As if finding the courage to get to your first yoga class isn’t hard enough. Often, once we actually step into the yoga studio when the real anxieties start creeping in! But worry not – we’ve all been there.
Here’s just a handful of what cropped up when us Yogaia-folk first took the plunge and stepped onto our mats:
It wasn’t me!
So you pushed back into Child’s Pose and accidentally let one rip? We’re betting no one even flinched. Farting is old news in yoga circles. Yoga can be great for getting things moving (let’s put it that way). We’ve all been there and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
Luckily, when you’re in one of our live or recorded classes you’ll never have to worry about anyone hearing when you accidentally let go!
I really wish I didn’t eat that…
Feeling stuffed in yoga class is miserable. Just consider it a lesson learnt! It’s best to avoid eating in the 2 hrs leading up to class if you can manage it. But a small snack like a banana or natural protein bar can help naturally boost energy levels so you don’t feel overly sleepy. And don’t forget to keep a bottle of water handy, too!
Find out what to eat before and after your next yoga class.
Why am I shaking like a polaroid picture…?
You might find parts of your body start shaking as you hold certain yoga postures. It feels a bit weird the first time the shakes set in but it’s nothing to worry about!
Different postures can work muscles in the body which have been out of action for a while. You’ll probably find this lessens over time as you start to build up strength.
Why the heck is there a Victoria’s Secret model in my class?
There’s always one. Don’t let the perfect yoga fairy at the front put you off your sweet moves. Just remember – yoga isn’t about what you’re wearing or how cool your mat is.
I just lived the longest 5 breaths of my life
Some poses (normally the slightly less comfortable ones) might feel like they go on forever. Holding Downward Dog for eternity is a scary thought, but it’s actually never going to happen.
Just try to breathe and relax into postures wherever you can. Some days are going to feel extra hard: that’s life. It’s all part of the journey – stick with it!
Are these people even human?
Flexibility comes with time. But it’s also something that some people have more than others. Just because you can’t bend your body into a peculiar shape doesn’t mean your practice is anything less than the person’s next to you.
Yoga is all about discovering your own limits and boundaries – there’s no need to worry about what anyone else is doing. Try to keep your attention on your own mat.
I’m going to fall flat on my face
Slippy hands and feet are totally normal. Gradually you’ll find that your grip improves and trust us, there’ll be a time when you don’t even think about it! You may also want to consider investing in a yoga mat that offers more for your hands and feet.
Ouch!
It’s completely normal for certain postures to feel uncomfortable or weird at first. You might even find you have muscles you never knew existed!
However, if you start to feel any pain or strange sensations be sure to back off. You’ll find some postures take some time to build up to, and that’s totally fine. You do you.
Being a newbie to anything is tough. But just remember this: We’ve all been a beginner once!
Yes, even that bendy Gisele-lookalike at the front! So take a breath, relax, fart away, and go with the ‘flow’… literally!
