I came across this list and thought it would be helpful to share with others who may be new to yoga,
1. If you’re new to yoga, start with a beginner class.
This might seem obvious, but attempting advanced poses without proper training can cause more harm than good.
2. You may not like it at first.
No two classes are alike…even with the same instructor. Sometimes the session may not be your jam, but that doesn’t mean you should quit. Give it another go, and if you’re still not into it, find a different class or instructor that flows better for you.
3. Don’t get frustrated by poses you can’t seem to master
Again, don’t push your body into positions you’re not ready for. Consistency and practice will get you there.
4. Go at your own pace.
But know that it takes consistency to improve. Regular yoga practice will help develop both mental and physical strength.
5. Controlling your breath is important.
Your breath connects your body and your mind. If you’re breathing heavily and tense, your body will follow suit. The practice of breath control is called pranayama, a foundational part of any yoga flow.
6. You should speak up about any health concerns or injuries.
Tell your yoga instructor about any issues before class, just like in any other group fitness environment. Your instructor can adjust any positions that may not suit your current state.
7. Nailing the pose isn’t necessarily what’s important,
People focus so much on perfecting their form that they forget to stay loose and limber. Getting into a good warrior pose doesn’t mean stiffening up like a statue.
8. Yoga will and does build muscle.
There’s a misconception that yoga is only good for flexibility, not strength-building. But yoga focuses on isometric and eccentric contraction, which is crucial for building muscle.
9. You’ll learn new things about your body.
Getting into position helps with body awareness—you’ll feel a deeper connection to which muscles are engaging and know right away what areas could use more attention and strengthening.
10. Your mind is just as important as your muscles.
People tend to focus so much on the physical aspects of their practice that they ignore the mental part. It’s important to quiet your mind and stay centred during your practice.
11. You should take stock of how your body feels before and after class.
Yoga is all about being in touch with yourself, and that’s true outside of your studio time. Becoming aware of how you feel throughout the day can only improve your practice.
12. If you liked the class, let your instructor know.