New to Yoga? Perhaps you’re looking for the perfect beginner Yoga class? Maybe you’ve done a Yoga session but need a little more guidance before your next one. Maybe you’re wondering how many classes per week should you do to notice the benefits of Yoga?!
Well you’ve landed on the right page! Not only have we prepared a selection of Yoga classes for you to try, we are going to share everything you need to know so you feel confident to start your Yoga pratice right away!
So what exactly is Yoga?
You’ve probably come to this page wanting more info on Yoga poses like Downward Facing Dog, Plank Pose, Sun Salutations and Mountain Pose, Childs Pose, just to name a few. And if you think that’s what Yoga is all about, that is, the exercise, the movement, then you’d be thinking the same as most of the population. BUT the truth is, Yoga is so much more than the postures. In fact, Yoga Asana (the poses and postures), is about an eighth of what Yoga is truly about.
In a nutshell, to keep things short and sweet and because we wrote about this more over here, Yoga translates to: unite. In its essence, Yoga is a philosophical set of tools that guide you to let go of your ego and instead remember who and what you are. It is a way of remembering that we are all made up of the same thing, and that we can all re-find our true nature of mind body connection and loving awareness.
But hey, we don’t think you came here for that but if it’s sparked your attention then you might want to read more about our upcoming Yoga Teacher Training.
5 Things To Think About Before You Begin Yoga
We know that your first few Yoga classes can feel daunting. There is nothing worse than walking into a room and having no idea what your Yoga instructor means when they say: get into Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana…
So here are 5 things to know before you head to your first Yoga class.
What Style of Yoga Do you Want to Do?
And there are many styles of Yoga! So you will definitely want to think about this because the styles provide very different effects and benefits.
The most common you’ll have to choose between are: Vinyasa Yoga and Yin Yoga. Vinyasa Yoga may also be called flow classes. These classes involve flowing movement combined with an even breath. You will build strength and flexibility by doing Vinyasa. Depending on your Yoga Teacher and the class level, these classes can leave you feeling energised and grounded.
Then there is Yin Yoga, also referred to as restorative Yoga, these classes involve long hold poses that are usually close to the Earth, they provide a total body stretch and usually leave you feeling very blissed out!
We would always suggest doing a combination of both! You could start with one of each class per week!
What am I Going to Wear to Yoga?
And no, we are not talking about going out and getting the latest Lululemon tights. Of course, you can if you like but we are talking functionality here.
You want to make sure your clothes move with you and don’t restrict your movement. Our preference are high waisted leggings with a tight long line crop top. This means our leggings don’t roll down and our tops don’t fall over our heads when we are in a pose like Down Dog! It might sound silly but you don’t want your clothes distracting you from your Yoga practice.
Really, this is why we are all for Online Yoga, YES, Yoga videos you can follow along from the comfort of your home. It means you can literally wear your PJs when you practice Yoga!
On that note, let’s get to your first class to try!
Here is a Beginner Yoga class called Gentle Flow Yoga.
Why is the Breath so Important?
We could talk about the breath for a very long time, but you don’t have all day!
During a class, your Yoga teacher will guide you into movement as well as cue your breath. This may take a while to get used to but just know that with practise, you will learn to love this. There are many reasons to focus on your breath, however, we are going to share two of the main reasons and how they relate to your Yoga practice.
Number one reason: it helps you get present. Your breath is ALWAYS living in the ‘now’. Unlike your mind which likes to flit and float between past, present and future. When you focus on your breath, you can more easily anchor yourself into the present moment,
The second reason is that a steady, nasal breath can help you de-stress and switch on your Parasympathetic Nervous System, which is your rest and digest system. Nowadays, life is stressful and many of us are dominantly living with the Sympathetic Nervous System switched on, that is fight, flight, freeze. Breathing in and out through your nose deeply as you practise Yoga, will help you restore and rejuvenate your body.
There are SO many Benefits from Yoga
We wanted to add this in the important things to know because we want it to act as inspiration and motivation for you to jump on your Yoga mat. Sure, a consistent Yoga practice can help you with fitness, strength and flexibility and yes, with that you may see changes to your body.
However, the benefits of Yoga run so much deeper than this, read more here. Here are a few benefits of a consistent Yoga practice:
- De-stress and calm the mind
- More focus
- More energy
- More patient
- Positive changes to blood pressure
- Clear minded
- Less reactive
- More grateful
A Yoga practice is less about what it can make you look like and more about how it can make you feel. This is what we focus on inside MerryBody… moving our bodies to make us feel good in our minds. It’s about moving for the joy of the movement itself.
It’s a refreshing and positive way to exercise.
Ok so is there a Beginner Course?
Ahhh a beginners course or program always feels like a great place to start, especially if you have never done Yoga before! We created a course called the: Foundation Program. This program is where we recommend all of our new MerryBody Members to begin.
It includes a series of 11 short classes for you to work through that explain the most common movements you will do in both our online Yoga and Pilates classes.
Our recommendation? Sign up for a FREE 7 Day Trial to MerryBody and work your way through the Foundation Program. This one action alone will help you to feel confident and excited for your Yoga journey!
Ok! I am ready for another Beginner Yoga Class!
We hoped you were going to say that! Well now that you’ve tried the Gentle Flow above, it’s time for something a little more fire-y!
This class is called Hot Lunge Yoga, it’s a short 8 minutes and will get you feeling nice and warm in no time!
If you’ve completed those two classes and still have questions, then reach out! We are always here to help and would love to hear from you!
Otherwise, we will see you super soon on the mat!
Always merrymaking,
Emma + Carla