The Yoga Experience for First Timers

People tend to be initially skeptical when they attend their first class in yoga. They may think that the required positions which they have to bend their bodies into are quite impossible. They may also wonder how all the twisting and turning will give them a better sense of well-being.

Some people may feel that they are too old or too out of shape to sit on the floor like pretzels. A first time experience may leave an individual feeling quite overwhelmed but over time and after a couple of classes, this misconception is bound to change and you will understand that yoga is something that you want to keep as part of your life.

Attending a yoga class for the first time may leave you feeling somewhat inadequate. People all around you will have their bodies twisted in some of the most unimaginable postures. In your mind you’ll probably feel that its impossible to achieve this. Over time what you’ll end up realizing is that the person executing that complex pose started off in yoga, thinking the way that you’re thinking about them. Yoga is a flexible exercise and each person starts at their own pace. You’ll find everyone from beginners to advanced practitioners in your regular Yoga class. Remember that the most seasoned of these practioners once started in the beginner category. You may feel quiet uncomfortable but you should remember that yoga is an exercise that requires practice and as you continue, you’ll most likely achieved your desired flexibility. The only thing that is likely to affect your own progress is your own mind. Keep it open and you will learn.

You should think about different things during your first yoga experience. The first of these things is that you shouldn’t bother about how you or other people look. Sometimes you may feel like the strangest person in the exercise arena if you aren’t able to master a single pose in one session. Never force a pose, each time your practice you should think about how your body is bending and you will get closer to achieving your goal. Don’t think you’ll get it right the first time around and don’t feel bad because someone did it effortlessly. Over time you’ll be able to achieve the same thing.

Yoga is a powerful workout. During the first experience you may feel somewhat light-headed. The fact that the room is heated and your physical movements may result in this. Don’t leave the room or become discouraged. Just lie down until you feel better and forget about missing any poses. Rejoin when you feel better.

Emotions may also come into play in your first class. You may want to laugh or cry, you may feel happy or angry. Yoga helps release the energy that your body is full of so you can enter a more meditative state. People feel strange sensations while carrying out their postures and it is all quite normal. Anyone with a previous injury may feel some pain or stress as if they have been injured. What is happening in reality is that your body is healing the old injury.

Whatever feelings you experience in your first yoga sessions, you should let go of them so you can get the best out of yoga. Remember that it is a continual process with immense benefits for both mind and body. It isn’t only about postures but mind as well. Remember this dual nature for a better yoga experience.

Darren Williger is an over-caffeinated, low carbohydrate eating, winemaking enthusiast who writes for MicroKarma.com, CoffeeZen.com, and PrimeYoga.com.