BLOG: Scared to Try Yoga? Here's Some "Instant Courage"

Trying yoga can be a daunting experience if you haven’t done it before—like standing on the high dive for the first time and trying to convince yourself to jump in. So here, for those who might be a little afraid to try yoga, are a few insights and observations to help you feel brave.

The most common excuse I hear for not trying yoga is “I’m not flexible enough”.  This is perfect for me because I then get to reply, "Exactly the reason to come in and try." Yoga can help you become more flexible. Most people feel younger and move more fluidly almost immediately. And the more you practice the better you’ll feel.

The mere idea of trying yoga can scare folks off, and it shouldn’t.  They may think they should have a certain amount of experience. Or, even more-scary, they may be afraid they’ll walk into a room full of chanting, levitating pretty people in pretzel poses.  

While some studios offer classes like that, the fact is we all have to start somewhere. And most yoga classes, (especially those with the words “flow “or “power” in their description), are usually very accessible and attract people of varying skill levels, ages, shapes and sizes.

So let’s say you’ve overcome your “fears” and decided your going to give yoga a try. What should you expect? How should you behave?

When you walk into the lobby or a studio, take off your shoes. The studio itself is an entirely shoe free space (don’t worry–we clean the floors daily). Check in with the instructor and let them know you are there for class. This is a great opportunity to introduce yourself and tell them about your yoga experience (novice to super bendy yoga elite).  

Use that time to let them know about any injuries, fears, or concerns. And remember—the very teacher who is about to guide you through class was once a beginner as well. They know what you’re feeling.

The next hour of class is like a big game of Simon Says. The instructor will teach by giving breath and movement cues so you never have to think much beyond that.  

For example, a teacher may say, "Inhale high plank pose, exhale downward facing dog." Once you know the pose, that’s all you have to do.  

Some poses may be given in Sanskrit, but don’t panic. Most teachers follow up the traditional posture names with the same breath and movement cues, especially in beginning level classes.

Try it. You’ll like it.

In my classes, I make it a point to acknowledge early on that, often, just showing up can be the hardest part. Especially when there’s laundry to be done, or a report due in the morning, or a birthday gift to be bought.  

I promise you those things will still be there when you’re done. But the 60 minutes you set aside for yourself on the mat to breathe, practice, and be present will help you approach these tasks, (and everything else in life), in a calmer and more deliberate and accepting way.  

So if you’re thinking about trying yoga, trust me. You’re flexible enough. You’ll pick up on the pace, poses and routines quickly. And an hour after you first set foot on your mat, you’ll wonder why you took so long to come in.