7 Tips for Beginner Yogis

Whether you are just looking to diversify your workout routine or hoping to embrace the spiritual as yoga class MA studios to offer up some gems of advice for you.

well as physical side of yoga, there are many different styles to choose from and whole new vocabulary to learn so we asked instructors and directors at a few local

Tip 1: Just show up with an open mind.

“Remember, we all took that first class, even the teacher. Give it a chance, try 10 classes in a 2-3 week period. See how you feel then. One of my favorite teachers would often remark, ‘the secret is to enjoy the journey, and the journey begins with the first class.’ Just show up with an open mind, and have fun.” Steve Gold, Philly Power Yoga & Thrive Pilates in Center City.

Tip 2: Watch and learn from other students.

"Make sure you set up in the center of the room, so you have other students to look at no matter

which way you turn. Sometimes it's necessary to just look around to understand the posture, and there's nothing wrong with that!" Kristen Cortez, studio manager of The Yoga Garden on South Street

Tip 3: Yoga is not a competition.

“Often times people are interested in yoga but want to wait to join until they are more flexible. Remember that no one is looking at you. This is not a competition. Just be on your own mat.” Katie Conner, instructor at The Prancing Peacock in Yardley, PA

Tip 4: Familiarize yourself with different styles.

“Hatha is a good moderate style to begin with. Also lyengar level 1 really helps you with your alignment. Or if you are only interested in another style like Power Yoga then just make sure to take the beginner class in that style. No matter how athletic you are coming into the class, you need to start with a good foundation. Yoga is different than athletic ability. Breathe is very important. Some beginners make the mistake of coming into a class that is beyond their level and end up getting injured. Really listen to your teacher and you will have a better experience.” Heather Rice, director and instructor at Boston Yoga & Wellness in Fishtown.

Tip 5: Let your body guide you.

“When taking class, listen to your body and its feedback. If you are feeling uncomfortable or are experiencing pain, it is usually feedback from your body, and it is usually that you need to step back and realign.” Eliakim Warren, one of owners of Focus Barre and Yoga in Center City

Tip 6: Relax your mind AND your body.

“Yoga reduces stress which is a major cause of disease. Allow both your mind and your body to relax through the stretches, asanas, breathing practices and deep relaxations.” Darlene DePasquale, Director of Yoga Center of Haddonfield in Haddonfield, NJ

“It is all about turning your everyday mind off. Leave the to-do lists and everything that happened that day at work or at home off the yoga mat and out of the classroom. Give yourself the gift of just checking in with yourself and developing a relationship with your intuition.” Eliakim Warren, one of the owners of Focus Barre and Yoga in Center City

“Keeping a journal can enhance your experience. Yoga is much more than physical; it allows you to find a deeper connection. It is powerful and more than just going to the gym and running on the treadmill for an hour.” Heather Rice, director and instructor at Amrita Yoga & Wellness in Fishtown.

Tip 7: Dedication and practice is the key.

“Be aware that it takes a couple of classes to get comfortable and it is totally fine to take breaks when you need it.” Heather Rice, director and instructor at Amrita Yoga & Wellness in Frankford
All of the instructors and owners agree that the more you practice yoga, the more you will get out of the experience. Don’t give up too easily if the first class doesn’t go as well as you expected.

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