It’s all about practice

As you roll out your mat for class, you might hear some serious yogis refer to yoga as their “practice.” While it sounds like hippie mumbo jumbo, they’re right. Yoga is a practice. You’re not training for anything and there is no finish line—it’s a work in progress. Try to remember this when you can’t perfect the tree pose on the first try...there’s always next time!

Don’t be afraid to modify

While it might seem like everyone around you mastered the advanced poses a long time ago, difficult poses might not be the best to attempt if you’re a beginner. Modifying your poses using a block or strap doesn’t mean you’re a yoga loser. It means you understand your body’s limits and don’t want to risk injury. Raise your hand and ask the teacher if you're not sure how to do an easier variation of a pose. She has one ready for you, we promise.

It’s OK to take breaks

Some yoga classes involve constant movement from beginning to end (phew!). If you’re feeling thirsty or overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to take a break. Take child’s pose if you can’t hold the pose you’re in or sip some water if you feel especially parched. 

It might take time to find your teacher

Yoga has all different types of styles, and every single teacher is different. Let's say you try out a hatha class at a gym (hatha is a broad term for many styles of yoga, but the classes tend to be straightforward and no-frills), and you don't love it. You think, "Hey, yoga's not for me!" Well...it's not that easy. Maybe you didn't click with the way the teacher explained the poses ("I'm supposed to do WHAT?") or maybe the class was too slow. Check out a studio's website and read the class descriptions and don't be afraid to try a bunch of styles at different places.

Falling over is totally fine

You’re not going to be able to do a handstand after your first yoga class. Mastering poses takes a lot of practice ,which means being OK with falling over, wobbling or having to use the wall to assist you (yes, that's a thing). If you’re willing to take a tumble every now and again until you master the pose, then you’re more likely to get it. Hey, that's why you have a mat.

It’ll teach you a life lesson or two

Yoga isn’t just a great exercise, it teaches the importance of kindness and patience, too. It takes patience and being kind to yourself to be able to find that sweet spot in yoga, when you leave a class somehow relaxed yet energized. The same practices can be applied to your everyday life. 

It’s 100% worth it

In the end, yoga is a workout that will boost your mood and health. It works wonders at clearing your mind and is excellent way to increase flexibility and muscle. Though sometimes, you might not be totally obsessed with yoga, that’s part of the challenge. It's all about growth and change.

Have you tried yoga before? What did you think? Share in the comments below.

by Mallory Walker | 2/1/2016