Help - yoga newbie

[Hihosilver123]

I’m going to start going to yoga, for the first time age 56. I need top tips please, to stop me making a fool of myself! What do I wear? Do I take anything with me? What should I expect? Should I find a beginners class? Help!

Find a good in-person beginners' class.

It's not really possible to make a fool of yourself. Just ask the teacher what they recommend you should bring and wear.

Firstly get yourself a mat - it really doesn't need to be expensive.

Then I would suggest watching some beginner YouTube videos. Charlie Follows is good and also Yoga with Adrienne.

If you find a local class just take the mat and a bottle of water. Some classes provide mats anyway.

Leggings and a top is fine. Anything comfortable really but bear in mind that you will be upside down in some poses so a fitted top is better so it doesn't fall down over your head!

Find a beginners class, always best to start in-person with someone who can see how your body moves and help you avoid getting injured.

If you don't click with the first teacher, don't give up! Not every teacher is right for every student so find one who is right for you.

And try to avoid the temptation to compare yourself to other people in class. Everyone's body works differently, some things you'll get straight away, some you may never get (15 years in I can't put my heels down in a downward dog and that's OK).

Beginners class possibly Hatha yoga with breathwork.
Leggings and t shirt that are comfortable. T shirt not too loose.
Don't buy a mat just yet they should have one.
They should warm up first
Don't over stretch any part of your body. The blocks are there to help you. The teacher should show you how to use them.
Don't worry if you can't get into a pose. Just do your best. No one will bother if you can't. We've all been there.

I wear leggings and a top that won't fall over my head in downward facing dog! A bottle of water maybe

Don't feel silly if you have to alter postures to make them work for you. I've been doing yoga on and off for decades, but because of a hip problem I can't sit cross legged, do some moves on my left side, or bend forward much beyond 90% when sat on he floor. No one has ever looked at me funny or made me feel weird about it.

A towel is good to take. It provides extra comfort when sitting cross legged if you are not used to it, can help in a number of ways during different positions and if you get hot, it’s useful to wipe your face. Also good as a make do pillow for the relaxation at the end.

Wear a vest type top, not one with sleeves. You can get surprisingly warm. Don’t ever force a pose. Yoga can look deceptively gentle but I once really put my neck out of alignment and it was agony.

I love yoga.