We know that starting yoga can be scary – we’ve been there too. There’s all the unfamiliar words, strange ways to move and everyone around seems to be able to touch their toes! That’s why we run Beginners Yoga classes at all three of our London studios, in Peckham, Streatham, and Queen’s Park. They offer a safe space for you to start your yoga journey and are led by experienced and friendly teachers.
You’ll start with the basic postures (where does my foot go again?) and simple breathing techniques so you can build confidence and skills whilst reaping the benefits yoga has to offer. After a few sessions, you’ll feel more confident and prepared to branch out to open level classes and explore different styles!
Here are some of our top tips for your first time coming to beginners yoga classes in London:
Leave criticism at the door: There’s no wrong or right way to practice; you can’t be “bad” at yoga. It’s about discovering your own body and mind, how they are connected, and how you can move both together with more ease.
Don’t let anything stop you from getting in the studio: Yoga really is for everyone, regardless of body, size, shape or ability
Bring an open mind: You don’t have to be flexible in your body (phew!) but being flexible in your mind and open to new things helps. You can always try something and then decide later that it doesn’t work for you. What have you got to lose? You might just be surprised by what works.
Be kind to yourself: It will be frustrating and confusing at times – that just comes with the territory of learning anything new. Ask yourself, as an adult how often do I let myself be completely new at something?
Take it easy: You don’t have to push and strain to get ‘better’ at yoga. The most advanced practice is the one that is respectful to your physical body and your state of mind in the moment. Be kind to yourself. Honour the body’s inner wisdom. Let it be easy.
Breathe: Your breath is the cornerstone for the practice. If you find yourself in a pose where you can’t keep your breath, ease out of it and find a place that you can breathe.
There is no hierarchy: No one variation of a pose or movement is “better” or “worse” than any other. It’s about doing whatever helps you feel into your own body. People who have practiced a long time will often choose the simplest version of the pose because they know that is the one that they need today.
Become best mates with your props: Props are the best! It’s not cheating or not doing the real thing. Advanced practitioners use props all the time. They’re there to help you access poses that let you feel into your body. If you’re at home, you don’t need to have fancy blocks or straps; grab some books and a dressing gown belt and you’re good to go.
Find the teacher that’s right for you by checking out our beginners yoga classes blog here. Book a beginners yoga class at the timetable here!
