Coming to your first yoga class can be intimidating. There are so many things to keep tabs on. Showing up on time, finding parking, signing up, what to wear and bring and studio ettiequte. And that is just getting you to the class. Sometimes you think your signing up for something that should be in your fitness level and then you realize just in the warm up, you are not at all ready for the level of this class. What we tend to forget is that, we all started somewhere. The majority of people are insecure or unsure when coming into a new fitness program for the first time. What makes or breaks us continuing is how our first experience goes. Did you feel welcome and comfortable from the moment you walked in the door? Did you feel motivated or discriminated during your class? How did you physically and mentally feel once you left?
I started out having a very weak physical ability. I had basically no upper body strength and almost no stamina. But the experience I had from the moment I walked in the door for my first Oxygen yoga class set the tone not only for a new fitness regime, but a new career. I was greeted at the door, was well informed of what to expect and how to prepare for future class. I got my butt kicked and was not in the physical shape however, the instructor made me feel accomplished regardless of my fitness level. And this what we all want to feel is accomplished. We want to feel like we have been pushed beyond anything we thought we could do. We surprise ourselves and then feel like if we keep it up, we can achieve more than I had thought. And that exactly what I did and thats what our members do everyday.
The instructors help us to understand that we need to honour our bodies each and everyday, and understand that our bodies may differ from day to day. We should be proud of ourselves and our commitment to coming to our mats. The progress becomes addictive. The motivation and acceptance from the instructors and the understanding from there clients of what it takes to come to our mats and push our comfort zones is what fuels us to keep going. We then have no limit and keep coming back for more, feeling rewarded every time.
I never thought I could physically do the things I do now, and still feel like I have more to accomplish and its exciting. Every class becomes a PERSONAL competition. And you have yoga family supporting you along the way.