Let's get this out of the way: You don't have to be flexible to do yoga.
On the contrary: The less flexible you are, the more you probably need it.
"I find a lot of people think yoga is for skinny women who sit cross-legged chanting 'Om,'" says Rocky Sharwell, a 49-year-old appellate public defender who has practiced yoga since 2003. "I would tell the reluctant yogi that practice is nonjudgmental. Odds are there will be people of all shapes and sizes."
In its simplest translation, yoga means "union" in Sanskrit. So not only will you be exercising often-forgotten muscles (or ones you never even knew you had!), but you'll also exercise your mind by training yourself to not go along with its every whim.
Starting any new physical activity can be scary, so try to make it easier on yourself by doing your homework before you go to class, says Adrienne Reed, host of PBS' "Power Yoga: Mind & Body" and owner of Namaste Yoga Studio in Lutz.
"Set your goals of what you're trying to do: Do I want to lose weight? Do I want to become more flexible? Do I want to de-stress?" Reed says. "Really take a step back and realize what's your goal, then pick out a class that fits that goal."
After that, research studios near you to see what kind of classes they offer. Read the descriptions. And if you still have questions, don't be afraid to ask them.
"There is a style of yoga out there for every single body," Reed says.
Within the plethora of yoga styles, teachers also teach differently. Some teachers are more spiritually oriented, some more athletic. Some you'll relate to; others you won't.
"You really have to experiment a lot when you start yoga," Reed says. "The teacher matters a lot, the environment matters a lot - and really know what you're going to get into before you get there. Make sure you're getting what you want out of it."
With that in mind, here's a checklist of what you'll need to bring with you - besides a mat, water bottle and stretchy clothes:
Presence: Just show up, and try to shut off the to-do list your brain is ticking off. No matter how much you're thinking about it, you won't be able to cook dinner during your yoga class, so there's no point in mulling over it in that moment.
Humor: Laughing at yourself is OK, and you'll probably have more fun that way. You will fall out of poses, but so has your teacher, and probably your neighbor, too. There is always something new to learn - even the experienced yogis know that they may be able to do one pose, but there's always another variation that will present a whole new challenge - so cultivating your sense of humor will help you at any stage of your practice.
Humility: Acknowledge your limits. You'll get more benefits out of a pose if you're aligned correctly but not deep in the posture than if you try to become bendier than you actually are. It takes time, but you'll already be doing something good for your body, so accept what you can do for the moment. Also, tell your teacher about your injuries if you have any; he or she can show you a modification so you won't put more strain on the affected body part.
Oh, and don't bother bringing these:
Expectations: Your body changes every day. Just think of the variables involved in daily life: sleep, stress, too much food or a hard workout the day before. You may have been able to nail a pose just right in your previous class, but tonight you may not. Be accepting of it, and move on.
Competition: Worry about what's happening to you on your mat. Don't compete with your neighbor, who may be closer to the ground in a pose than you are. And don't compete with how you performed yesterday, a week ago or a month ago. Each person has a unique journey, so pay attention to yours and yours alone.
source: tbo
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