New to yoga? Most people have so many questions when they first come to yoga that they don’t know where to begin. Here, at Angela Elliott Yoga, we offer up some of the most common questions and answers.
1. How to find the right yoga class
Some modern yoga classes are very strenuous. Others are relaxing and gentle. As a beginner, seek some lower key yoga classes designed for those new to yoga (Beginners yoga). Once you feel more confident, you can begin branching out and finding the style of yoga that’s just right for you and your body. Some people also prefer to attend private yoga sessions before joining a class environment.
2. I am not flexible - can I still do yoga?
Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like saying you are too hungry to eat. When you first start out please take your time and do what feels good for you. You are not in competition with anyone else, yoga is an individual experience that we practice together in a class environment. We can always improve our flexibility no matter our age, fitness level or size.
3. What do I need to bring to class
All you really need to begin practicing yoga is your body, your mind, and a bit of curiosity. But it is also helpful to wear comfortable clothes that you can easily move about in and feel warm enough in for relaxation. No special footwear is required because you will be barefoot. As your practice develops you might want to buy your own yoga mat, but most studios such as ours will have mats and other props available for you.
4. Studio Etiquette
Please arrive a few minutes early and always tell the yoga teacher if you are suffering from any illness or injuries. It is important to silence or switch off your mobile phone.
Your yoga practice is a great time to slow down and calm all the mental chatter so allow yourself this time to rest and relax.
5. Do I need to book my space
YES! Most yoga studios require booking in advance in order to secure a space. At Angela Elliott Yoga we also recommend booking your class. This is important for a couple of reasons, firstly you know you will not be turned away if the class is too busy and secondly if the class needs to be cancelled it will be easy for the teacher to email everyone that has booked in. Our booking system is easy to use - you can select pay in class or pay online, you can also cancel your class or reschedule. In 2018 we introduced a mobile app that makes booking and keeping up to date with things very easy. Here you will find steps on how to become a member and use our booking system.
6. How many times should I practice Yoga
Ideally, yoga is meant to be a daily practice. As that is quite overwhelming to a beginner, we recommend you set a goal you can realistically keep. Consistency is the key—it’s far better to attend one class per week without fail than to attend four classes one week, none for the next two weeks, one the next week, etc. The more you practice, the better you will feel, and the more you will want to practice. We have a video library if you would like to watch one of our yoga videos and create a home practice.
7. what benefits should I experience from yoga
Many people seek out yoga due to feeling overwhelmed by life or feeling very stressed. Thankfully by simply taking the time to slow down, focus on proper breathing we can carve out a beautiful space to let our mind and body relax.
Please keep In mind that yoga is about baby steps, we must crawl before we can walk and walk before we can run. We stress the non-competitive nature of yoga and invite you to make the practice your own, — honoring your body and doing what is best for you—not forcing yourself into a shape that you aren’t ready for. This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.
8. Should I eat before practicing yoga
In yoga practice we twist from side to side, turn upside down, and bend forward and backward. If you have not fully digested your last meal, it will make itself known to you in ways that are not comfortable. We recommend a 2-3hr window from eating a meal and then practicing yoga. If its just a light snack then 30mins should feel fine.
9. Is Yoga a religion?
Yoga is a philosophy, not a religion, though it does have a spiritual component. You do not need to be religious to practice. It has been practiced by individuals of widely differing beliefs and any and all people are welcome at Angela Elliott Yoga. In order to practice, you only need to believe in the possibility that we can transform ourselves, that there is always more to learn, and that there is a better way to approach life than the old habits that tie us down. At the heart is the openness to see we have not yet tapped into our highest potential as human beings. Yoga seeks to put us in touch with our spiritual core—our innermost nature—that which or who we truly are.
10. What yoga style should I practice?