I love yoga, I freaking love yoga. Not only is it focused on relaxation, but also it helps you get in touch with your body. But it’s not just lying down for an hour breathing deeply, although most sessions end with savasana (or corpse pose). Yoga is about focusing on your prana (breathing) whilst you move through the poses. This not only helps you rid yourself of distractions, but it helps focus on the movements that your body is performing.
Another great thing about yoga is that you move at your own pace and comfort level. On a high lunge if everyone looks like they are way, way into it and you just can’t seem to get that low then don’t sweat it. Yoga should never be painful. So while the burn from the stretches is okay, if you feel like your leg is about to fall off or your head roll right off your body then make it a little easier for yourself.
On that notion, if it’s your first class make sure to get there early. That way you can talk to your teacher about any injuries you have and they could give you adjustments to certain poses. I know this from personal experience, because I have a wonky ankle. So because of said wonky ankle, I have to be a bit more cautious around certain poses. But in no mean shape of form should that scare you away from yoga. Yoga is a low impact activity; so that means it puts less pressure on your joints.
Another thing I know I was worried about was ‘oh my god what do I wear??’. Don’t sweat it. Literally, don’t sweat it. If you are doing hot yoga (Bikram) or it is the middle of July, then I’d suggest wearing sweat wicking clothing. Think Nike, Under Armor, or Lululemon. Tight, fitted clothing is best. But you don’t want to be pulling at the clothing during poses, because this can be dangerous. So think fitted, but where you are comfortable. I personally wear leggings I got from Gap’s athletic line GapFit, and a slim fit tee shirt or tank top. So even though I wear these clothes as normal clothes or to work out, it doesn’t mean that they are unfit to wear to yoga. But baggy clothes should be avoided. As I said before, you want to be comfortable but if you are pulling your shirt up during downward dog then that will affect your flow and your prana. So not Namaste. Also shoes and socks are not a problem because you practice barefoot; which was great because I got to show off my new pedicure.
Your equipment is also important. My gym provides equipment but if you are serious about getting into yoga I would advise in getting your own mat. My mat is by Lululemon, in olive green. Online they only have two colours, black and Berry Yum Yum. So I would go into a store because they have loads more colours.
Yoga is an easy thing to get into and sessions happen all the time. Plus the outfits you can wear to yoga are so totally cute. It is a calming way to stretch and strengthen muscles in a low impact, personally paced way.
With much love,
PbandJaney