4 Mistakes Beginners Make When Starting Yoga

Attending a yoga class when you have never done yoga before can be a little daunting. Most people are afraid of making mistakes or even looking silly when getting started and we totally get it. However, keep in mind that every yogi had to start somewhere. In fact, we’ve all been there. So, to help you feel a little more at ease, here are four mistakes most beginners make when first getting started with yoga and how you can avoid making them.

1. Comparing Yourself To Other Yogis

Let’s address the elephant in the room. When you start going to a yoga studio it can be tempting to spend a considerable amount of time checking out what other people are doing and start comparing. Are your asanas better or worse your neighbour’s? are you as flexible as the person next to you?

If you compare yourself to others in the class you end up losing focus on what you are doing and why you are there. Whether you look better or worse than other people in the class doesn’t matter, yoga should be a time to carve out some space just for you to relax and breathe.

Spend your time focusing on your asanas and letting go of your outsides stresses. As a beginner you won’t be perfect, your body may not be able to do everything straight away but you will improve with practice. Yoga is a personal journey, not a competition. Focus on your body and on your breath and you’ll leave class feeling fulfilled. Make sure to scan the yoga timetable for classes suitable for beginners.

2. Rushing Asanas

Give yourself time for each pose that you do and pay attention to your whole body. If you rush around in your day to day life it is tempting to treat your yoga class the same way. 

Remember that yoga is not a race to the finish line. Take time to find space, to settle on your mat and prepare your body for the asana. Ensure your body is in alignment before you start and most of all: Don’t forget to breathe! Slowly get into the different poses, checking your movements then allow time for several rounds of deep breathing as you remain in each pose. Remember to also come out of the pose in a gentle way with an awareness of your movements. 

3. Getting Frustrated 

Yoga looks deceptively simple, especially if you already do lots of sports or exercise. Often people new to practising yoga think they will be able to join a class and pick it up perfectly immediately. It is worth remembering that even if you are used to physical activity, that your body will be working in a new way. If you don’t do much in the way of exercise you will need to work the stiffness out of your body with gentle practice.

The asanas in yoga need you to begin to stretch and move your body in a way that’s new. Be kind to yourself, don’t get cross and frustrated, you will need time and practice to get into those perfect poses. Yoga is a gentle exercise and each time you come to class you’ll notice something get a little easier as your muscles learn the movements. 

 

4. Leaving Too Soon 

The final relaxation (also called Shavasana) is a great way to end a class, this is a process where you relax your body as the teacher guides you through a wind-down relaxation. This process can last from 5 minutes upwards and is important in giving yourself a moment to absorb what you have practised in class and get ready to go back to real life. 

Some new students can feel that this part of the class isn’t essential so they gather up their stuff and leave to get on with the rest of their day. This is a mistake as relaxation is one of the most important parts of the session. It gives your muscles a chance to stretch and relax but even more importantly it gives you the mental space to breathe and calm. 

 

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11 Embarrassing Yoga Questions Nobody Dares to Ask Out Loud

Some questions about yoga might seem a little too embarrassing to ask out loud. So here goes a list of the most embarrassing yoga questions that people rarely dare to ask in public (but we know you might be asking yourself). Let’s delve right into it!

Your Most Embarassing Yoga Questions Answered


1. Will I pass gas? (In other words, does yoga make you fart more?)

Ok, this one had to be first. Yoga involves a lot of bending, twisting and stretching and farts will more often than not happen because it is difficult to hold them in such positions. It happens and it’s totally natural. When you do fart in class, simply ignore it and don’t make a big deal of it. A good tip is to watch the foods you eat a couple of hours prior to class. Try to eat light and avoid gassy food, like beans etc.

2. What if I fall asleep in savasana? (Yep, it happens)

The savasana, which is the corpse position, is a resting pose and not time for a nap. When you are tired, you might end up falling asleep but as you continue practicing yoga, you’ll realise that napping is different from relaxation. Try to stay awake and increase your awareness  by being mindful of what’s going on in your body, how you feel and the thoughts that cross your mind.

3. What if I fall over?

Some yoga poses can be a little harder to perform, especially when you’re at the beginning of your yoga journey. When learning a new exercise, there’s always a chance of failing a few times before we get it right. But there’s really nothing to worry about. When it happens and you are not injured, laugh about it and simply pick up where you left off. No-one is going to judge you. As teachers, we always do our best to reduce the risk of injury and guide you through all the different poses and variations. It’s important that you listen to your body though and don’t overstretch or push yourself too hard.

4. What about going to the bathroom?

Don’t hold the call of nature till after class if you are unable to. If you can hold it then that’s fine as well. You’re allowed to go to the bathroom whenever you need. Just do it quietly, respecting your fellow yogis.

5. Is sweating too much normal?

Yoga is an exercise, so expect to sweat. When you sweat, don’t be embarrassed about it. It’s good for you and helps to flush out all the toxins in your body. The fact that you’re sweating is also a sign that you are working out properly and strengthening your body in the process. So, keep going! 

 

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6. I don’t know the chanting words. What should I do?

You are not obligated to chime in during class, neither do you need to remember the sanskrit names of all the different poses (unless, of course, you are planning on attending yoga teacher training). When you don’t know the words, just listen to the rest of the class and join in. Or leave it. It’s completely up to you and there’s absolutely no judgement. Once you start attending classes more often, you’ll get to know the different yoga poses, and before you know it, remember their names, too.

7. What if I am not flexible enough?

There is nothing to be embarrassed about if you can’t reach your toes (yet). Flexibility is something you gain over time. And that’s exactly the purpose of doing yoga. Not to show how flexible you are, but to gradually increase your flexibility. Plus all the other benefits that come with practicing yoga regularly.

8. What about my stinky feet?

Are you afraid of removing your socks during a yoga class because they’re a little smelly sometimes? Nobody likes having smelly feet in front of them when practicing yoga, so we’re glad you thought about it. It’s always better to practice yoga barefoot, as socks might make you slip on your mat. But you can simply wash your feet before you step into the studio or arrive a little early and quickly do it there before the class begins.  Easy.

9. What about stinky armpits?

Sweating is completely natural and can be a little smelly sometimes. Yoga is no different. And even though we like to embrace our natural being, your fellow yogis will probably appreciate you having a quick shower before class and maybe using deodorant if you know you’re going to sweat a lot.

10. Why does the teacher have to adjust my yoga pose?

As teachers, it’s our job to ensure you do the poses properly, so you can reap the full benefits, but also to avoid unnecessary injury. So, pose adjustments during class are very common. When they happen keep breathing and continue to keep your focus on the pose. If you prefer not to be touched during class, that’s totally fine, too. Just kindly let your teacher know before class. No judgement here.

11. Do I have to breathe loudly if my neighbor is?

Your focus should not be on the volume of your breathing but on the actual act of breathing in and out. Don’t worry too much about what others are doing. Try to turn inward and focus on your own practice. This time is all about letting go and focusing on getting your breath, mind and body in sync.

Got more embarrassing yoga questions that aren’t on the list?

Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to add them!

We hope this answered some of your embarrassing yoga questions and helps you feel a little more comfortable about coming to class. If you’re new to yoga, don’t forget to claim your FREE $25 Yoga Gift Card to use for any of our yoga classes, workshop or retreats.

See you on the mat!

Namaste,

Carmen

6 Things You Should Know Before Your First Yoga Class

If you’re a newbie to yoga, chances are you have lots of questions about what you’re getting yourself into your first yoga class. What am I supposed to bring? What can I expect? What should I wear for Bundaberg yoga classes? The truth is, if you come unprepared, your first few sessions can be a little intimidating.

Nonetheless, here are 8 crucial tips you should keep in mind before you enter our top-rated Bundaberg yoga studio for your first yoga class. They’ll help you feel more comfy, confident, and ready for your first few yoga classes. 

#1. It Pays to Arrive Early

The last thing you want for your first yoga class is to arrive late. The rule of thumb is to get to our yoga studio at least 10 minutes before the mats get humming. For one, there might be some paperwork to get out of your way before starting your class. Even better, you’ll be able to get a one-on-one with the instructors, and perhaps have some of your questions answered personally. More importantly, arriving early gives you an opportunity to snag a prime location in the studio.

#2. It’s Never a Good Idea to Take Yoga Classes with a Full Stomach

Sure, yoga can be intensive, but doing it on a full stomach is a big no-no. It’ll hinder your practice, making it harder to twist, turn, and whatnot. If you must, munch on a banana no less than 20 min before the yoga class starts. Generally, you should wait at least 2 hours to do yoga after a meal.

#3. Do a Bit of Research before your First Yoga Class

You cannot budge into a yoga studio without knowing a little about the instructors and how things are done. Give a call to your instructor. Have a read through our yoga blog. Chat with a friend who has advanced in yoga classes. Whatever you do, learn something before your first class. There’s so much to learn about yoga!

#4. What to Bring?

Bring a water bottle. Remember yoga is a physically-demanding activity, which implies it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Don’t forget to shop for a high-quality yoga mat and props. The goods news is that our Bundaberg yoga studio has fabulous mats and props available at no additional charge.

#5. Bare Feet, Bare Feet

You probably know this, but it’s worth mentioning that no socks or shoes are permitted at our Bundaberg yoga studio. Practising with bare feet will give you a better grip on your mat and allow you to feel into the poses better.

#6. Yoga’s All about Breathing

If you thought yoga is all about poses and bending, think again. Breathing is a huge component — and with good reason. It helps calm your mind and decongest your thoughts. By synchronising your breath with your movement, you will find more balance throughout your body and your life. 

 

Watch how yoga has helped these Bundaberg locals improve their lives

Meet our members: Angela

Angela:

“I am an IT Business Analyst for a local financial institution in Bundaberg. I am 46 years old. And I love Yoga challenge.

I love Yoga challenge

I started practicing Yoga about 18 months ago. I love Yoga challenge – there are still so many poses I am yet to master!! I also love the feeling of serenity when I am on the mat, and not having to worry about anything else for that 60 minutes – that sense of calmness you feel after the Savasana relaxation – you can’t help but smile when you have completed your practice.

I try to attend at least 4 classes each week, but love how my mind and body feels when I achieve 6. ;-)

I was hesitant to try Yoga, as I was never one to ‘relax or switch off’, and I wasn’t sure whether I would get enough of a workout with Yoga, as I had always done aerobics. However, I had started experiencing some muscle injuries so decided I needed to increase my flexibility and tone/strengthen my muscles without weights – and Yoga has definitely helped me achieve this.

Every Yoga practice is an opportunity for me to develop my stances and this is what inspires me to keep practicing – that and our lovely instructors.

Yoga to me is fulfillment – finding that balance between exercising your body and calming your mind – and this has positive flow on benefits in my everyday life.

Love Life. Live Yoga studio is fresh, beautiful, and inviting, and Carmen and the girls are continually adding these special little ‘touches’ that enhance your Yoga experience.

For anyone new to Yoga, I encourage you to keep at it – it is a practice for ‘life’.

 

Meet Our members: Rebecca Spencer

How yoga helped her recover a long-lasting shoulder injury in less than a year.

YOGA GAZE

“Learning to apply the mind to the gaze helps release stress, by allowing you to focus on things that are helpful and healthy,” says Annie Carpenter from SmartFlow Yoga.

A drishti (view or gaze) is a specific focal point that is employed during meditation or while holding a yoga posture. The ancient yogis discovered that where our gaze is directed our attention naturally follows, and that the quality of our gazing is directly reflected in the quality of our mental thoughts. When the gaze is fixed on a single point the mind is diminished from being stimulated by all other external objects. And when the gaze is fixed on a single point within the body, our awareness draws inwards and the mind remains undisturbed by external stimuli. Thus, the use of a drishti allows the mind to focus and move into a deep state of concentration. And the constant application of drishti develops ekagraha, single-pointed focus, an essential yogic technique used to still the mind.
In yoga postures, a drishti is used to deepen the primary movement of the pose, as well as to keep the mind engaged and focused. To use a drishti while in a yoga pose, simply select the point where your gaze is naturally directed by the alignment of the posture. The use of drishtis in yoga postures is to be developed slowly over time. First one must develop and focus on the alignment of pose, then the breath, and then finally the drishti. Using a drishti is especially helpful if you are holding a posture for an extended period of time, and will be enormously helpful while practicing balancing poses.
The benefits of building that stamina, however, are huge. Cultivating drishti doesn’t just help in class; it has profound effects off the mat as well. Learning to apply the mind to the gaze helps release stress, by allowing you to focus on things that are helpful and healthy, says Annie Carpenter. “It lets us penetrate through delusion and begin to understand the nature of reality and who we are.”

Drishti Tips

As with many spiritual techniques, with drishti there is a danger of mistaking the technique for the goal. You should dedicate your use of the body (including the eyes) to transcending your identification with it. So when you look at an object during your practice, don’t focus on it with a hard gaze. Instead, use a soft gaze, looking through it toward a vision of cosmic unity. Soften your focus to send your attention beyond outer appearance to inner essence.

You should never force yourself to gaze in a way that strains your eyes, brain, or body. In many seated forward bends, for example, the gazing point may be the big toes. But many practitioners, at certain stages in their development, must take care not to create such an intense contraction of the back of the neck that this discomfort overwhelms all other awareness. Rather than forcing the gaze prematurely, you should allow it to develop naturally over time.

 
 

2016 Yoga Teacher Training & Mentoring Program

After spending two months with this group of awesome folks, we are close to finishing this mentoring program. It is amazing to witness the progress of each individual and how far they have come.

There is no one teacher for everyone, but everyone of you can share your love of yoga with others. Everyone of you is so special and unique, we will never be the same but we will always have something to offer to the yoga community. Do what you love and share your passion and knowledge of yoga and inspire others.

“Not everyone can teach everything, but everyone can teach something. Teach what you love and people will come to you because of you.” ~Carmen Lee-Schneider

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Video: “RISE & SHINE” Class

Rise & Shine is a slow and easy Vinyasa flow that will move you through the power of inhaling and exhaling. Smooth flowing with the synchronised breathing relaxes your mind and helps to release any blockage of energy flow throughout your body. It is the best way for awakening and opening up your body.

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