Let’s Talk About Starting Yoga & Why You May be Avoiding it
We all know that standard conversation we have when meeting new people and they ask: “what do you do?” When I respond by saying that I am a yoga teacher, the standard response is often: “Oh, yoga! I could never do yoga as I cannot reach my toes, or I am too stiff.”
Yet as a yoga teacher one of the most rewarding parts of what I do is teaching beginners. After the first session people who have never practiced yoga asana before, are doing yoga asana. After a beginner’s series, the growth is amazing to witness, and it really is an honour to be part of this journey with everyone who walks into the studio.
What are Common Hurdles to Starting Yoga?
Apart from the general “I’m too stiff” issue, there are many other issues that people experience which prevent them from starting yoga. The biggest problem is that many of these issues are not addressed as there is an element of shame that stands in the way of speaking out about how we feel. The result is that many people, who experience these hurdles, rather choose not to start yoga simply as a means of self-preservation.
I am here to talk about these issues and to shed some gentle light on why there should be no reason for anyone who feels called to try yoga, shouldn’t.
My Body is Not the Right Size
The pretense that yoga is made for a certain body type namely smaller and limber bodies. The trouble is that social media is full to the brim with this type of “yogi” and what this does is create self-doubt and that little inner voice says, “I don’t deserve to practice yoga, because my body doesn’t look like that”.
Well, let me just stop you right there and tell you that yoga is for EVERY body and in it’s essence, welcomes all onto the mat unconditionally. There are loads of studios out there who don’t care about what you look like and, when necessary, the teachers will help you find comfortable ways into postures, making them accessible to everyone.
I Am Too Old to do Yoga
I know many yoga practitioners who started yoga in their 50s and 60s. Some of these individuals are now doing handstands on a daily basis. I’m not saying that handstands should be everyone’s goal. What I am saying is that we should give our incredible bodies more credit. Most bodies respond extremely well to movement, and yoga can be particularly beneficial for those who want to address stiffness and improve general physical strength and balance. Alternatively, there are countless ways to mimic postures in a less physically demanding way – we do this by using chairs, walls, yoga blocks, straps, and anything else we can find. Yoga has no age limit.
I Must Be Able Bodied
This is definitely not true. Yoga can be made accessible to differently abled bodies. Once again, we have many tools that can assist us with getting into different poses and although they might not look like the postures you see on Instagram, it’s STILL yoga. What’s important is finding a studio that offers physical accessibility into the space as well making the practice itself as inclusive as possible.
I Don’t Understand the Language
If you have heard any yoga teacher speaking, you would have heard the sound of some foreign language and you might be thinking, “I don’t understand what they are saying, how will I know what to do?”
Well, the good news is that, although yoga teachers use this language known as Sanskrit, we also give clear, easy to understand instructions on how to get into the pose, followed by the English name for the pose. Before you know it, you will be familiar with the language, and this will be another hurdle out of your way.
I’m Not Zen Enough
Zen, alternative, spiritual – whatever you want to call it, you may think that you don’t fit into any of these categories and, therefore, yoga couldn’t possibly be for you.
Yoga is a form of movement and there are countless reasons someone would practice it. It has changed dramatically since its inception, and today, people practice yoga to get stronger, to challenge their bodies in different ways, to improve mobility or balance, or simply just to move. You don’t need to be a monk in the mountains to practice yoga.
My Lifestyle Choices are not Aligned with Yoga
Many people believe that you need to be vegan to practice yoga, or you need to live on cold-pressed juices and organic vegetables only. Once again, and I cannot stress this enough – yoga is for everyone. Your lifestyle choices are your choices to make, and it quite literally is nobody else’s business. Regardless of what your diet, belief systems, and extracurricular activities are, yoga is still yours to practice.
What Yoga can Offer You
The benefits to practicing yoga, like any form of movement, are broad. Movement and exercise, as we know, improves mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
Yoga, specifically in the beginning, helps to build strength as well as range of motion.
Long-term, it assists with proprioception (awareness of where our body is in space) and balance, which are especially important as we age.
Different types of yoga will focus on different physical and spiritual aspects.
Generally, yoga is also a mindfulness practice that tries to bring mindfulness onto the mat and into physical postures, that you can then take off the mat into day-to-day life, should you choose to.
If you are new to exercise, yoga can be a great and gentle way to get moving. If you already have an established exercise routine, yoga can be a great supplement to this, focusing on something different.
The truth is, there are many types of yoga that are suitable to all. Part of the process is finding the type of yoga that best suits you and your needs. For example, if we look at running as a form of exercise, some people run races, some marathons, some ultramarathons, and some only trail. Yoga is the same in that there is a variety of types to suit your need and these needs may change as you change, so go with your own flow.
So, how do You Get Started?
Firstly, decide what type of yoga you are looking to start; something strong, something a little more flowy, something to make you sweat, something gentler.
Look for a beginner class or a beginner’s series. Beginners’ series are great as you work with the same group for a period, you learn together and grow together. In my upcoming beginner’s series, I will look at breaking down the barriers between you and yoga by addressing the following:
· Demystifying props
o Props are useful tools to make yoga accessible to everyone
· Demystifying the idea that yoga is only for smaller bodies
· Foundation building to give you more confidence in your practice
· Developing familiarity with pose names
· Introducing breath and how it works together with movement
If you are not sure contact the teacher from the studio that appeals to you and ask questions about the type of yoga, the studio philosophy to see if there is a natural fit. If not, try another; just because one type of yoga or studio does not work for you – this does not need to be the end of your yoga journey – try other styles, teachers, and studios until you find what works for you. You have the power to choose where you want to start your practice.
Additionally, yoga should be about establishing a warm and friendly community. So, if community is important to you – look for a studio that fosters this.
Lastly to lend from Nike – Justdoit! There is no loss in trying something new. Even if it did not work for you. You build resilience by taking yourself out of your comfort zone.
All About Yoga – Yoga Studio in Cape Town
My upcoming Beginner’s series workshop aims to bridge the gap between you and your yoga practice by providing a safe, fun, accessible learning environment for all to enjoy.
It will run over a course of 5 weeks, with one class a week, focusing on building knowledge, strength, and confidence.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the workshop, or if you would like to book your spot!