Walking into a yoga studio and sitting on the mat for the first time can be quite intimidating as you do not really know what to expect. But it is important to remember that it is an act of courage to try and then keep practising until the poses you once feared start to feel natural.

To help you get comfortable when hitting the mat for the first time, we have gathered some good tips and debunked some untrue myths about yoga.

Yoga is more than asana

You packed your yoga bag, put your workout outfit on and drove to the studio expecting a full-on sweat session filled with movement. Well, you might be surprised. In reality, yoga is not just about moving from one pose to another; it is about establishing a connection between your body and mind by learning breathing techniques and meditation. 

Breathing is an extremely important part of yoga. It helps you flow between poses and allows your body to relax as it is directly linked to your heart rate and nervous system! 

Let your breath guide you

As we just mentioned, breathing is an essential part of yoga. It shows you what your body is trying to say. All you have to do is follow the teacher’s instructions and listen. For instance, if you find yourself holding your breath, you will know you have gone too far and that it is time for a small break. Your breathing will guide you and help you stay in the moment.

It is okay to be afraid

Being a little anxious before your first yoga class is totally normal. Perhaps you might be feeling too self-conscious or you might find inversions too overwhelming and that is okay. Just know that you do not have to be extremely flexible to enjoy yoga. It is a widely spread misconception due to the pictures of young fit people touching their toes or bending their bodies in gravity-defying ways. In reality, all you have to do is breathe and be gentle with yourself while you are learning.

Let your teacher know you’re a beginner

You may be reluctant to talk to your teacher, but doing so allows them to keep an eye on you and offer you the assistance you need during your first class. Before the start of the practice, tell your teacher it is your first time trying yoga and do not hesitate to ask for help when in doubt. After all, the teacher is there to offer their guidance. 

(Sun) salutations are a must 

Salutations are a sequence of poses you will experience in every practice for good reason: they stretch the muscles and warm up the body to prepare it for more elaborate poses. They are the ideal kick-off for your flow; therefore, it is essential to familiarise yourself with them from the beginning. There's a great variety of salutations that could be included in your class flow. Learn more about one of the most frequently used Sun Salutation here

Take a beginner’s class

If you are unsure about where to start, ask your yoga studio if a beginner’s class is available. It is a practice made especially for beginners where the teacher gives you the extra attention you need to get comfortable on the mat. You will also feel more relaxed to know that the people in the room are learning for the first time, just like you are. 

Pick comfortable clothes

The number one rule you must keep in mind is comfort. Choose pieces of yoga wear that allow you to move around freely without any restrictions. You can go for a snug-fitting yoga top, stretchy leggings or sweatpants and a supportive sports bra. Make sure you pick a yoga top that will not roll up or fall on your face when you are in the middle of a headstand.