one. And you can watch, & work through them in the privacy of your own home, at YOUR convenience.
How easy is that?! And I promise - Its COMPLETELY FREE!
I am available to private message or email any time you have questions, & I have a private facebook group for anyone that wants to join in on the discussions throughout! Even if you don't want to sign up for the course, the group is a great source of information, inspiration & community!
But if you think you want to take that first step with me, even if you just watch to see what its all about, you can signup here -
Namaste!
Jess
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