The ancient practice of yoga offers many benefits for the mind, body and soul, and it can be practiced by people of all fitness levels and life stages. However, if you have never tried yoga before, you might feel a little daunted by the sight of a super-flexible youngster in fancy leggings performing a headstand.
At our yoga facilities, we truly believe that the power of yoga should be accessible to everyone. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t fit, flexible or spiritual.
Here’s a clear-eyed guide on how to feel confident about starting yoga practice as a complete beginner.
Define what you want from yoga
Yoga can mean different things to different people: it is rooted in Indian philosophy and there are various styles. Some are slower and more meditative, while others are more dynamic and fitness orientated.
Whether you simply want to stretch and strengthen your body, focus on nurturing the connection between your mind and body and breath, or simply take an hour of your day to feel more grounded and present, there’s a yoga workshop for you.
Choose the right style of yoga for you
Once you’ve thought about what you want to get out of your yoga practice, choose a beginner friendly class that aligns with your goals and energy levels. Our friendly instructors will be very happy to give you some recommendations for classes that work for you.
Power Yoga
If your goals are fitness orientated and you want to build strength and stamina, then our all-levels Power Yoga class will suit you. Variations on the movements will be given, so the class is accessible to complete beginners. Power Yoga is based on Vinyasa Flow, which focuses on the dynamic linking of movement and breath.
Don’t worry about keeping up if you are just starting your fitness journey: you can rest during movements in the ‘Child Pose’, which involves kneeling and leaning forward with your buttocks on your heels and your forehead resting on the floor or your arms. This gently stretches your back and hip muscles as you focus on controlled breathing.
After a few classes, you will soon pick up the pace and rhythm of breath and movement, and start to notice the benefits such as greater suppleness and improved energy levels. If you are recovering from an injury or simply want to work at a slower pace, then our Slow Flow Power Yoga class would be the perfect option.
Yin Yoga
If you are looking for a slower and more meditative type of yoga, or want a counterbalance to Power Yoga classes, then you will enjoy our Yin Yoga class. The deep stretches are held for up to five minutes, giving you the mental space to really relax and declutter your mind from the daily clamour of emails, social media posts, and work deadlines.
The moves are all based from a sitting or lying position and the pace is slow, so wear soft comfortable clothing. As your mind and body become more aligned, you will begin to experience a wonderful sense of groundedness and emotional clarity.
Although it’s a quiet form of yoga, you will be making demands of yourself while also enjoying the revitalising effects on your mental and physical energy levels.
Focus on consistency rather than goals
When learning a new skill, many people set themselves goals and push to achieve them. However, if you are completely new to yoga, a consistent approach is the key. Let yoga meet you where you’re at in the beginning, rather than push yourself too hard. It’s about building up a relationship with your body at your own pace.
Focus on consistency, attending one or two classes a week and gently begin to build up your strength and stamina, rather than pushing yourself into more intense work. You will find that you will naturally advance as your mind and body become more resilient and flexible.
Find your people
An environment where you feel comfortable and supported really matters. Arrive a little early for your first class, so that you have time to settle in and speak to your instructors. Let them know about any injuries that you have and other concerns, and find a spot where you feel comfortable.
Remember that it’s normal to feel a little bit nervous at first – everybody does! But don’t worry, no one is judging you and it’s not about trying to do everything ‘perfectly’. You will find that all of our teachers are warm and down to earth, and focused on bringing out the best in everyone.
Don’t worry that you need to buy a lot of expensive kit or look a certain way: we will provide mats and props, or you can bring your own. Just wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and allow you to stretch and move easily, such as leggings or joggers and T shirt or a vest.
Simple yoga poses for beginners
You might want to practice a few simple poses before your first class (although it’s entirely up to you: we always take time to help newcomers settle in and make sure they have one-to-one attention).
Mountain pose
Mountain pose is a standing pose that focuses on aligning the crown of your head to your heels, with your shoulders and pelvis stacked. Let your arms hang naturally at your sides, and engage your quads and core. Feel the grounding of your feet, while encouraging your spine to lengthen.
Downward facing dog
Probably the most well known of all yoga moves, downward facing dog is a resting pose that you’ll return to several times during most classes. Start on your hands and knees, and spread your palms and fingers on the mat. Push your weight into your hands and heels and slowly lift your knees off the ground with your pelvis stretching towards the ceiling.
Receive more tips for beginners from us
If you’re ready to take the first step on your yoga journey, The Power Yoga Company may be the perfect match for you. Our qualified, sensitive and committed teachers offer over 50 classes a week at our leading London yoga studio.
Come along to one of our all-levels classes and get more of our essential yoga tips for beginners.
Book a yoga class today and let’s get your yoga journey started!