MYTH BUSTING!
You do not need to be flexible to do yoga!
You do not need to wear expensive yoga gear
Nor do you need to be young, thin, stunning or fit
WHAT CLOTHES DO I WEAR FOR CLASS?
Clothing should allow for easy movement in all directions. In a Qld summer, you might be comfortable in shorts and a singlet, during the other seasons, tracksuit bottoms, yoga tight or leggings, a tee and maybe a light sweater – wear layers to keep yourself at a comfortable temperature. Yoga is done in bare feet.
WHAT YOGA EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?
Most studios have props (equipment) you can borrow such as mats, straps, blocks, bolsters and blankets but due to Covid, check with the studio.
When and if you decide to invest in your own gear, I recommend buying in a shop rather than online. Yoga mats come in different thicknesses, are made of different materials, some which smell quite strongly, some which are stickier than others. A thicker mat might suit you if you have sore knees or wrists. A sticky mat is good! It stops your hands and feet from sliding. The weight of the mat can also be a factor in your decision - I have an expensive non-slip yoga mat that I use for home practice but that I find a bit heavy to lug around.
IS YOGA RIGHT FOR YOU?
Find a class at a time that works for your schedule, then check with the teacher that the style of yoga is suitable for you and your health history or requirements. There are many different styles which means there should be a style that’s accessible for you.
If you have a health condition or recent injury that you are concerned about, contact the studio or teacher. A gentle yoga class could be a good starting point or a class specifically designed for beginners or seniors, for example. Consider checking with your GP or health specialist before starting a yoga practice.
COME TO A LOCAL CLASS
There are many benefits to attending a class in a studio particularly if you have aches, pains and injuries. A real live teacher in front of you can help you with finding a comfortable + safe stance for poses to avoid injury + so much more
Support a local business to help your community thrive
Practice in a neutral, ambient environment without distraction
Meet like-minded people in the community
Embrace the camaraderie by attending regularly to reap the multiple benefits of this ancient practice
Bring along a friend for accountability + the benefits of exercising with a chum
I'VE NO YOGA EXPERIENCE!
We have all gone to our first yoga lesson at some point! I’d recommend trying a class specifically for beginners, seniors, mums 'n bubs or whatever is relevant, to make you feel more at ease.
THE BENEFITS OF YOGA
Yoga isn’t just the poses (asanas). There are other parts to a yoga practice such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, meditation and more - you've perhaps read articles about mindfulness and meditation
Yoga may improve your sleep and increase your sense of happiness and well-being. Depending on the style you choose to try, yoga may build physical strength and stamina, calm the mind and improve your posture and balance.
THE START OF THE CLASS – ARRIVE EARLY
Arrive early for your first class to settle and complete a health intake form and chat with your teacher about any concerns you may have.
DURING CLASS - I’M TOO SORE OR STIFF TO GET UP AND DOWN OFF THE FLOOR
Try a chair yoga class – you can use the chair for the seated part of the class and to lean on during the standing part.
THE END OF THE CLASS - CAN I LEAVE EARLY?
At the end of in-person studio classes, there’s generally a guided breath practice, meditation or relaxation; it disturbs this process for the other participants if you start packing up to leave so ideally, please stick around to the end for the full benefit from the practice :-)
