Starting Your Yoga Journey: Tips for Newbies and the Benefits of Beach Yoga
Welcome to the world of yoga! Over the years I have had countless people tell me they are intimidated by yoga, or that walking into a new class setting is very daunting to them. I totally get that. I have been going to gyms and studios most of my life, and walking into any class can feel very intimidating. I still feel a bit intimidated if I take a new class. If you’re new to yoga, it is normal to feel a little bit nervous or unsure about starting your practice. It is scary to walk into the unknown. Please know you are not alone. Yes, it can be scary, but yoga is a wonderful practice that can benefit you in many ways, can be done at your level, and is for all ages.
Your practice is not about being perfect or mastering complex poses right away. Instead, it is about showing up on your mat and connecting with your body, mind, and breath. Remember everyone starts somewhere, and that yoga is a journey that is unique to each individual. Yoga is a very welcoming and inclusive practice. You do not need to have a certain body type, be flexible, or have any prior experience to start. There are many different styles of yoga and classes to choose from, so it is important to find one that resonates with you and your needs.
A regular yoga can do wonders for your physical health. A regular yoga practice can increase your strength, flexibility, and balance, while also promoting proper posture and reducing the likelihood of chronic pain or injury. However, the benefits of yoga extend beyond physical health. It also has a profound impact on your mental and emotional state, helping you manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, yoga can improve your quality of sleep and uplift your mood holistically.
If you are nervous about beginning your yoga journey here are a few helpful tips to assist you in getting started.
Tips for Beginning Your Yoga Journey
Start with a beginner’s class
If you’re new to yoga, it’s a good idea to start with a beginner’s class. This will give you a chance to learn the basics of yoga and get comfortable with the practice before moving on to more advanced classes. See below for a list of reasons why we love beach yoga as a way to begin your journey.
Consider scheduling a personalized yoga session
Booking a session with a skilled instructor can facilitate your comprehension and mastery of the fundamentals in a setting that is convenient and familiar to you, such as your home, a nearby park or even on the beach. You will have your teacher’s undivided attention to help with the poses and to ask any questions. This dedicated one-on-one time with your teacher allows for individualized instruction, tailored to your unique needs and preferences, enabling you to receive personalized guidance on posture and alignment and the opportunity to address any queries you may have.
Don’t worry about being perfect
Remember, yoga is a practice, not a performance. It’s okay if you don’t get every pose right the first time. Just do the best you can and be patient with yourself. Move in ways that feel good to your body. Let the practice work for you.
Listen to your body
It’s important to listen to your body during yoga practice. If a pose doesn’t feel comfortable or causes pain, back off or modify the pose to make it more accessible. Everyone is put together differently. It’s important to remember that every individual is unique, and poses may appear different from person to person, even when performed correctly.
Breathe
One of the most important aspects of yoga is the breath. Focus on breathing deeply and slowly during your practice. This can help you relax and calm your mind.
Good for the human collective as well
Finally, it’s worth noting that yoga isn’t just good for individuals – it’s good for the human collective as well. Yoga teaches us to connect with our bodies, our breath, and our inner selves. It can help us cultivate compassion, empathy, and kindness towards ourselves and others. In a world where we often feel disconnected from ourselves and each other, yoga can be a powerful tool for building community and fostering a sense of unity and interconnectedness. I take immense pride in our yoga community, and it brings me joy to hear stories about how our students connect and build friendships even outside the class setting. Moreover, by hosting classes on beaches, we are not only promoting physical wellbeing but also supporting local businesses by encouraging friends to gather for coffee or brunch.
Why we love Beach Yoga for newbies
Who doesn’t instantly relax when they hear the ocean?
Soaking in some Vitamin D and fresh air. Our general population is vitamin D deficient. Getting some sunshine and fresh air are good for your health, your well being and your immune system.
No walls. You can enjoy a sense of freedom and openness.
Ocean breeze
Ocean soundtrack
The connection you experience with the earth, ocean, sky, prana (life force),all living things…
Being in such an open space may eases the feeling of being the center of attention because there are so many other things to see and feel.
I mean…because it’s the beach!
So if you are like most people, and you’re feeling nervous about starting your yoga practice, remember that you’re not alone. Many people feel unsure when they first start practicing yoga. But with time, patience, and a willingness to learn, you can reap the many benefits of this wonderful practice
Serenity Tree Yoga welcomes all levels and ages, and we LOVE yoga newbies. We offer Beach Yoga classes all around the Charleston area as well as Bachelorette/Wedding and Private and Small Group classes catered to your specific needs. Please continue to follow and interact with us on Social Media, otherwise we disappear from your feed. There we will post any Pop Up classes and any FB lives I plan. You can also sign up for our Beach Yoga and Events Newsletter here.
