| Whenever we start something new we have a | | | | very good at it, but its quite possibly you will choose a |
| certain feeling of trepidation and uncertainty of the | | | | class that is not ideal for you. |
| unknown and in most cases it is completely unfounded | | | | The best way around this is to join a Yoga beginner |
| and we get on with things very quickly and easily. | | | | class, also known as a drop in class. If you do these |
| Sometimes it is not and a simple little thing can cause | | | | classes for a few weeks you will notice a high |
| us to have an entirely negative first impression and | | | | turnover of students as new people join and old |
| perhaps even never want to try that activity or pass | | | | people move on. These classes are designed to give |
| time again. Yoga has so many health benefits, on both | | | | you a very broad feel for the different types of Yoga. |
| a physical and spiritual level, that it would be a tragedy | | | | The level of the students in the class usually varies |
| for anyone to miss out on them because they made a | | | | greatly so you can expect the instructor to keep the |
| silly avoidable mistake on their first day. With that in | | | | classes quite tame. The other key benefit of doing this |
| mind this article addresses the 3 most common | | | | is that the classes are pay as you go so there is no |
| mistakes of new Yogi, and how to make sure it will | | | | big financial outlay for you while you decide the type |
| not happen to you. | | | | and style of yoga that best suits you. You are also not |
| Mistake One: Not knowing what you want from Yoga. | | | | obliged to attend every class. With the longer courses |
| The reality is that there are numerous different styles | | | | you can fall behind quickly if you miss a week or two |
| and forms of Yoga and each has its different | | | | in a row. With the pay as you go classes you will find |
| attractions. Ask yourself what it was about Yoga in | | | | that while each class is different the level stays quite |
| general that attracted you and then you can | | | | low to cater for the newer people joining in. |
| investigate a style that caters more specifically to that. | | | | Mistake Three: Choosing the wrong teacher. |
| You may like to set goals, be they physical, mental or | | | | Traditionally a Yogi had to be an apprentice to a skilled |
| spiritual. If you do then it is a good idea to discuss them | | | | Guru for many years before he could teach even the |
| with the instructor of your class before you begin. | | | | simplest of Yoga technique. Nowadays a 3-day |
| Yoga instructors are usually very approachable and | | | | course over a long weekend is considered enough by |
| happy to talk about their passion. They will be able to | | | | some people. There is a big difference in what you will |
| talk to you about your goals for the class and let you | | | | achieve depending on the skills and abilities of the |
| know if you are being realistic, aiming too high or too | | | | person teaching you. Yoga is starting to make a |
| low. Make sure you goal includes a time frame so it | | | | regular appearance on the sports injury list and a large |
| becomes something that is measurable. | | | | reason for this is instructors who have been taught |
| Mistake Two: Jumping in Feet First. | | | | just enough to be dangerous. A qualified teacher will |
| Having decided that they will give this Yoga thing a try | | | | not necessarily be fantastic and an unqualified teacher |
| many people take a running leap and jump in to a 12 | | | | will not necessarily be terrible - but the odds are |
| month stage by stage class. These classes are usually | | | | certainly cast in that direction, so it is a good idea to |
| an upfront payment arrangement and progress from | | | | check your instructors' background and qualifications |
| one level to the next as the weeks progress. They | | | | before you begin studying with them. |
| are a fantastic way of learning Yoga and becoming | | | | |