I went to my first yoga class this past Thursday. Well, not my very first. I attempted it once before in a class of over 40 people. The experience was overwhelming and it's taken me about 5 years to try it again.
I participated in the Community Yoga Class at The Yoga Space, which is a 2 block walk from where I live. I was worried, as I often am in new situations, but it ended up being the highlight of my week. The teacher was warm and helpful, even taking it a bit slow because of the addition of myself and some other people who hadn't practiced in a while. Two days later my body is still sore, but not in a bad way. I'm so glad I finally managed to get myself out of the house. This brisk, winter weather has made me turn into a hibernating bear. The studio also offers two beginning classes. Unfortunately, I have a scheduling conflict and am unable to attend either one. It would seem that I will need to jump right in and hope my body can handle the class when the teacher is not taking it easy.
For any other yoga newbies, I have a couple tips I thought I'd share:
1. Remember to take your socks off! I found myself slipping and sticking to the mat the entire time.
2. Wear simple clothes. I thought my American Apparel sweats would be appropriate, but they were too baggy. Also, you get quite warm and it isn't necessary to layer too much.
3. Don't do more than your body can handle. I tend to get nervous when I'm not doing something the "right" way. I need to remind myself that I'm just starting out! It's OK if I'm not doing the poses perfectly, or if my body can't stretch as far as the other students.
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Congrats on trying yoga again. I've been doing it for 10 years now (almost) and I love it. It actually did change my life.
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