NEW TO YOGA?
Tips for a happy, healthy start.
1. Start with acceptance.
Wherever you are, that's where you begin. It's all progress from here.
2. Release expectations.
Tune out the internal dialogue that says, "I should be able to touch my toes.", "how come everyone else can do this ", "But I used to be able to do that when I was in college..." It's all white noise getting in the way of what's possible.
3. Set a personal intention.
Extreme flexibility or contorting yourself into fancy shapes doesn't bring you happiness unless you're auditioning for Cirque du Soleil. What brought YOU to yoga? Get specific. Let that be your guide, your inspiration.
4. Befriend your body.
Stop bullying your poor body! A starting point of love feels very different than domination. With a little patience and understanding you'll find your body opening and growing in ways you never thought imaginable!
5. Notice your breath.
For starters, notice that you ARE breathing! (So many of us hold our breath without knowing it.) Simply starting to notice your inhale and exhale can make moving so much easier (and pleasant!).
6. Slow down.
Contrary to our 21st century lives, yoga asks us to slow down. To feel. To notice. To build strength, flexibility, power and presence, gradually, methodically.
7. Get comfortable with stillness.
Most of us find it very challenging to sit still. We would rather run around, keep busy, and check items off our to-do list than just be. The culmination of every yoga class is savasana — just lying still. It can be our biggest reward, or sometimes our biggest challenge, but it like everything else it gets better with practice!
8. Set a regular class schedule.
Soon yoga will be like brushing your teeth. A healthy behavior that is woven into the fabric of your life. We recommend starting with class twice a week. Book your classes a month at a time and get them written into your calendar. This is the best way to make your yoga your priority!
9. Arrive to your first class 15 minutes early. Allow time to park so you can arrive to class unhurried. Introduce yourself to your teacher. Let them know a little about what's going on in your body, and recent surgeries or injuries, and what motivated you to start yoga at this moment.
10. Familiarize yourself with our yoga class norms:
Tips for a happy, healthy start.
1. Start with acceptance.
Wherever you are, that's where you begin. It's all progress from here.
2. Release expectations.
Tune out the internal dialogue that says, "I should be able to touch my toes.", "how come everyone else can do this ", "But I used to be able to do that when I was in college..." It's all white noise getting in the way of what's possible.
3. Set a personal intention.
Extreme flexibility or contorting yourself into fancy shapes doesn't bring you happiness unless you're auditioning for Cirque du Soleil. What brought YOU to yoga? Get specific. Let that be your guide, your inspiration.
4. Befriend your body.
Stop bullying your poor body! A starting point of love feels very different than domination. With a little patience and understanding you'll find your body opening and growing in ways you never thought imaginable!
5. Notice your breath.
For starters, notice that you ARE breathing! (So many of us hold our breath without knowing it.) Simply starting to notice your inhale and exhale can make moving so much easier (and pleasant!).
6. Slow down.
Contrary to our 21st century lives, yoga asks us to slow down. To feel. To notice. To build strength, flexibility, power and presence, gradually, methodically.
7. Get comfortable with stillness.
Most of us find it very challenging to sit still. We would rather run around, keep busy, and check items off our to-do list than just be. The culmination of every yoga class is savasana — just lying still. It can be our biggest reward, or sometimes our biggest challenge, but it like everything else it gets better with practice!
8. Set a regular class schedule.
Soon yoga will be like brushing your teeth. A healthy behavior that is woven into the fabric of your life. We recommend starting with class twice a week. Book your classes a month at a time and get them written into your calendar. This is the best way to make your yoga your priority!
9. Arrive to your first class 15 minutes early. Allow time to park so you can arrive to class unhurried. Introduce yourself to your teacher. Let them know a little about what's going on in your body, and recent surgeries or injuries, and what motivated you to start yoga at this moment.
10. Familiarize yourself with our yoga class norms:
- Always register for class in advance online.
- Come dressed for class.
- Feel free to bring your own mat, but know all mats are provided free of charge.
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early.
- Always remove your shoes before entering the classroom.
- Put your personal belongings on the shelf provided.
- If you're on zoom, mute your mic.
- Feel free to socialize with other students in a low voice.