The origins of yoga can be traced back over 5,000 years, when ancient priests in what is now Northern India first mentioned it in their sacred texts, called the Rig Veda.
In recent years, a movement towards self-care and the importance of balancing our mental and physical health has helped yoga to become more mainstream. But this doesn’t mean that everyone has given it a chance.
If you’re stuck thinking that yoga isn’t for you, it’s time to think again. Here at Sun Rock Yoga, we believe that yoga is for every body. Whether you’re worried that you aren’t flexible enough, or you’re looking for something a little more exciting than a quiet flow (hello, Rock Your Yoga!), keep reading to learn why it’s time to give it a try.
You Don’t Need to Be an Athlete
There are plenty of types of yoga that are fast-paced, and that will get your heart pumping in a challenging workout. But this doesn’t mean that you need to be an athlete to enjoy a yoga class.
Instead, you simply need to start with a beginner-friendly yoga class. No matter your athletic abilities or capabilities, there’s a yoga class out there for you. In fact, yoga can be a great starting point for those looking to start enjoying a healthier, happier life. Through slower-paced, focused movements, you can begin strengthening your core, improving your balance, and reducing pain. This could just inspire you to try other workouts as well—or to make yoga a part of your weekly routine!
A Mindful Flow class is a good choice for those new to yoga who want a slower-paced flow. Your instructor will help you focus on being intentional in your body’s movements and how each pose feels. Besides building strength and improving your balance, you’ll also relieve stress and tension.
It’s Not Important to Start Flexible
Just as you don’t need to be an athlete to give yoga a try, you also don’t need to be flexible. It’s a misconception that yoga requires you to twist and contort your body in challenging, gravity-defying positions. While there are certainly some poses—and some experienced yogis—that do, many yoga poses are easily modified to meet your personal level of flexibility.
Even if you don’t consider yourself flexible, there are still plenty of poses, some with modifications and some without, that you can start with. During a yoga class, your instructor will help you find the position that works for your body. Over time, as you practice each position, you’ll slowly increase your flexibility—and your confidence—which can lead to other benefits, like less pain and better posture.
If you need a little extra support, a Chair Yoga class is a great starting point. This gentle form of yoga can help new yogis feel more confident in their abilities. You’ll have support as you move into each pose with the help of a chair beside you to aid in balance and help you deepen your stretch.
Yoga Can Have Far-Reaching Benefits
Now that you know that yoga is accessible for non-athletes and that it doesn’t require you to be flexible, it’s time to consider why you should sign up for a class.
Yoga offers a number of health benefits, some of which you can start enjoying from your very first class. Right away, you’ll experience less stress and tension, and feel more calm. Over time, regular yoga practice can help increase your flexibility, and in turn, reduce chronic back and neck pain. It’s been shown to lower high blood pressure, improve poor blood circulation, relieve headaches and pain from arthritis, and even decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
There’s a Variety of Classes to Choose From
If a slow-paced, quiet yoga class isn’t for you, don’t assume that this means that you’ll dislike all yoga classes. There are plenty of faster-paced or more “exciting” classes to choose from.
For instance, a Rock Your Yoga class may be just the thing to inspire you to get your stretch on. No quiet nature sounds here; instead, you’ll groove out to some Rock ‘n’ Roll while you strengthen your whole body and improve your balance.
While not technically yoga, pilates uses many of the same ideas as yoga, including using targeted movements and positions that focus on balance and stability as it helps you strengthen and stretch your entire body. A St. George pilates class might be just the workout for you!
Choosing the Right Utah Yoga Studios
Anyone can reap the benefits of yoga, regardless of their fitness level or flexibility. But where you choose to practice yoga will have a big impact on your practice. The right yoga instructors can help you safely try each new position, and offer modifications as needed to help you feel more comfortable and make the most out of your practice.
Trying to do too much, too soon can lead to injury. In addition to choosing the right Utah yoga studios to start your practice, you’ll also want to choose the right class. A Mindful Flow or Chair Yoga class are great options for beginners. These classes follow a slower pace than a Power Yoga or similar class. Your yoga instructor will help you focus on listening to your body and moving slowly and safely into each position.
When searching for beginner yoga classes near me, it’s important to choose a studio that welcomes individuals at all steps in their yoga journey, from brand new beginners to experienced yogis, and everyone in between.
At Sun Rock Yoga, we believe that yoga is for every body. We have classes for beginners that can help you reap the benefits of yoga and begin to improve your flexibility and relieve stress safely.
Ready to see for yourself? Your search for the best beginner yoga classes near me is over! And new yogis can take advantage of our 30 for $30 pass. This pass allows you to try a variety of types of classes to find the ones you like the most. Sign up today to get started!