Thinking about joining a yoga class in January? Here’s what to expect…
It’s a new year - you might be setting intentions to focus on your wellbeing this year, so January might be the right time for you to explore yoga! Christmas and New Year celebrations can leave us feeling physically, mentally, emotionally depleted. December can leave us feeling over-fed (those cheeseboards and Quality Streets were fun for a while), overwhelmed (your socialising battery is flat), over-indulged (Prosecco at 8am only feels good for so long) and over-tired (late nights and lie ins can really affect our mood). Starting a new hobby, exercise or activity might be the boost you need to get back to a routine and bring your body and mind back into balance. If you’re thinking about starting your yoga journey, read on about what to expect in my yoga classes…
If you’re new to my yoga classes in Coalville, you’ll probably be wondering - is it for me? Will I be able to do it? What do I wear? Will everyone look at me?
It’s normal to have some reservations and worries when you start something new. But remember these things:
Nobody is an expert in yoga (not even your teacher, i.e. me): Yoga looks and feels different for everyone. Each person in the room will look different in a pose, and that’s ok! It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong, and it does not mean someone else is better or worse. During a yoga class, each person is focusing on their breath, their body, the teacher and honestly they’ve not got time or inclination to look at what others are doing. Beginners yoga classes are great, but what’s also great is to immerse yourself in a class where students have been practising for a while. Everyone was a beginner at some point and everyone will support you as you learn and evolve.
You don’t need to be flexible! - Every time someone new comes to class, they tell me they are ‘not very flexible’. In truth, not many people are naturally flexible and our flexibility reduces as we age. Yoga might help you feel more flexible, and it might not! Yoga is about so much more than being able to touch your toes or whilst we’re at it - stand on one leg! So if you find balance difficult you’re also not alone. Yoga helps us to understand and appreciate our bodies more, so hey you might never touch your toes but you might feel that your hamstrings feel less tight, or that you’re more aware of your posture whilst you’re working, or you might notice the subtle changes in your body when you feel stressed. THIS is what yoga gives you, and it’s worth far more than being bendy.
Everyone is on their own journey: People come to yoga for different reasons - for the relaxation, the stillness, the quiet, the movement, the time to themselves. As you practise more you’ll see just how yoga benefits you personally, you will notice the elements you love and you’ll take from it whatever you need in your life. You’ll find students of all ages and abilities at my classes.
Yoga can and should be adaptable: If you have a health or mobility concern, you can share that with me and we can work together to make sure your practice feels good in your body. The most important thing is to realise that if you need to move in a different way to others, or maybe take more rests or breaks - this is absolutely what yoga is about. We never push ourselves to the limits, we respect our bodies first and foremost so if your body needs to move differently that is exactly what you should do.
You don’t need fancy gear or to look the part: Yoga is an invitation to opt out of the world for a while and as such, to opt out of worrying about what you look like, what brands you’re wearing or how expensive your yoga mat is… if these things are important to you that’s ok too, everyone is welcome to wear what they wish. Comfort is key. In January, bring layers to wear so you can adjust your temperature as we move our bodies.
Yoga is a learning process: If you’ve never practised before, know that everything you learn and practise in yoga will come together eventually. Your first class can feel daunting, especially if others have more experience, but don’t worry about doing it wrong. There’s a lot to think about and the asanas or poses we practise can take time to feel right in your own body. I’ll guide you to align your body and listen inwards, avoiding discomfort. In time, tuning into your breath and moving your body into these poses will feel as natural as walking.
If you’re ready to give yoga a try, contact me for an informal chat or book your first class. It might just be the first step that changes your life.