Yoga with SamB
New to Yoga
Welcome to your Yoga Journey.
Flow into Stillness,
Flexibility,
and Strength.
I 'll never forget my first fitness class. Step aerobics of all things.
The music started and the instructor said, "step up with your right foot." I was at a complete loss.
Fun fact: I'm not the most coordinated.
My step aerobics neighbour came over to try to guide me but I was still at a loss.
The instructor stopped the class and came over to me to demonstrate the move. I finally got it! Step up leading with my right foot!
A few years later I became a fitness instructor. Before yoga, I taught athletic step classes, weight training classes, bootcamp, circuit training, stability ball classes and pilates.
Why share this ?
Because I remember being new to an exercise. Not knowing anyone in the class, and moving in unison with strangers. It takes courage but I am so grateful I went to that first step class.
If I can take that first step, so can you!!
Here are some frequently asked questions I have received from new students over the years; and questions I asked as a new yogi :)
What Do I Wear To Yoga?
Choose comfy, stretchy clothes and pick a top that fits snugly to stay in place.
My very first yoga class I wore a lose t-shirt. Comfortable, yes, however, when you are in a downward facing dog that lose t-shirt ends up around your ears and well....enough said.
However, remember to wear appropriate clothing to class. Modesty is traditionally a part of yoga practice. Dressing in a way that won't distract anyone or make them uncomfortable is kindness to your fellow yogis.
What If I Am Not Very Flexible?
Does That Mean I Can't Do Yoga?
I have been asked this so many times.
People often think they need to be flexible to start.
Every body is unique. So flexibility varies for each person and will look different on everyone.
I use to avoid yoga because I couldn't touch my toes, but with practice I now can, with proper technique.
What If I Have No Idea What I Am Doing?
It's ok.
Feeling lost is normal. I always tell a new student that it takes 5-6 classes to to get the hang of it.
Don't give up. Yoga is a beautiful gift that you can enjoy for many years to come.
How Long Do I Wait After Eating Before I Can Do Yoga?
I go with the 90 minute rule.
Through experience, I've learnt that a large meal before yoga doesn't mix well.
I once made the mistake, as a yoga student, having a full meal before yoga practice and felt queasy and uncomfortable the whole practice.
Now if I'm hungry before class, I reach for an apple or banana to feel energized.
What If I Can't Do A Pose?
No worries.
If the pose is not feeling right, gently bring yourself out of the pose, take some breaths and get my attention. I can offer variations of a pose.
The pose should never ever feel painful.
If any variation doesn't feel right, be honest with yourself and communicate with me.
If the pose is still uncomfortable, we'll revisit it next class.
Each day is unique and our bodies reflect that.
When I taught at the Moncton Military Base, I often had to adapt yoga poses to ensure they were pain free and accommodating to the many injured personal.
What Style of Yoga Will this Be?
I teach Hatha Yoga; which means we will be gong through a flow of yoga poses and breathing techniques.
I also take my experience as a fitness instructor and blend Hatha Yoga with fitness components.
However, what sets this apart from a fitness class is we incorporate breathing to our movements and to
our still moments.
What Can I Expect In This Yoga Class?
We always start with a warm up, then to a series of poses, followed by a cool down and then mediation.
This series of movements all flow together.
What you need to remember is to :
Listen to your body.
Be aware of your breath.
Let go of expectations. Just be in the moment.
You are taking time for you - take a deep breath- and...have fun...you deserve to!!
Are the Other Participants in the Yoga Class Going to Watch Me?
Everyone is concentrating on their practice and the instructor, no on will notice if you happen to mix up your left and right.
I remember as a participant worrying about moving wrong and everyone noticing...guess what? No one (except for that first step class) ever noticed.
In Yoga, we flow in movement having our breath match our movements. We become aware of how we feel in body/mind as we move.
There is a lot of awareness going on which leaves little time to be looking around.