complete yoga idiot - help me please

[broodybrooder]

I'm looking for a bit of advice...

I'm on a bit of a mission to look after myself. I had a really stressful 2016 and totally lost sight of what it's all about. I finished the year in a total mess - fatter, with back problems, insomnia, with general ill-health and just well...unkempt!

I know yoga isn't going to work miracles but I need to commit to something that is going to help me unwind and help me not get so worked up by and wrapped up in work.

Also, there is a class near to me, which is remarkable as I live in the sticks where there isn't ANYTHING usually. This is on at the perfect time for me and I just really need something to get me out of this rut.

I'm unsure about a couple of things though...
There are two different classes on at the village hall...gentle and therapeutic or dynamic vinyasa flow. From what I said at the start, it might sound like I should opt for the gentle one but up until 12 months ago, I was actually pretty active and sporty and I get bored easily. But do you have to have experience for the dynamic one?

Also what do I need to get/take with me?

Thirdly, I feel pretty stupid saying this, but I am really not 'spiritual' or graceful or yoga-like. I'm actually wondering if someone like me should go to yoga. And I don't really know anything about it at all. Is there anything I should read before I go?

[GraceGrape]

Try both and see which you prefer?

You will usually need to take a yoga mat. If you start to go regularly, then a yoga block or brick are useful. Also take jumper and socks to cover up for relaxation time.

[traviata]

Sounds like the dynamic one would suit you very well. It is likely to be much more physical and not at all drippy or spiritual. If you need experience to do it, it will say so, or will be called something like 'intermediate level'.

get? leggings and a t-shirt to start with. Remember that a baggy shirt will fall down over your head when you are in downward facing positions.

Take - water perhaps.

[Beebeeeight]

Just relax and try and it.

[broodybrooder]

That seems quite an obvious solution, I don't know why I didn't think of that! Yes, I think I will.

Do you know what dynamic vinyasa flow means?

And thanks for the tips!

[broodybrooder]

Sorry cross-posted - good shout about the t-shirt!

[maisybobbins]

I'm about to try yoga for the first time tomorrow too! Thanks for the OP and tips!

[Loraline]

Dynamic vinyasa flow means that you move from.one pose to the next with each breath instead of staying in a pose for a few breaths the way other styles do. Dynamic means it can be quick enough for you to work up a sweat. With this in mind prepare to be a bit confused and lost in early classes. It may be suitable for beginners but the teacher is unlikely to spend much time explaining the poses. You'll have to pick it up as you go. Don't get discouraged though. You will pick it up in a few weeks.

[broodybrooder]

ah great, good luck! Let me know what it was like.

My first class is not until Monday

[Loraline]

Ideally you'd do a beginner's course to learn the basic poses before doing general classes but if that's not an option then jump into this class and stick with it. It'll likely be broadly the same sequence each week so you'll get it

[broodybrooder]

Thank you Loraline

That sounds quite fun actually

[GraceGrape]

I am not an expert and haven't been to a vinyasa flow class, but I would have thought it means a lot of movement between poses - transitioning from one to the other. Yoga can contain a lot of "sequences", where you try to co-ordinate movement and breathing. Sun salutation is the most well known one - videos on youtube if you google.

[GraceGrape]

X-post!

[CoteDAzur]

Leggings and a tank top to start with. T-shirt will likely come down and smother you in downward dog and similar poses.

I'm not spiritual AT ALL. You don't have to be to do yoga. Having said that, I have had to change teachers a few times to find one who isn't into chakras etc.

Maybe give Hatha ("gentle, therapeutic") yoga a go (once or twice) and then dynamic Vinyasa flow, which I think would suit you better. I do Vinyasa, too, and love its but it might be a bit too hard in the beginning & you should probably learn the terms & poses before you go on to Vinyasa so that you can follow the "flow",

[OneOrgasmicBirthPlease]

Haha, yoga totally is going to work miracles. I started doing it at my local gym around 4 years ago and it turned me from a committed coach potato into a yoga convert, where previously, much like you, I thought yoga was not for me. I am still not spiritual in any way shape or form, but I can recognise physical/mental benefits when I can see them! I am so much happier and healthier for regular yoga.

Definitely try both classes and please have patience with the hatha class, even if you think you may get bored. It may feel as though nothing much is happening to your body, but the challenge is precisely to sit with that impatience/discomfort and examine it, letting the exercises transform your body/mind little by little. Also, if you don't have much experience with yoga a slower class will allow you to make sure you get alignment right for your more dynamic flow where you move between postures much more quickly.

Leggings, a top that does not flap about and a mat will be all you need for reaching nirvana. I'm only half joking ;).

[cece]

Try both. Sometimes the slower paced yoga where you hold the poses for a few breaths is harder than the faster flow yoga. I do a mixture of both types of classes.

Wear sport type leggings if you have them - if not some joggers will be fine to start with. More importantly wear a fairly well fitted top so it doesn't fall over your head in down facing poses.

Some places will lend you a mat, others you need to take your own. Might be worth phoning up and asking. I also take socks and a warmer top to wear in the relaxation phase at the end of the class. Plus some water to sip on.

[OneOrgasmicBirthPlease]

Also, as far as vinyasa/hatha dilemma is concerned, I do both. It's definitely not an either/or situation, I'd say the two styles really complement each other (as well as others such as ashtanga, hot yoga, rocket etc). The slower classes are more beneficial in terms of getting your muscles to stretch safely, focusing on the right alignment and just lying/sitting on the floor in peace working muscles you never knew you had. Though my enjoyment of lying on the floor uninterrupted might be enhanced by the fact that I have two young DCs at home.

In vinyasa flow, you move between postures more quickly, breathing in and out at specific times during postures and transitions. Sun and moon salutations are the most popular ones, as posters already mentioned. There are lots of YouTube yogis, a good one to begin with is Adriene m.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

[CoteDAzur]

I agree with One, btw: Yoga DOES work miracles

It healed my knee, significantly reduced my tummy, and visibly muscled my arms. Most importantly, and even without trying, it straightened my round shoulders / slight hunchback

[broodybrooder]

Thanks everyone, I only just noticed there were more tips and comments - I'm really secretly hoping for miracles now!

[maisybobbins]

Good luck with your class OP. I loved mine, it was a slower type of yoga (no idea of name) but I still felt it really did me good. Will definitely carry on with it. My only tip is.. get there on time. I got the times mixed up and arrived as everyone was in downward dog. Awkward!

[ZaraW]

I would try the gentle one first and build up to the dynamic. Doesn't matter how fit you are you need to know at least the basic yoga poses and Sun salutations A and B before attempting the dynamic class.

If the more gentle class is Hatha yoga you will learn breathing techniques which are great for stress. I love hatha just as much as the dynamic style. Beginners aren't allowed in my Vinyassa class.

[David111323]

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