Yoga 101

by Unknown - 12:45 PM

One of the most common responses that I get when I tell people I do yoga is:

“Ohh that’s so great. I’ve always wanted to get into yoga.”

When I ask what’s stopping them, the common reactions are:

I’m scared I won’t know what I’m doing.
I’ve seen studios around me, but I’m not sure which to go to.
I don’t have a mat or anything.
I’m scared everyone will be so much better than me and I will look stupid.

I will be honest and say that I used to provide the exact same excuses before I started practicing yoga. Then five years ago, I made the decision to just GO FOR IT – and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Practicing yoga has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life – inside and out. I go to yoga to de-stress, I go to yoga to find strength for my body, I go to yoga to find strength for my mind.

I’ve put together a list of tips and myth debunkers for first timers, beginners or those looking for something to tip them over the edge.

Myth 1: I’m scared I won’t know what I’m doing.

Yoga is called a practice for a reason! Everyone who practices yoga was a beginner at some point. Check your local studios for a beginner’s yoga class. Almost every studio will have a level one or “all levels” class that will break down the poses for you.

Also, tell the instructor that you are new. Every yoga studio will make you sign a form if you are new to the studio, and they will ask if it is your first time. Be honest! They will make sure to guide you during the practice and help make adjustments. Yoga teachers are called teachers for that very reason – they are there to spread their knowledge and educate others.

Myth 2: I don’t know how to find the right yoga studio.

With all of the amazing yoga studios that seem to pop up everywhere, it can be overwhelming.

One great place to start is by checking out your local Lululemon Store for free yoga classes! Every store offers free classes on the weekends featuring different instructors from local studios.

Lululemon | Milwaukee Third Ward

Pop in and try a class or two and try out different yoga and teaching styles until you find what works for you.

Lululemon | Chicago Rush Street

Another AH-MAZING tool that I cannot believe I just found out about is the Yoga MINDBODY App.

The app searches local studios based on your location and gives you the next upcoming class times, descriptions, teachers and class availability.

MINDBODY Yoga App featuring Core Essence Yoga

My fave studio, Core Essence Yoga!

I seriously don’t know how I lived this long without it.

Myth 3: I don't have the right yoga accessories.

All you need to practice yoga is some comfortable workout clothes and yourself. Many studios offer mat rentals if you don't have a mat already. If you are looking for decent mat that isn't too spendy, Gaiam makes great mats for around $20.

Gaiam Tree of Life Yoga Mat

Myth 4: I’m scared everyone will be so much better than me and I will look stupid.

Yoga is a practice. It is not a sport or something to "win" at, so don't worry about comparing yourself to others. Our bodies are all constructed in unique and different ways, and some poses you may ROCK right away; others you may never be able to do.

It took me awhile to realize this about my practice, and when I did, I was able to enjoy it even more. Decide what you want to get out of yoga, when to push and when to hold back.