Sound familiar? Thought so. Well the good news is that’s a load of crap so you have permission to crack on and try out a class online or somewhere near you.
One of the benefits of yoga IS flexibility and increased mobility, so if that’s an area you feel pretty lacking in then even more reason to give it a try. Think about day to day life in your 60s, 70s, 80s; and how able you would like to be. Would you like to be able to still run around and play with grand kids? Would you like to still be able to go on those annual walks in the Lake Districts? Or would you just like to be able to move freely through your day without pain, without the apprehension of tweaking your lower back or without limitation? Well if you feel like you aren’t on track, there is time but I would encourage you to get going sooner rather than later because one thing for sure is its easier to improve your mobility now and maintain that than it will be in 20, 30, 40 years.
And it doesn’t have to be hours in a yoga studio. I have several daily movement routines on my website which are the perfect 15-20 minute fix for you to try at home; to stretch out, to open, to release.
If you have recently started yoga classes but you still feel like The Tin Man and its way harder than you thought (I did warn you yesterday) then I have a few tips for you.
- Breathe – when you go for a run or a swim and it gets hard do you hold your breath? Didn’t think so. We breathe for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week without any help, yet we walk into a yoga studio and as soon as the class gets physically challenging we hold our breath. So relax and breathe. Doesn’t have to be on the same count as the teacher, or the guy next to you who has been practicing for 7 years but just breathe. A rhythmic breathe, your own rhythm, so just a continuous flow in and out.
- Try to avoid eating or drinking a huge glass of water just before class – you are going to be spending a great deal of time upside down and it won’t be half as enjoyable if you are full to the brim. If you do feel dehydrated try to just work with a few sips. And food wise, unless you are someone with a low blood sugar you will be find running of your reserves.
- TRY not to compare – some people in that studio will have been going to yoga classes for 15 years, some may have been professional dancers or gymnasts and EVERYONE is made differently to you. Anatomically we are not 100% the same – our bodies are not only built slightly different but habitually we have created different patterns / imbalances so what some people find easy will for some be PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE. Fact.
- Enjoy and keep practicing with an open mind!
If those points don’t make it any easier, and you aren’t actually enjoying the class at all then try another class or teacher. There are lots out there so do have a look around, most studios do introductory offers which is a great way to find what you like before committing to a membership.
Lots of Love,
Jess x
