Being a yoga teacher, one thing I hear so often is ‘I would love to try/do more yoga, but I’m just so shit at it!’. My response is always the same….. ‘There is no such thing as being shit at yoga.’ I can totally understand why this comment is often met with disbelief but I promise you it’s true. Here are some key things to help you get over the thought of being shit at yoga and help you get out and give it a good go.
1. It’s called a yoga PRACTICE for a reason. I’m sure lots of other people have a different opinion but yoga is not about touching your toes or getting into the full expression of the posture, it’s about taking part, getting on the mat and doing something that feels good and benefits you personally. In fact, if we are being technical about it, Yoga actually refers to the stilling of the mind and being flexible, being able to balance and doing the physical side of yoga is just one of the tools we use to help us get there.
2. Own up to how you feel. By this, I mean don’t be afraid to raise your hand at the start of class and tell the teacher and the rest of the class that you are pretty new to yoga. It can seem really intimidating at the time but if you announce to the class that you’re new, then in your mind it gives you permission to not get things right first time, not be as flexible as the rest of the class and not feel like all the other students are watching and judging you. Trust me, either the rest of the class are only focusing on what they are doing, or they are just as worried about what you are thinking about them and their practice too.
3. Keep your focus on you. Don’t worry about the other people in the class. Do you really care if the person next to you can touch their toes…… no? well they probably don’t care if you can touch yours either! We all have different bodies, different strengths and different weaknesses. Plus, no one knows what your body has been through. No one knows if you did 10 rounds in the boxing ring yesterday or did the most insane leg day at the gym and can barely even get down the stairs, let alone hold a deep squat in chair pose. Don’t judge others, don’t worry about them judging you and just focus on what feels good for you. Which brings us nicely onto the next point…….
4. You do you. It is not about anyone else, it is all about you. Listen to your body and do what feels good for you. Don’t be afraid to use the modifications offered by the teacher, don’t be afraid to use props, it doesn’t mean your bad it means you’re making a good choice to help you do your practice properly and safely. Starting out right and not pushing it too far will not only help prevent injury but will also mean you have good habits and alignment from the start giving you the best foundation for your practice. You will probably progress faster and we also feel differently from one day to the next
5. Not all teachers, studios and classes are made equal. Don’t be put off by your first class if it doesn’t quite work for you. Try different styles, classes, studios and teachers before you decide that yoga just isn’t for you. Some classes and teachers are more welcoming and nurturing and some will really push you and challenge you which may not suit you if you are just starting out, or may its exactly what you need to help keep you motivated. You may have to travel a bit further but you will usually feel it’s well worth the detour if you find a class that really works for you.
Essentially just remember that it is your practice and as Eleaor Roosevelt once put so beautifully, ‘No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.’
Best of luck new yogis. Peace and love x