So, you’ve heard about this thing called yoga. You’ve seen people doing it in the park, your best friend goes twice a week, your mum says she does it on the bus! How can this be?!

You know nothing about yoga, but you start to get intrigued. What is this ancient practice which you see everywhere? And is it for you? The answer is yes. Yoga is for everybody. Yoga is for every body. Whether you are new, experienced, fit, unfit, confident or nervous, there is a place for you. Here at Moving Waves we are keen to bring movement practices to people of all ages, abilities and experience. We see firsthand the amazing benefits it has, bringing a love of yoga to those as young as three years old, and all the way up to those in their eighties!

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What can I expect in a yoga class?

Jumping into your first class might seem overwhelming, especially if yoga is totally unfamiliar to you. Don’t be afraid to do a little research, watch some videos, ask your yoga going friends, and generally get a feel for what goes on. Youtube has many beginner videos to have a look at, if you want to check one out click here.

Yoga is a practice in which we are creating union with the body, mind and breath, and whilst there are many different styles of yoga, they are all underpinned with this concept. Many yoga practices will begin with tuning into your breath with simple exercises, drawing the focus into the body and finding centring. You will then move through physical poses (known as asanas) for the main body of the practice, maintaining a strong focus on breath and how it can support your movement. You will then begin to wind down into relaxation and possibly some meditation. It is a really rounded practice, and should leave you feeling grounded and energised.

Tips for your first yoga practice

If this all sounds intriguing, why not try a class? I have a few tips to get you going:

1. Check out your local classes and look for a beginners flow. There’s comfort in knowing you are amongst people in the same boat as you - safety in numbers right?! If you can’t find a beginners class then go for an all levels. Let the teacher know it is your first time, and they will be thrilled to give you all the information you need before guiding you through the session. Before you attend, check if the studio provides mats - since coronavirus, some studios request you bring your own along.
2. Wear something you are able to move in. Do all yogis wear leggings? No! Don your favourite joggers and a baggy t-shirt - anything that you feel comfortable in. 
3. Don’t worry about your flexibility. Lots of people think that to do yoga you have to be flexible - this is not the case! Your teacher should provide you with props and helpful cues to make everything work for your body. If you start doing yoga more regularly, you might notice that your flexibility does in fact increase.
4. Go without expectation. It can be scary when you try something new and you might feel a bit lost. This is natural and all part of the process, so don’t put any pressure on yourself… or expect to master a headstand in your first class! Instead, try to be openminded and excited for this new journey.
5. Know that yoga is a personal practice. Each persons body is very different and so it is about finding what works for you. We want to move in a safe and effective way, meaning that some poses might require us to modify and use props, whilst other poses might feel too challenging. Learn to listen to your body and know when to take a rest. 
   

Where can I do yoga?

The good news is that you can attend a yoga practice in lots of different settings. Here are a few examples of where you might go:

• Yoga studios: As a place that focuses on offering yoga, you can usually find a range of classes and styles to explore. They tend to have multiple classes throughout the day, making it easier to fit into your schedule. If you feel lost as to which class to book, contact the studio and get some advice.
• Gyms: Many gyms now offer yoga classes free to their members. Classes tend to be on-peak times. If you are a gym goer it could be really nice to take yoga in a place that is familiar to you. 
• In the park: Want to do yoga in nature? In the summer there are plenty of park yoga sessions going on. Feel the sun (or rain!) on your face as you breathe in fresh air to energise your movement. Look out for local flyers and do some research online for a class near you. You could always just grab your yoga going friend and get them to show you a pose or two!
• At home: If you still feel nervous about attending an in person class, why not try one online? This way you can remain in the comforts of your own home and build some confidence before getting into a studio. At Moving Waves we have a yoga and meditation session on the last Thursday of every month. Join us at 19.00-20.30 via zoom. If you have any questions beforehand, feel free to drop us a message!

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So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get moving on the mat! Whether you are new or experienced, we would love to hear about your yoga journey so far. Maybe you have some helpful tips to share about how to get into yoga. If so, let us know via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook! Let’s keep the conversation open going.

If you would like some support in organising a yoga workshop, Moving Waves offers inclusive sessions for all ages, abilities and experience. We are passionate about sharing the amazing affects of yoga to everybody, so get in touch if you know someone who would benefit! For more information on our workshop offerings, please click here.

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