First yoga class (tonight) nerves 😬

[amoreoamicizia]

I've finally bitten the bullet and booked myself in for yoga after at least a year of procrastination (seriously) and it turns out I'm nervous like an eleven year-old on the eve of the first day of big school 😬

It doesn't help that I'm not that well prepared as a spot came up at the last minute last night (it's usually full and I was on a waiting list) and my leggings that I bought to be ready for it are actually slightly see-through! No time to wash anyone so I'll have to wear someone else. And I haven't read up on it at all!

Also underestimated my willingness to exercise in the evening but this is the only time there's a class local to me.

You wouldn't think a middle-aged woman could be nervous like this, and frankly it's a bit ridiculous at my age, but here I am. 😅 Anyone else had the same experience? How did it go? Oh yeah and I may be the oldest one from what I've heard!

You'll be fine. The teacher will tell you what to do. No-one will be looking at you, they'll all be thinking about what they're doing. Just relax and enjoy it.

Honestly, this is normal. Please still make yourself go.

If you drive past any supermarkets on the way there, they are likely to sell sports leggings, you could just set of 10mins earlier and nip in? Or just wear nude coloured pants underneath and a longer top. Noone will care, I promise

beginners?

what type of yoga?

I go to yoga all the time, on my own. There's always a huge mix of ages and abilities.

I've been to my class obese and unfit and then at the peak of my fitness and I'm still stiff as a board. I just enjoy the process, especially the relaxing part.

Honestly, no one will be looking at you, they will be in their own yoga bubble trying their best. And if you have a good teacher, there are always adjustments and you will just be encouraged to do what feels right for your body

Good luck

i wonder how many of these posters have actually attended yoga classes

The standard you are at and the type of yoga is important

It’s like being nervous before revealing all at the beach. You arrive, clock the vast array of bodies before you, and relax!
You've been waiting for this class, go enjoy it. No one will be asking you for anything for a whole hour.

I hope it’s a lovely welcoming class and that you have a great experience OP. If not, don’t be put off- find another style of yoga or another instructor. Yoga is wonderful but there are different types, and the style of instructing makes a huge difference- what suits one participant won’t suit another.

Please try not to feel self-conscious though- you are doing this for yourself not others. The others in the class are not there to judge your clothing, your fitness or your age.

Is it suitable for beginners?

If it's hatha that's usually quite easy to follow and hopefully the instructor will demonstrate it at least explain the poses and some even touch you to guide you into the correct form.

Other types of yoga might do fast flows or hold tricky poses and only use the traditional names, but just take your time, have a look what the others are doing and copy as best you can!

My instructor encourages us to always go at our own pace, offers variations to make poses easier or more challenging, and tells us to take a rest or child's pose whenever needed. I'm sure if you let them know you've never tried it before they will support you.

Not all yoga classes and teachers are for everyone. I've been an instructor myself and know what I like, I've tried many different teachers over the years til I found the one I really liked. So if you don't love it, it doesn't mean yoga is not for you.

Nobody will care about your leggings, and even if they do have thoughts about them, who cares? Not their business. As long as you are comfy!

It's great that you are trying something new and I hope you enjoy it.

At all the hatha classes I’ve been to, the teacher asks at the start if anyone’s new to yoga and about any injuries / physical issues. And they’ll introduce variations for the poses depending on what you can do.

Ashtanga is definitely more of a challenge.

I teach yoga. Us teachers dont care about your leggings, we are teaching not looking at your knickers! :) . if your new stand at the front or side so you cant see others and compare yourself. Tell the teacher you’re new to yoga and may just sit crossed legged if it feels too much. If you have an experienced qualified teacher they will be capable of adapting the class for you. i assume you didn’t book into an advanced class so dont worry and agree not all teachers, suit all students. good luck x

I've just started yoga. Total novice and honestly it's the best thing I've done. Teacher is so helpful, it's totally doable even for my skills! She's even adapted things to support my disability. But it's such a lovely vibe and I feel SO relaxed after and I sleep so well.

[Slow reply as I was getting ready. I'm on my way now (not driving!)] Aww thanks everyone! You've really given me some positivity and energy ☺️ It would have been better to be better prepared but I'm going and that's the main thing after so long!

ahh you dont need to prep! go and enjoy x

Let us know how you get on!

Try not to fluff :)

I run a yoga studio, most folk feel nervous before a class and have all the worries you do.

yoga classes very enormously depending on the style, the teacher, their training and experience, where it's located. It's often trial and error to find the class and teacher right for you.

i've practised for 10 years, and I attend loads of sessions all over the place, but I still get a little bit nervous walking into a brand-new room !

Hope you enjoyed it, and if not.... That's also okay! You gave it a try!

Yoga saves my sanity and I do it for my head not for my body...

I really hope you've enjoyed your 1st class!

Thanks everyone! It went really well but I must say most people were clearly not beginners at all. Luckily I'm already very fit at the moment so I didn't feel totally and utterly intimidated! I'm going to have to do some research and practice of class to catch up but I'm glad I went ☺️

Oh and let's just say I needn't have worried about the see-through leggings at all 😅😁

Brilliant! No stopping you now! Namaste🙏

Unless you’ve booked like an advanced class or something, you’ll have people of all different flexibilities at that class and who have been doing yoga for different timelengths. You’ll fit right in I’m sure, have a lovely time - I’m sure it will all go fab. Remember that you can always change classes if you aren’t a fan of the teacher!