Others may feel they are too old or too out of shape to sit on the floor turning into the 'pretzel' like poses. A first time experience may very well leave you feeling overwhelmed, but after a few classes your misconception may change and you will realize it may be something you will want to keep as a part of your life.



When you first attend a yoga class, you may feel inadequate. Others around you will have their bodies twisted into the most unimaginable positions. You will probably think, 'I could never do that'. What you will come to realize is, that the person in the most difficult pose most likely started off thinking the same thing as you are. In a yoga class, everyone works at his or her own pace and level. Seasoned practitioners will be there, as will the beginners. But, these seasoned practitioners started off as beginners. You may very well be uncomfortable, but remember, yoga is a practice and as you continue you will train your mind and body and flexibility is likely to occur. The only thing blocking your mastery of this art will be your own mind. If you are open to yoga, you will learn through practice.

There are many things to keep in mind during your first yoga experience. First off, don't worry about what you look like, or what the others look like. You may feel like the most awkward individual in the room, not being able to master one pose in your first session. What is important to remember is you must not force a pose. Each time you practice this pose, and concentrate on how your body is bending, you will get closer and closer to mastering it. Don't expect to be able to do the poses correctly at first. And don't give up because the person next to you seems to bend with such ease and grace. With practice you will be this person someday. After just one class, you will have achieved at least a little more flexibility.

Yoga is a powerful workout. You may feel light-headed or nauseous during your first experience. The heated room combined with your physical movements can cause this. But don't leave the room or get discouraged. Simply lie down until you are feeling better and don't worry if you skip some poses. Rejoin when you feel up to it.

You may also experience a range of emotions during your first class. You may feel the urge to laugh or cry. You may feel anger or happiness. This is entirely normal. Your body is full of emotional energy. Yoga helps to release this energy so you can attain a more meditative state. Many people also experience strange sensations during their postures. This is also quite normal. If you have a prior injury, you may feel pain or stress like you have re-injured yourself. In reality it is your body healing the old injury.

Your first experience will hold a wide range of doubt, emotion and preconceived thoughts. It is important to let go of these feelings so you can truly get the most out of your yoga experience. It is an ongoing process, which can greatly yield so many benefits to your mind and body. It is not only about poses and postures, but it is about breathing, meditation and relaxation. It is, as they say, a mind/body experience. Many claim better health and mental well being from its practice. So give into the true yoga experience. Focus on the movement, not yourself and others. Don't be embarrassed, as everyone else is concentrating on his or her own bodies. Don't have the attitude that it is something you could never do, as it is a practice that will eventually produce the desired results. Have perseverance and openness. You will experience a new self.