Too nervous to go to a class

[yorkshapudding]

I have wanted to try Yoga for years but for various reasons (studying, busy demanding job, 3yo DD and a DH who works crazy long hours etc) just haven't got around to it.

I found a local Beginner's Ashtanga Yoga class and planned to go this morning. I have been looking forward to it all week. I bought a yoga mat, I arranged childcare, I was excited to try something new and to actually do something for me for once...

Then I chickened out

I'm not a very confident person (well, I am professionally but not in myself iyswim), I'm a size 12 so not massively overweight but nowhere near the svelte, perfectly toned Yoga stereotype. I'm not flexible and I haven't done any proper exercise for years. I just suddenly panicked that I'd make a complete tit of myself and couldn't seem to make it out the door.

I am now sat here in my living room in newly purchased yoga leggings, with my newly purchased mat, feeling completely ridiculous, not to mention annoyed with myself.

I don't know why I started this thread really or what it is I'm looking for. Just wanted to tell someone I suppose and too embarrassed to share this with anyone in real life.

Thanks.

[SummerHouse]

[McTufty]

Definitely go next week! I do yoga and in my class are people of all shapes and sizes. The other great thing about yoga is generally there is a culture of support and doubt what feels good to you. My instructors always say ignore the person next to you, focus on you. I am crap at it and never felt mocked - people want others to do well so there is good energy in the class. Do a YouTube yoga workout today then try the class next week, you can do it!!

[EBearhug]

Don't worry about the stereotype. There may well be some of those there, but there will be all sizes. I'm size 22 and far from superfit. There are some poses I can't do as well (any forward fold is usually limited by my stomach getting in the way), but there are adjustments for any pose, so these things can be dealt with. There are some poses I find easy which some slimmer people don't - we are all different, and have different flexibility.

The point about yoga isn't to be competitive or to compare yourselves with others or even yourself. People are focused on their own breathing and poses, not everyone else.

Would it help to contact the teacher and talk to them before the class, to say that you are new to it and nervous? All the teachers I've had have been very happy to have that sort of discussion and make sure new people are comfortable.

Phone them. Give it another go next week.

[EatsLeavesAndShit]

Oh OP I feel your pain, that is exactly the kind of thing I do.

The first time is the hardest time (a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step and all that) but all you have to do is grit your teeth, face down the anxiety and show up. Once the class starts you'll be too busy concentrating to worry! Next time you go it will be easier and easier, until it is just second nature and nothing to worry about.

As it's a beginners class there probably won't be anyone tying themselves in knots there. Please don't worry about your size, one of my yoga teachers in a size 16 and really flexible, yoga is for everyone. Could you do a video from YouTube to try and learn the basic poses, then you won't feel like a complete newbie when you go next week?

[SuperFlyHigh]

Can you go with a friend or neighbour?

I was the same or am the same with first time classes so tend to get dragged by friends, then they may drop out or I can go.

Yoga types seem to be quite friendly from my experience. Just go next week and explain you're new to this at the start.

[Chottie]

Just go along, everyone has been the new person at some time.

At my yoga class the age range is between 19 - 75 years old and the size range is between 6 - 24. So what, we all love going to yoga class.

[flibberdy]

I'm exactly the same OP but I'm so glad I got over it. It's so good!
You totally zone out of all the other people in there and work on yourself, there is no competition. I second what Pp have said, yes there may be svelte yogi types in there but there will be a real mix, young and old, slim and not so slim. Generally the ethos behind yoga is very supportive and non judgemental anyway.

Please book into the next class, enjoy. Namaste!

[DaisyChainsForever]

Is there anyone that could come with you the first week? Might make u less anxious to see a friendly face. If not maybe you could get there early and explain to the instructor that your a newbie and a bit nervous?

[isupposeitsverynice]

It's scary going to a yoga class the first time! It's so worth it though. Why not find a beginners video on YouTube and have a go of that for now? Yoga with Adrienne is supposed to be good

[viques]

The best two yoga teachers I have ever taken a class from were neither skinny or svelte. One was also the other side of 65 and probably a 16, her classes were always full because she was a really good teacher who made everyone feel comfortable and knew her stuff. If you don't like the class it is probably because it is not the right class for you. good teachers understand this and would not be offended if you did not come back after a few sessions. But as others have said, it is not competitive, it is about learning to understand and value your own body and wellbeing.

[yorkshapudding]

Thank you all for being so lovely

I'm just really frustrated with myself for letting my insecurities get the better of me. I've gone up 2 dress sizes since having DD so not feeling very good about myself but the rational part of me knows this is all the more reason to give Yoga a try, not a reason to avoid it.

I'm now determined to go next week. I think the idea of speaking to the yoga teacher beforehand to put my mind at ease is a good one, I will definitely do this.

[yorkshapudding]

Will also check out beginners videos on YouTube to get me started.

[SelfObsessionHoney]

Definitely go to the class OP, you'll be really chuffed you did it!
I do Pilates, well I've stopped at the moment cos of SPD, but there's a right mix of ages, body sizes and abilities in my class. But we're all lovely and polite to each other and to be honest, zone out a little bit and concentrate on what we're doing.
Definaltely worth going.

[megletthesecond]

Please don't stress about it. Spend this week looking at you tube videos then try and be early for next week's class so you can speak to the teacher and get your mat set up in a place that feels best for you. There's always a mix of sizes, shapes and ages in yoga classes, it's the most mixed one I go to.

If it'd a beginners class it might just break down things like sun salutation into separate poses (mountain, cobra, forward bend etc) so you can eventually put them all together. You won't be doing crazy things like scorpion pose!

[onemouseplace]

I was exactly where you were 2 years ago - I remember being so nervous before I went to my first beginners' ashtanga class - in the end I think the only reason I didn't chicken out was that I had bought a 10 class pass! I was a good size 16-18 when I started as well.

2 years ago - I'm still going. I've even progressed up to the Intermediate classes. And I've got so much more out of it than I expected to.

[Turquoisa]

Please go-I was a size 12 and very clumsy.i could not even do the chaturanga properly but was hooked as soon as I attended my first class. I would attend twice a week without fail and always be at the back of the class so no one could see me and just persevered!!!!! Yoga is a personal journey and can't be measured with others -it's what you feel inside. Don't worry about other people judging you as they probably aren't -do u judge people constantly? I thought not..so just go😀

[yorkshapudding]

UPDATE: I went this morning!

The first thing the teacher said was "although we call this a beginners class it's really quite challenging" and I thought "uh oh what have I let myself in for??" But he went on to say just take your time and feel free to sit out and just observe any bits you're not sure about which put me at ease.

I really enjoyed it actually. I got more relaxed as the session went on and felt really energised when I came out. Will definitely go back next week.

[EBearhug]

That's great to hear! Er, read.

[isupposeitsverynice]

Oh that's great I'm so pleased for you!

[BlahBlahBlahEtc]

I could have written this post. I'm so happy you went and enjoyed it! You've given me a few things to think about now and just to you know.. bite the class bullet and go!

[EatsLeavesAndShit]

Great! Well done Yorksha

[Buck3t]

I was where you were 10 years ago. I'm now a yoga teacher. I'm glad you went, though a little worried when you said Ashtanga as that is my practice and it challenges people. Good for you