Each of us has at least once invited a friend to join him in a yoga class. If we exclude those standard prejudices related to any new physical activity, we can single out a couple of doubts or doubts that most often occur in beginners.
THE “WEIRD” ATMOSPHERE or YOGA IS BORING
The first contact with more experienced yoga students as well as with the venue of classes can often confuse beginners. Complete silence or quiet ambient music; skillful “warm-up” of already experienced exercisers – are the most common situations we find in the gym. As the first part of the class is usually reduced to “withdrawal from the outside world”, everyone in that context finds their own way of connecting with their interior.
The instructor can provide you with guidance in this direction, such as: to sit or lie on your back straight, to be aware of breathing, body-floor contact, etc.…
It is important not to be attached to the first external impressions, but to try to “dive” with full attention into yourself, feel your body, relax and thus adequately prepare for all the benefits of the hour that follows.
Slowly, as you learn to connect with your breath, you will perform the asanas more easily and with more confidence. You will gradually adopt an increasingly stable balance and easily move through the positions as you stretch and strengthen muscle tones. It takes a little time and patience until you get used to it and be regular in class.
Don’t be prejudiced about yoga if you have tried only one style, one instructor or school. Today, there are many different styles of exercise so that everyone can find the right one. Practice in several places and take some time to feel which type of yoga suits you best. 🙂
Water during class – YES or NO?
You may feel tired and thirsty and have to stop for a while. In that situation, a sip of water and a short rest in yoga positions like Tadasana, Virasana, or Balasana will help you. In the first lessons, it would be best to sit somewhere in the back so that you have a good view of more experienced exercisers. Do not allow yourself to dehydrate and then drink a lot of water at once. This can have a counter effect, and instead of feeling fresh and ready to continue exercising, you will feel bloated and heavy. It’s all a matter of discipline… And that problem will be solved over time and harmonized with your regular attendance at classes.
Obsession: AM I BREATHING PROPERLY?
Excessive breathing can often discourage beginners. Proper breathing during transitions through positions is a process that requires a lot of practice and experience. It’s not scary if you can’t follow the instructor’s lead and pace. Be sure that even more experienced exercisers who do asanas very well do not always succeed. It is quite normal to “lose” the harmonious flow of breathing from time to time. That is why this “unusual” preparation at the beginning of the class is important. So, just go back to the course of the exercise. Also, one of the common mistakes that beginners make is excessive breath holding because it can affect rapid fatigue and a feeling of exhaustion instead of the opposite – a light flow of breath and movement.
Discouragement or excuse: I WILL NEVER SUCCEED IN THIS
Be gentle with yourself and don’t burden yourself if you can’t do everything according to the instructions or in accordance with other exercisers. When you learn to breathe deeply from your stomach, become aware of your body and its possibilities, you will already have a good basis for entering more advanced positions (strength and balance exercises).
Listening to your body more deeply will make it start listening to you as well. You will feel more and more control and deeper harmony between your mind, spirit, and body.