In March, I decided to start doing yoga to help with stress. Since then, I've fallen in love with the practice. I try to go whenever I can, which is usually 4-5 times per week. My first couple classes were intimidating. I felt like everyone was gonna know I was new to class. I thought I wouldn't be as flexible as everyone else. I thought everyone was going to be staring at me because I didn't know the difference between warrior I and warrior II.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE FLEXIBLE TO DO YOGA, YOU BECOME MORE FLEXIBLE FROM DOING YOGA.
To my surprise, the class wasn't like I expected it to be at all. Everyone was too focused on their own poses to even notice mine. The only time an instructor will ever correct you is if you're sacrificing form which would then injure you. They won't call you out in front of the class. They might just come over and correct you in the nicest way possible. Yoga instructors are the sweetest, little, fit moms you'll ever meet. Each yoga studio is its own community of nonjudgmental, friendly individuals. This includes people of all ages, genders, and cultures.
Class starts the same way it ends, with a guided meditation. You will always return to the same place you began. The mental clarity I've gained from meditation alone has helped with stress, anxiety, and my overall mood. Yoga will give you an hour away from school, work, family, friends, and your phone.
One of my teachers once said that yoga is a different kind of strong and that idea has resonated with me since.
Yoga is very core dominate and will tone your entire body. If you've ever taken a barre class, you know that. Another very important thing I have to stress is that.
There are people of all different levels and strengths. If you're committed to your practices, you will get better and you might be able to do headstands like those people on your Instagram explore pages.
So if you are considering yoga to manage stress, anxiety, to be stronger, or just to try something new, I 100% think you and everyone should give it a shot. I guarantee after one class you will love it just like me.
Namaste.
