I am a beginner. What do I need to know?
Be patient and kind to yourself, do not try and compete with others in the class. Everybody is unique and no two people will ever perform a yoga posture exactly the same way. Feel your way into the posture and listen to the cues of the teacher, always assume they are talking directly to you!
Your limitations and physical abilities will change from day to day, accept where you are and breathe.
Yoga will relax and re-energize you, it will make you stronger and more flexible.
The most important thing you should know is that you should never do anything that hurts. Learn to recognize the difference between muscular discomfort and a warning pain that could lead to injury, when in doubt always err on the side of caution and safety.
Never push through, over stretch or strain into a posture, release your ego, if the breathing becomes ragged and forced you are working too hard, ease off.
The pose you are practicing may not be right for you right now or there could be something wrong with the alignment of your body. Either way, when your body tells you to stop, listen to it!
If you have any previous injuries or medical conditions please inform the instructor before class and don’t be afraid to remind them of it every week.
Your yoga teacher cannot help you if they do not know what your challenges are.
Ask questions, the only stupid questions are the ones not asked.
I’m not flexible how can I practice yoga?