Yoga experiences

[doesthisyogatastefunnytoyou]

I'm going to try a taster class this week and I really hope I love it as I don't have any hobbies and I need a "thing". Plus I'm quite an anxious, stressy person, so I hope it helps with that.

One of my best friends is really into it in a big way - up every morning at sparrows fart, totally changed her lifestyle. I can't imagine that will ever be me, but wouldn't be a bad thing! I really admire her dedication.

So have you tried it? Do you love it? Did you hate it? Was it life changing? Any tips?

I do Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. I love her videos, she makes me feel really calm and they're great for beginners. I've not done actual yoga classes before though cos they never seem to fit into my schedule.

Not at my local gym which is the only place i have tried so far. The beginners class is very much caters for the advanced level instead and i am not a contortionist

Thanks Donna i will look up her videos today

There are many different styles of yoga and many different teachers, so if you don't get in with this taster class, don't write it off entirely - try another class/teacher.

I don't practise every day - I like doing a range of activities and if it ever came to it (which it hasn't),) I'd give up yoga before swimming, but I'm sure you'don't find others who would say the opposite. I do notice the weeks I miss (like last week, as I was ill) - work tends to be a bit less stressful, or at least I cope with it a little better. It helps with my flexibility, too.

I'm not going to be one who takes up daily chanting and really gets into the spiritual side. I'm not vegetarian, though most yoga teachers I know are vegan, and I have had some really excellent vegan food on yoga retreats.

So you can have it change your life, but you don't have to, you can just enjoy each class as it comes.

I'm another Yoga with Adriene fan. I did a few classes a while ago so knew the basics but I prefer doing a daily 20 - 30 minute practice to a less regular class. I've found it very helpful from a MH perspective generally and it has certainly had massive physical health benefits. I haven't embraced many of the other aspects of the lifestyle though - I did my practice this morning after eating two pop tarts for breakfast (6 months pregnant and that's what baby wanted...ahem) which probably gives you an indication of my general approach!

Thebeginnersclass is very much caters for the advanced level instead and i am not a contortionist

There are always adaptations you can do for yoga poses. Not everyone can manage every pose, but you will be able to do something which stretches the same muscles or whatever, and a good teacher will point these out. There are plenty of binds and so on I can't do because I have too much thigh or stomach in the way for my arm to reach round. No one cares, as they're too focussed on their own bodies, and the teacher will want to make sure you're doing things safely and supporting you to move a little further beyond your comfort zone.

I did 30 days of yoga with Adriene starting in January this year, and it got me through the worst time I have ever had in my life. Doing it (almost) every day on my own has been life changing for me.

I would recommend doing a yoga for beginners course if you can which is typically an hour a week for 6 weeks.
And try lots of different styles, teachers and studios as they're all so different.

Agree with the PP - it’s certainly worth giving a go and some find it’s amazing, while others find it works as part of a range of activities - others don’t get it at all.

I’ve tended to be someone who likes more aerobic type exercise and find that a good stress buster. I tried my gym Body Balance class a few years back (a mix of yoga, pilates and tai chi) but after a bit stopped as I didn’t get it. However I’ve recently come back to it and suddenly it’s clicked for me. Great for relaxation, stretching, etc and we have a great teacher who gives lots of options (this can be very important). Now I’d never give up my other class but it’s a great mix for me.

So yes - give it a go. If it’s not for you, there’s always other options.

Thanks for all the replies.

The class is taken by a Hatha instructor.

The time of her weekly class might not work for me anyway as it finishes quite late and my 14yo would be at home on his own. So if I like it, I might have to try another anyway.

I've had a niggly back issue for months now and I'm hoping it helps with that too.

Swimming is something else I wish I could be good at, but never going to happen!

I do it and I love it.

Be aware though that all yoga teachers are "yoga" teachers.

I've been to some classes where the teacher is a fitness instructor or a dance teacher.

I am an addicted beginner.... two months in and practice most days.
Vinyasa flow is my drug.

Love yoga and it is a life changer.

I practise most days, at home, and it's made me a calmer person.

I use Yotube videos and I've worked on individual positions so I increase my strength and technique. After work I pop my gear on and do a 20 minute HIIT workout then 15-20 minutes yoga. Everything is better with yoga in your life, Adrienne is a great place to start but there are lots of others who can challenge you in different ways.

I’ve been doing yoga for about 6 years now. I went into it wanting a way to destress and calm down as I struggle with anxiety. It works for sure. I’m quite relaxed about it these days, I started with Barbara Currie DVD’s and then began doing various YouTube ones. But to be honest after a few years once I’d learnt all the breathing and poses, I gave up following someone else’s routine and I now do my own yoga, listening to my body and where it really wants to stretch out. It’s bloody lovely.

I started doing Adriene's yoga videos on YouTube too and absolutely love it. I'm a complete beginner and it's for my mental health really as my anxiety was getting on top of me but find it helps massively.

I love yoga. It's so brilliant for mind and body. Don't be disheartened if you feel very stiff, I promise if you keep going regularly you will feel more supple.

The difference between yoga teachers and styles is massive. So if you don't gel with a teacher don't be put off.

YouTube can be good if you can't get to classes however ... I really would try and go to a class as the teacher can offer you variations and check your alignment so you don't hurt yourself. It will also give you confidence with the core postures.

I've just had a baby and I've lost massive amounts of flexibility and strength so I'm back to starter for 10...little and often is best to build your practice.

I will have a little look at Adriene and some other YouTube videos before I go.

I will be very stiff.

I am also a little concerned about bodily functions. My digestive system gives me grief sometimes (but my diet isn't what it should be). Am I at risk of embarrassing myself?

There are many different types of yoga dependant on what you want out of it. I did do it for a while. I would recommend going to an actual yoga group to begin with.

When I first started I couldn't even touch my toes. Now I can and I naturally feel stronger.

I have farted on occasion, so I won't lie to you, that could happen lol

I wouldn’t worry about your digestion. Earlier this year I did a yoga retreat in India. The vegetarian food was delicious but it made people very windy. It wasn’t a proper session if no-one farted!

I'm doing Body Balance too and loving it.

Complete yoga convert at the age of 49!
Asthma had been getting worse for 10 years, practically had to write off December and January
Now have had no attacks or infections since starting yoga.
Still very much at beginning level but definitely improving
Mine is ashtanga yoga
Definitely advise going to a true yogi
They will guide, support and stretch your abilities

I love practising Yoga, but I absolutely agree about going to an experienced instructor because they will check your positioning and adjust to your needs.

It's fab, try a few classes until you find one you like.

I’m 5 weeks in to my 6 week beginner session, loving it. The instructor is very friendly down to earth. I have fibromyalgia and a load of hips-pelvic issues but I just go at my own pace. The instructor shows you modifications and things you can do if you have a bad knee for example

I went to a beginners class a few year ago and there were some more advanced but also some starters like me. I had to stop goinf as it didnt fit in with my schedule.

But ti did do wonders for my back...much more than physio had managed. I do now try and incorporate it into everyday life.