It’s time.
I’ve been putting this off for years, because it scares me… but it is so time.
I am going to start doing yoga. {Next week when I get home and back to normal life}.
I know this isn’t revolutionary. People have been doing yoga for donkey’s years. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had someone tell me that I need to do yoga and that it will be ‘my’ thing. And my back has been such a pain in my back lately {ha! That would be funny if it wasn’t painful!} that I need to do what I can to strengthen it. I think yoga first, and then maybe pilates. My normal exercise is walking in the fresh air, and sometimes deep water running.
BUT, new experiences give me hives. Well, I’ve never had hives, so that’s a lie… but they make me all anxious. I don’t want to be that person in the back who does a star jump when we’re meant to be doing a downward dog. So I thought I’d come to you.
Have you done yoga? Is it good? What do I need to know? What do I wear? Do I need to buy a mat? TELL ME ALL THE THINGS.
Thank you in advance for all your yoga wisdom. Salute the sun, or something yoga-y.
Snap! Me too! I’m starting next week when I have a level of stress that is akin to a yogi. I’ve bought a mat, you simply must!
I bet you bought a very beautiful mat, did you?
You can hire mats from yoga studios… but do you really want someone else’s sweaty mat?? Buy your own, you’ll love it. Then you can do yoga at home in the privacy of your loungeroom too 🙂 Wear whatever you’re comfortable in and pants that you can stretch in. oh and a towel to wipe your buckets of sweat and a drink bottle! That’s it! There’s so many different styles you’re bound to find one that you love. I hate slow stuff so I do a Power Vinyasa. I think Ashtanga is the slow one… Yeah, you’ll know more than me pretty soon! I need to get back into it too, this is great motivation!
Thanks Sarah. 🙂
Seriously you will not find a better instructor or yoga place than at Haven for Health! Up in the hills of Bonogin but you can get there via Reedy Creek. yoga is great for the mind & bod, you will enjoy if you can relax. Wear something comfy & enjoy!
Oh, a little bit too far for me, but maybe as a treat down the track. Thank you. x
Oh I hope you love it! Definitely get yourself a mat and wear comfy gym gear that doesn’t move when your upside down or in downward dog. Nothing worse than spending the class pulling your top down. Also try a few different styles (and teachers) until you find one that’s really you! I love ashtanga because it’s challenging but also love a more gentle hatha class on a Sunday morning. And take water!
Breathe it all in, love it all out! Xxx
Thank you. I’m sure I’ll understand what those words mean at some stage. 😛
Yes, yes, YES! I started after I finished chemo and radiotherapy…136kg and couldn’t raise my arms above my head. My body and mind and spirit were all a little broken until I met Dani. My instructor is fun, empathetic, nurturing, understanding and connected. I do ‘dru yoga’ which is more ‘flowy’ but works everything. I always thought yoga was a bit ‘woo woo’ but these days I can’t live without it. It has helped to lengthen me, make me stronger, more flexible and reduced my pain. More than that it centres and grounds me, helps to remind me what and who are important (like me), helps me look at the bigger picture and meditation is now an everyday thing for me. I don’t look at it as exercise but healing and growth. The best part is all you need is a mat, soft workout gear and a water bottle (drink plenty after classes to help flush toxins). A rug for meditation is nice to keep warm too. People might fart, fall asleep in meditation and snore and that’s ok. You don’t compete…it’s just you and your body. You will love seeing how far you’ve come and get excited about how far you can go. YOGA RULES. shanti, shanti, shanti x
Thank you! I always wondered if people farted. I don’t want to be that person though. How funny!
Totally buy a mat! I’ve only done hot yoga, where you end up drenched in your own sweat and breathing everybody else’s, and the idea of sharing a mat that somebody else sweated all over completely grosses me out. I would wear something comfy and supportive, and the instructors that I have had were awesome about explaining/demonstrating each pose so you’re not in the back flailing about! Other than the blinding heat of hot yoga (115 degrees F) it was fun!
Yes, that is gross. I can’t be doing that.
I have not done it either but I should join you, not literally, but get my yoga on. It might help my creaky bones and poor flexibility… wish I could afford someone to come to my house and do it with me!!
I think it’s time Emily!
Yes, yoga is really good, not just as exercise, but for your mind and soul and stuff, too. Buy a mat, but not one of the super cheap ones. Take a small towel – I find I tend to slip on my mat when I’ve started sweating. Wear whatever you’re comfortable in, so long as you can bend in it and your pants/top/underwear aren’t falling down or migrating to places they shouldn’t, there’s nothing worse than having to fix your clothing every time you move. And definitely go to a real life class to get started, and tell your instructor about any health issues, so they can adapt things for you if you need it. You can supplement your practice later on by following classes on youtube (I love Yoga with Adriene), but get your fundamentals right by going to beginners classes first. Don’t be afraid of getting things wrong and don’t be embarrassed if you can’t do all the poses straight away. Everyone starts at a different place, so just focus on where you are and don’t worry about how you compare. 🙂
Thank you Meg! Such good advice and so many things I didn’t think of!
Let me know how it goes – I’ve been wanting to do it for aaaaages but that little nagging voice in the back of my head that tells me “You’re not ready! Everyone will know you got your yoga pants from Kmart, not Lorna Jane!” always stops me. Methinks it’s time to face that fear!
xx AnastasiaAmour.com
Mine are from Big W, so I’m totally going to be uncool. 😛
Gotta love Big W!
Go you! The first time I went to a class my friend had to take me becuase I was petrified. I have since paid it forward and taken many friends to beginner classes – so – if you can go with someone – that’s always nice!
A few hints: double up on mats – even if you have to bring two! Or use a studio one plus your own over the top. It can be hard on your knees at times when you start out and aren’t used to where your body needs to be positioned in certain poses. Wear tops that have a tie or an elastic at the waist – otherwise they flip up in positions like downward dog leaving one’s tummy out all akimbo (if you love your tummy out, no worries! I am self conscious of mine). Pick beginner’s classes to start with, or the low intensity/relaxation style classes – they’ll move slowly and you can take your time getting used to the names of the yoga poses and how they look and feel. Not all teachers and studios will suit you! Lots of places have trial periods (e.g. 10 days for $10) so don’t commit anywhere straight up – do a few classes with a few different teachers and see if you can find one that you feel comfortable with. When you go to a class, let the teacher know you’re new – that way than keep an eye on you. Don’t feel under any pressure to push hard in poses and hurt yourself. Just find your own limits. Have a rest when you need to (in child’s pose) and then rejoin the class – yoga is about progress not perfection.
A combination of yoga/pilates/strength was where I started with my wellness journey and it was the best thing for rehabilitating by body from various injuries and kinks, and from just everyday life. And for getting in better physical condition to do other kinds of exercise like riding or running as. Go consistently – you’ll be amazed how quickly your body changes and how good you feel. I got more from the physical side of it initially (stretching everuthing our) but eventually as I got used to it all, it became good for my mind as well once I was less worried about what the hell my legs and arms were actually meant to me doing. It also does awesome things for one’s arm and back muscles.
This is great Emma. You are such an inspiration to me, so thank you so much. xxx
And you to me 🙂 Looking forward to hearing how you go with your yoga!
I’ve been doing Crossfit for a while and my trainer talked me into the yoga class afterwards… I literally didn’t sleep the night before and had a thousand excuses as to why I couldn’t stay that day. But I’m a terrible liar so that freaked me out too and I just did it! I fell over a few times, I felt completely stupid and I was totally uncoordinated but I can guarantee that no one else took any notice of me because they get too focused on what they are doing! So I can completely relate to how you are probably feeling but I can guarantee you will go back for more and it gets easier and easier every time!
I think you’re so right. So right! Thank you. x
P.S. Look at you cross-fitting and yoga-ing. That’s awesome.
As you know, I love yoga. It’s been 13 years now! Yes get a mat, and do it at home if you want to. I’ll lend you my Geri Yoga DVD muhahahahahahahhaahahhahahahahahahaha
I DON’T EVEN HAVE A DVD PLAYER.
Hahah neither do I, it broke. It was a cool DVD/VHS combo. I have a blu-Ray now cos it’s not 2001 any more and I can finally afford it.
Ps do the Adriene YouTube videos. She’s rad. For real. I do her every day x
Go for it! Yoga is great for your body and attitude! Remember it’s called a “practice”. You aren’t expected to be an expert from the get go! Like most things, you will get more comfortable over time just keep at it. Don’t compare yourself to the other students. Your practice is for you, yoga isn’t a competition. Most importantly enjoy yourself and be proud that you jumped in and tried something new, you’ll be happy in the long run!!
Yes, so true. Everyone has to start somewhere, right?
I love yoga it has been my place to return to for years. I am doing it at home now as there is no-one in my town who does pre-natal yoga anymore so I use classes on Youtube! A mat is good but if you go to a yoga studio or gym they will have them. At a class or at home it is a wonderful thing (do get a mat for at homepractice). Don’t worry if you can’t do poses like everyone else, don’t push to painful, it is the yoga that suits you that is important, not everyone else’s yoga! Do make sure you do rest it “corpse pose” at the end, it is the settling down where Yoga does it’s magic!
Thank you for your help. xxx
Get yourself a mat that you love and an outfit you feel totally comfortable in. Then, get yourself to http://www.gaiamtv.com/my-yoga and sign up for a years worth of all the yoga you could possibly do on your own timeframe in your own living room. I should be getting paid for this.. actually I think if anyone joins through me I get a free month…! Let me know if you want to!
I just like it because people freak me out. I love being able to go left when I’m supposed to go right, and accidentally fart, and not wear a bra if I feel like it, in the privacy of my own living room. I also do it when the kids are in bed in the mornings and evenings and I don’t have to drive anywhere!
They have all sorts of series you can subscribe to as well as one off classes, so you could totally do a beginner series. Oh, also, you can download to your computer so if you are travelling you don’t need a connection. Oh and they have lots of spirtual movies if thats your thing.
I’m thinking at home might be a good way to ease me in. Going to research today. Thank you. xx
Yes, yoga is a great relief for back problems. I love studio classes (if you find the right one for you), but I also enjoy taking classes at home online through yogaglo.com (it’s $18/month for an unlimited membership). I second the comment on a good mat and an outfit you feel comfy in (usually fitted capris and a tank that won’t fly up when you’re in down dog are great options.
Do you know, I never would have thought about the top flipping up and that would have caused me great discomfort having to worry about that. Thank you.
I’m wondering if I should start at home first. Thanks for the link. 🙂
I would say start with a class rather than at home – the teacher will come and adjust your position gently when you’re not getting it quite right, which can’t happen if you’re doing it at home – often an adjustment by the teacher makes me go “Oooh THAT’S what it’s meant to feel like!”
I’d definitely get yourself a mat – they’ll have them at the studio, but there’s nothing worse than having to bury your face in a smelly overused mat!
And Pilates is a great idea for your back – it totally sorted mine out!
Enjoy!
I would love to go because who doesn’t love a new gym outfit, want to be as flexible as a bendy toy and experience inner calm? However, I just know I’d be the one who would fart in the downward dog. Because there’s always one! I can’t wait to hear how you get on! I wish we lived nearer then we could pop our yoga cherries together!
Ha ha ha! I wish you were here too. Dang!
If it is any consolation, despite being an Indian, I never attempted yoga all my life 😛 . I started going for yoga for the first time 3 weeks back. I have a weekly class in my fitness studio. And I really find it very relaxing.
I am still using the studio mat, but maybe I will buy my own soon. As for clothes, yeah you may have to wear something that doesn’t go here and there when you are doing all those crazy aasans with your head and shoulders on your mat and legs dangling up in the air.
All the best 🙂
That’s awesome. I’m so glad you tried it and like it. That’s a good sign!
My mum is always trying to convince me to do more yoga (I’ve dabbled with iPad apps and stuff but never really more than once or twice). It’s like I know it would be so good for me, but I just can’t get around to it. I heard there’s such a thing as hip hop yoga and while I’m sure it is not quite what my mum has in mind (and I’m sure purists would think it was an awful idea), I do think that it would be something I’d love to do!
Oh wow, that takes it to a whole new level! I would to see how that is done!
You will love it! It really is great for mind, body and soul. I prefer Pilates to yoga. Just don’t be the one who farts. You might not ever be able to go again lol x
Ha ha ha! I hope I’m not!
Good on you chick! I was tagged by a friend on your FB post, so followed it here. I am an experienced Yoga/meditation teacher and I run online classes for peeps who can’t or don’t want, to go to a studio. Each month I send my beautiful members a new Yoga session that I have filmed, a relaxation tip I have filmed, a meditation, a relaxing breathing technique, a recipe, a smoothie idea, we have a supportive private FB group to ask and answer any questions and I call you once a month to inspire you to keep on track. My members also get 10 % off all of my products, including retreats. I currently have an EOFY sale on my members Yoga, 50% off !!! I’d love to answer any questions you have, and I also have written quite a few blogs for beginner Yogis and meditators. Everything is on my website http://www.victoriasplaceonline.com.au xx Best of luck with your new path, Yoga is amazing and has changed my life. I’ve got a YouTube channel you may want to see also, under Victoria’s Place Online. It’s best if you find a teacher that resonates well with you .
This is great, thank you! Thank you so much!
I have been writing ‘start yoga’ in my journal for so long. This is so exciting for you, all the best, I think it might kickstart me to actually get off my bot and start too!
Yes, do it. Virtual yoga beginners together!
Yoga is the best thing ever and you’re going to love it. Writers always, in my experience, love yoga because it unites your mind with your body. I’ve been doing it for six years and it is magic. Depending on the poses, you can get energized or calmed down. It helps you sleep, it helps intensify sex, it gives you great muscles and you will simply glow after you’ve been doing yoga regularly. It will also help you be more patient with your children and the rest of the world.
And yes, you need a mat. You don’t always need to do yoga on a mat but as a beginner, it will help you stay oriented during poses. Enjoy!!
I started Yoga mid-2014 while seeing a Holistic Health Coach for anxiety & OCD. I was always a person who would never go to a new class or something unfamiliar on my own but I worked up the courage and attended my first Yoga class on my own (as scared as I was). I was so proud of myself – the studio I attend overlooks the beach, the staff are so welcoming/supportive and I have not regretted it since. I find that when I attend regularly, I feel calm, composed and my life is just that little bit better. I have since encouraged friends to come along with me to classes if they have never tried Yoga & they love it. I encourage myself and anyone new to classes to soften into poses – don’t force yourself – because Yoga isn’t meant to be painful. Take some water, a hand towel incase you get a little sweaty, your own mat (or just a towel to place over the supplied mats at the studio) and fitted clothing so your top doesn’t lift up during certain poses. Also, don’t worry about what anyone else is doing in the class, just focus on your own space/breathing and let all your thoughts pass through your mind and let go of the day/morning that was. Yoga & Meditation have changed my life for the better. I look forward to hearing how your first class goes! x
I haven’t done yoga, but I’ve done pilates, and it totally helped reduce a lot of my back/neck problems! dress in layers and start with warm clothes, you can reduce a layer if you need to, but it’s important to stay warm. let the instructor adjust you when you learn new movements, that way you’re sure to do them the right way and not do harm to your body by doing something just a little bit wrong. and just remember to breathe – the right rhythm will come in time, but if you focus too hard on the rhythm from the start, you forget to breathe altogether and start feeling dizzy.
I love yoga, yoga is the key to heal body and soul. <3