According to a recent report from Sport NZ, yoga is the second most popular activity that people are interested in trying or doing more.
But if you’re thinking of trying yoga for the first time, the number of styles, studios and classes can be overwhelming. Here are few things to consider when trying to decide how to get started with yoga.
Taking your first steps into yoga:
Think about why you want to try yoga: Is it for the physical movement, meditation, stress relief, managing an injury, spiritual exploration, a friend’s recommendation or just curiosity.
Think about what would feel comfortable and safe: You could watch videos online at home, read a ‘how to’ book from the library, try a group class, sign up for a beginner course or think about one-to-one instruction.
Do a little research: There are many styles and teachers. Now that you know what you want to find from yoga, it’s time to look for where you might find it.
- Read about the different styles of modern yoga.
- If you have injuries or health conditions see my article on whether yoga is right for you.
- Before you dive in to a group class or one-to-one instruction find out more about the yoga teacher and their style – ask them questions. You could also see if they have free online videos, like YouTube, that will give you a feel of their style.
- Ask friends, family or co-workers for a recommendation. They might be able to suggest a teacher, style, studio, videos or book that you would like.
Give it a go: When you try yoga for the first time, go slow and be cautious. Sometimes it’s hard to know what things might seem OK when you try them, but the next day may leave you sore.
If you go to a group class, arrive early so you can speak with the teacher about any questions or injuries/health conditions. Arriving early also means you can find a spot in the back of the room and then you will be able to see what other people do, so you know what to do. Or maybe the front is better so you can easily hear and see the instructor. Don’t worry if you feel a bit lost, that’s part of trying something new!
