by Madi Eunis
Yoga is not a woman’s sport. Nor is it meant for a specific body type or gender.
If you go to India, you learn that asana yoga is typically practiced by males.
Main Misconceptions when it comes to practicing Asana Yoga:
1: You have to be flexible
2: You have to do handstands and warrior 2’s
3: Only women practice
4: Yoga is just stretching
5: You have to be ‘thin’ to do yoga
Social media, yoga magazines, yoga studios, corporate yoga companies: an endless model for what western yoga looks like. What you see, isn’t yoga. Well, not yoga in depth.
We look at these picturesque models doing postures that intimidate us. “Well, I can’t touch my toes, I’m not flexible enough, my body isn’t the right body type...” So many reasons not to do yoga, mostly because yoga is not as easy as it looks. It doesn’t help either that I’ve been to countless studios that claim their Heated Vinyasa class is a beginners class when it isn’t.
I’ve worked with people of all body types, of very different physical backgrounds, and all ages. Yoga can be made accessible to everyone. From the bodybuilder that barely stretches, to the older woman who can’t sit on her knees, there are variations to accommodate all bodies. I cannot stress this enough.
There are so many yoga communities for all shapes, sizes, and ages, so it does require a certain level of exploration on your part to get out there to see what flows for you. It’s important that you’re not trying to ‘fit in’ to the group. It should feel natural!
Beginner Yoga: The type of Class I don’t recommend
If you’re new to yoga, you might jump to doing a restorative, or yin class because it sounds easier than a Vinyasa class that has you moving from one difficult pose to the next. But I will tell you, restorative or yin classes can be just as hard, sometimes harder than vinyasa.
In restore and yin classes, teachers hold you in the pose from three to five minutes long. That’s a long time to sit in a pose and if you don’t typically do these practices, it can be extremely difficult to work through the muscles that way. It will be uncomfortable, and if you’re new to yoga then you’re new to being put in uncomfortable positions.
There’s also the mental aspect of it. Restorative yoga is the practice of slowing down the mind, which in the western world is not easy. We’re moving all day everyday, so much so that even when our bodies stop, our minds don’t. Always thinking of the next things to do.
If you haven’t taken these classes before, it’s hard, and that’s okay. I can’t tell you how many times I got anxious sitting in a pose for a while, just wanting to get to the next one. Not to say you can’t take a restorative or yin class as your first class, but be prepared for that. The mind will wander and that’s natural.
I also definitely would not recommend a fast paced vinyasa class. It takes a certain level of body and yoga awareness for this class. You might just be looking around most of the class trying to figure out what leg is in front and thinking: ‘what the he** is a high crescent lunge?’ And by the time you’re done asking that question, they’re already in warrior two.
Beginner Yoga: The type of Class I do recommend
Find a class that is a Slow Flow, or if a studio has a beginner specific class, even better. Slow Flows are typically slower than a typical “Vinyasa” class you might see, but it still has similar elements. This way you can learn the poses, not as easily fall behind, and not feel pressure to keep up with the people at the front doing their handstand practice.
Studios call their classes names that aren’t always clear about what type of class you’re walking into, so definitely double check with the front desk on the true nature of the class. Gentle yoga is also a great option. It might be more tame and on the slow flow restorative side, but still a good option if you’re tense and just wanting to relax without the pressure of needing to change poses.
Advice for your first Class
Tell the teacher you’re new to yoga! Don’t be shy, it’s important they know so they can help you before, during, and after the class if needed. I can’t speak for all teachers, but we want to be able to help you, and keep an eye on you, as well as cater the yoga flow in a way that is accessible. When I know I have new students coming to class, I make sure I include multiple options and ways to get into poses. If you’re a yoga teacher reading this, I highly encourage you to give options!
A perfect yoga mat isn’t required, but it helps a lot more than you think. I like to have a mat that is large so I can take up space, as well as a mat that supports my knees. We have a great mat you can check out here.
Take comfortable clothes, a water bottle, a good mat, and an open mind.
Don’t let one yoga class make or break your yoga practice. Take the time to explore and find the studios, teachers, communities that feel the best for you.
DON’T DO A YOGA POSE OR TRANSITION THAT DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT. Yes, I will yell it on rooftops, say it in my classes over and over again like a broken record. Especially if you’re new to yoga, don’t do something in spite of your body just because the people around you are doing it. If your body says no, take a child’s pose, or find another variation that feels better. Wave over the teacher, he/she/they will give you a better variation to be in.
Ask questions! Ask about your form, about yoga in general, about other teachers people recommend. Don’t be afraid to speak up.
Lastly, don’t take it too seriously. Yoga is called a practice for a reason. It is not perfect, nor will it ever be, so drop that expectation now and let your practice grow at your pace.
Yoga is for everyone, it is just a matter of finding the class(es) that fit best for your body, lifestyle, and goals. Yoga is a practice, it is never perfect, so let it be a space where you explore yourself and learn about your body–rather than trying to stand on your head.
Click here to learn more about how you can support your body during yoga!
