Why 5 Things Beginners Should Remember About Yoga

5 things every beginner should remember about yoga

I was in ratty gym shorts my first yoga class.

Everyone else was in perfectly fitting spandex yoga pants.

I remember walking into that heated room feeling so out of place...

I almost walked out.

You see, at the time, I wasn't into the whole yoga scene ... at all.

To me, yoga wasn't a "real workout." And if I was going to give up 60 minutes of my day, I wanted to make sure my efforts would be physically reflected, and I didn't think yoga could do that.

But, after shattering heartache, a move to a new city (...now alone), and an open heart, I wound up in my first hot yoga class ... in those ratty gym shorts.

I was hoping for a healed heart, some mental relief (affirmations, mediation,

As one of my teachers always said, as long as you're in the room, breathing, you are doing yoga. So remember- your practice is your practice. There's no need or point in comparing yourself to anyone in the room. Yoga is about your connection with yourself and your breath.

4. Your body is the most beautiful instrument you have

Whether you have a pear, apple, or hourglass shape, or you're slender or muscular, it doesn't matter. Yoga is for all body types. You don't need to look a certain way to practice yoga. Your body is your vehicle for movement and to live your life. In other words, your body is the most beautiful and valuable instrument you have. Yoga will allow you to see this. Nourish it and move it with love.

5. Each day will be different

We all have our good days and bad days and in-between days. And being human beings, we feel differently - physically and emotionally - each and every day. If you can't do something in one class that you did in another class, understand that that's totally normal. Don't beat yourself up about it. Instead, observe instead of judge what you think is going on (it could be as simple as you need more sleep) and use that information to make the best decisions for where you are with what you have with what you know right now. Have fun with