Fear of yoga
judithlyn
Posts: 30 Member
help! Intimidated by the long and lithe...
Yoga promises mind and body connection, core strength and an overall emotional experience. I'm afraid I'll breakdown or break a bone.
Yoga promises mind and body connection, core strength and an overall emotional experience. I'm afraid I'll breakdown or break a bone.
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Replies
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LOL! I went to my first class just 4 or 5 days ago. I wasn't really feeling it buuuut...I guess it's what I'll be doing come rest day.0
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Yoga is almost like an hour vacation from the stresses and world around you. You need to find the right instructor and class that makes you feel comfortable. There are many levels and kinds of yoga so starting in a beginners stretching class is my suggestion. Once you conquer your beginners fears you can advance in classes and levels! Hope that helps!0
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Yoga on YouTube is amazing! I use it all the time and it's free!0
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you'll be fine0
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You need to find the right instructor and class
^^^ This. I tried yoga a few times and hated it, but did love how it solved some nerve/muscle issues. Not until I found the right class and instructor I liked, did I actually love yoga. I prefer Relaxation Yoga, I literally feel just like I do when I get off a massage table.0 -
I agree with Kamakazee - you can find some fantastic classes online.0
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I do YouTube yoga all the time. There are some really great videos that I use right in the morning to stretch out and energize for the day.0
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While there are always some lithe and lean in there, most of us are just average people looking for some nice awesomeness. Especially as you're learning, going to a live class with a good instructor is key, in my opinion, as they can help with the (sometimes very subtle) positionings for the poses. The great thing about the people I see at yoga too is that I've not yet run into a judgmental one. I was almost 300 pounds when I started and there were TONS of things I couldn't do. I never once felt that someone looked at me askance for being there, or for not being able to do certain poses even a little because my fat rolls got in the way!
So go yoga! It's worth it
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I did yoga once and farted nearly the whole time - so embarrassing! I also do Zumba and fart, but the music is so loud that nobody hears it (I hope!). I won't be doing yoga anymore unless it's at home by myself!0
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I can't love it.
During the last 10 minutes of laying and connecting.. I was watching the clock thinking of the other things that I can be doing instead of laying there.
It hurts too! I can't find a way to make downward dog comfortable.. at all.0 -
While there are always some lithe and lean in there, most of us are just average people looking for some nice awesomeness. Especially as you're learning, going to a live class with a good instructor is key, in my opinion, as they can help with the (sometimes very subtle) positionings for the poses. The great thing about the people I see at yoga too is that I've not yet run into a judgmental one. I was almost 300 pounds when I started and there were TONS of things I couldn't do. I never once felt that someone looked at me askance for being there, or for not being able to do certain poses even a little because my fat rolls got in the way!
So go yoga! It's worth it
^^ THIS. So much!!0 -
Don't be intimidated. I've seen all shapes, sizes, and ability levels in my yoga classes. Seek out a class that's labeled as "gentle" or "hatha" yoga--it'll probably be more pose based than flow, so you don't need to be nearly as graceful or gymnastic right away. Also, you have the option to set you mat up in the back so that you're not "on display" in the front row. Many yogis turn the lights down during class so that can be reassuring, too. Most yogis will offer suggestions for modifications or easier poses, and you can always revert to child's pose if the class gets a little too challenging--no shame in that. Also, yoga is a practice--a pathway--there is no final destination--and everyone who is in the class is continuing to push and improve themselves as well.0
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Yes, yoga is for all shapes, sizes, & ages. The best teachers make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Don't be intimidated!0
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I second making sure you find the right class and instructor. Classes that are too difficult will make you feel like you can't do anything! However, don't be afraid to alter a stretch or ask the instructor how to modify if you're uncomfortable. I've seen a friend of mine who's quite practiced modify or skip things due to how she's feeling that day. It's all about how you feel THAT DAY. It might be a rough day or a great day and that may show in your practice and that is OK!
Modifications will prevent the bone breaking. And be gentle with yourself emotionally. There are really no things that we are good at the first time we try them. 0 -
it's called yoga "practice" for a reason. practicing yoga you will gain flexibility & all the other great benefits. there will be poses that you can't do and others that will come natural to you. that's all ok. Practice, you’ll improve. If you don’t, you won’t.0
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Start really gently - use videos on YouTube. The beginning is more about learning about the body/mind connection and really understanding the different ways you can control your body.
I did yoga all alone, in my house for 8 months - then I started with a class. It's totally up to you. You don't *need* an instructor to learn - there are many things I can do that my instructor can't, that I taught myself - but I love her and she really challenges me.
My recommendation is Yoga with Adriene on YouTube - she's fantastic. I'm smack in the middle of her 30 Day Yoga Challenge right now. She's really good about giving you several options for each pose, so you can find your comfort area. She's also very soothing and informative.
Don't be afraid. Yoga has made me stronger, more confident, happier and more at peace in general. It's my religion, my therapy.
And you probably will fart - I'm a total yoga tooter. It's okay. You'll probably cry too, at some point. There's really nothing like the feeling after a good session. Mentally, physically and emotionally.
I'm happy to help in any way I can.0 -
Have a go at home first, I'm sure you'll fall in love with yoga ... try 'Yoga with Adriene' she has a couple of beginner videos on youtube you can try and I she will look after you
edited to add .. let us know how you get on x0 -
Many studios offer a free first class - try as many places as you can until you find somewhere you feel comfortable. Look for people that look like you in class - that can make you feel more comfortable and there will be someone with the same kind of flexibility, strength, etc that you have. Also, I'm not a big fan of the video approach to yoga. It would be like learning Martial Arts via video - it's possible, but you will miss out on many aspects of the practice.
As far as farting goes - don't eat a couple hours before class - should solve that problem.
I've practiced for 15 years. Never seen someone break a bone in class
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If I can do yoga (I'm about as flexible as a concrete block), there shouldn't be anything stopping you!0
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Thank you, guys! Hysterical and helpful. You guys are awesome. I received a gift certificate for Barre & Soul this Christmas and I have been so afraid to go. Afraid of farting...bfdeal and alpine -and afraid of my own awkwardness. No reason why I can't just go and give it my all. Realizing that everyone is out for self-improvement. Thanks for reminding me that the world is larger than my own. We're all human and I'm glad to hear from all of you. I'm gonna give it a go. Thanks, once again. See you around!
Judith0 -
I'm easily the most clumsy and uncoordinated person in my yoga class, but I absolutely love it! I've never felt embarrassed about losing my balance doing poses or having to take a rest break sometimes during the more intense part of the class, and nobody has been at all judgmental, they are all encouraging. I can tell I'm starting to improve and that makes me really happy at the end of the class when I know I did better than before. Last week the instructor came to me after class to congratulate me on my improvement. I really love yoga even though I'm not good at it. Try it! I promise nobody will judge you or make you feel uncomfortable, yoga is all about acceptance0
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Yoga is really wonderful, it's worth trying at least a few times to overcome your intimidation. Let the instructor know you're new (and whether you're comfortable with hands-on posture adjustments), stand in the back and try to remember that most or all the other people are focused on themselves.
Good luck.0 -
There are a few cool apps you can download.. I do it in my basement 0
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While there are always some lithe and lean in there, most of us are just average people looking for some nice awesomeness. Especially as you're learning, going to a live class with a good instructor is key, in my opinion, as they can help with the (sometimes very subtle) positionings for the poses. The great thing about the people I see at yoga too is that I've not yet run into a judgmental one. I was almost 300 pounds when I started and there were TONS of things I couldn't do. I never once felt that someone looked at me askance for being there, or for not being able to do certain poses even a little because my fat rolls got in the way!
So go yoga! It's worth it
^^ THIS. So much!!
When I started 20 months ago I couldn't do Child's Pose and breathe at the same time, now I'm doing Dancer's Pose without hold onto a bar. I've never encountered any judgment and my go to instructor is amazing.0 -
eponine1976 wrote: »I'm easily the most clumsy and uncoordinated person in my yoga class, but I absolutely love it! I've never felt embarrassed about losing my balance doing poses or having to take a rest break sometimes during the more intense part of the class, and nobody has been at all judgmental, they are all encouraging. I can tell I'm starting to improve and that makes me really happy at the end of the class when I know I did better than before. Last week the instructor came to me after class to congratulate me on my improvement. I really love yoga even though I'm not good at it. Try it! I promise nobody will judge you or make you feel uncomfortable, yoga is all about acceptance
My instructor actually says that if you don't occasionally have balance issues you aren't pushing yourself.
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I am friends with 3 yoga instructors, and I can't say that a single one of them would make anyone feel anything less than totally welcomed. For me it would be more intimidating to do well because it's my friends. I've been to other classes years ago, and I loved it. I really need to start doing yoga in the morning before I go to work. I could use the extra sense of peace before I walk into the classroom. :P0
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