If you’re new to yoga, it can be difficult to know what you can do to get the most out of your class or what the usual etiquette is. The number one tip is to not worry about these things. Relaxing and going with the flow is the best thing you can do to get the most out of your yoga practice but we know that’s easier said then done so here are some tips to help you.
Choose the Right Class
It sounds obvious but if you choose a yoga style that doesn’t suit your personality then you’re never going to get as much out of it as a class that’s more suitable for you. Some people are fond of saying that Hatha YogaÂis the best class for beginners but that isn’t always the case because beginners are so varied in their preferences and needs. Instead, talk to your chosen yoga centre, hopefully us at The Float Spa, about what you’d like to get out of your yoga practice and which sort of activities you generally enjoy so they can advise you on the best yoga style for you.
Find the Best Time to Practice
Traditionally, the best time to practice yoga is in the early morning to prepare you for your day or in the evening to unwind after your day but, really, you can practice yoga at any time that suits you. It’s worth trying yoga at different times to find out which feels best for you.
Listen to your Body
Once you start your chosen yoga class, it’s vital to listen to your body as you’re trying the different postures. We don’t have mirrors in our studio because we know that the important part is how it feels rather than how it looks. You should never push yourself too hard no matter what style of yoga you choose and you can challenge yourself without doing anything to risk causing a problem. This is why listening to your body is so important. It lets you know where your personal limits are so you can decide whether to try a more difficult posture or to stick with an easier version.
Use Props if Needed
A way to adapt postures or movements that are difficult for you is to use props like blocks and straps. Never be reticent in using them as they will help you to develop your practice without putting unnecessary strain on any part of your body.
Don’t Worry about Other People
Something that leads people to push themselves too hard in class or to not use a prop when they need one is watching other people in the class and comparing. Competition with other people is never the goal in yoga and it’s something people might need to work at to avoid. If you know you have a competitive nature and find yourself comparing your performance in class to other people, try taking a position at the front of the class so you can simply focus on yourself and the teacher. Yoga is about working with your own body in a way that suits you.
As everyone is different, people will find different ways to get the most of out of their yoga practice so these tips are just a guideline that might be helpful to beginners. If you want more personalised advice, don’t be shy in asking your yoga teacher about how to make the class work best for you especially if you have a particular concern you want to address. You are also welcome to speak to one of our team about our yoga classesÂon 01273 975679.
