Thinking of starting yoga? Our tips and answers to some FAQ
If you’ve never been to a yoga class before, attending your first session can feel a little daunting. You might wonder whether you’re flexible enough, whether you’ll know what to do, or whether everyone else will be more experienced.
The good news is that you don’t need to know any yoga terminology or be able to touch your toes before you begin. A beginner-friendly class is designed to give you somewhere to start.
What Is Yoga?
Yoga combines physical postures and movement with breathing and periods of stillness or relaxation.
Classes vary considerably in pace and style. Some are slow and gentle, while others involve stronger, more flowing sequences. You don’t need to understand the different yoga names before starting — choosing a class appropriate for beginners matters much more.
What Practising Yoga Can Help You Develop
Regular yoga practice can help you work on:
- strength and stamina;
- flexibility and joint mobility;
- balance and coordination;
- posture awareness — noticing how you stand, sit and move;
- steadier, more deliberate breathing; and
- a useful way to unwind and manage everyday stress.
You don’t have to be good at any of these things before you start. They’re part of what you practise.
What Happens in Your First Yoga Class?
At Embody, Gentle Yoga is the best group-class starting point for most complete beginners.
Your teacher will guide you through the session, demonstrating movements and offering options where appropriate. Depending on the class, you may encounter familiar yoga postures such as Downward Facing Dog, Cobra, Plank and Warrior II alongside simpler stretches, strengthening movements and relaxation.
Nobody expects you to know the poses in advance.
Breath and Movement Together
Yoga often coordinates movement with breathing. This can feel unfamiliar at first, so don’t worry about getting everything perfectly synchronised.
Listen to the teacher, breathe naturally and allow yourself time to become familiar with the movements.
What Should I Bring?
We provide the equipment you need for class, including yoga mats and props such as blocks, bricks and straps.
You’re welcome to bring your own mat if you prefer.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. You don’t need specialist yoga clothes.
Very loose clothing can sometimes get in the way as you move between positions, so something comfortable but reasonably secure tends to work best.
Should I Eat Before Yoga?
A large meal immediately before class can feel uncomfortable when bending and moving.
If possible, leave some time after a substantial meal. If you’re hungry closer to class, choose something light and follow what works for your own body.
Worth knowing: If you have an injury, medical condition or anything affecting your movement, tell your teacher before class. If you’re unsure whether yoga is suitable for you, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.
Gentle Yoga Classes
Our Gentle Yoga classes are a supportive starting point if you’re new to yoga or prefer a calmer pace.
You can join the regular timetable without committing to a course, making this the simplest way to try yoga and see how you get on.
Choose this when: you’d like to start with a regular group class and learn at your own pace. See the timetable for times.
Beginners’ Courses
A beginners’ course provides a more structured introduction, with sessions designed to build familiarity over several weeks.
It can be useful if you like learning progressively and would prefer to begin alongside other people who are also relatively new.
Choose this when: you’d prefer a structured introduction rather than simply joining the ongoing timetable. See beginner options.
Common Yoga Questions
What most people want to know before their first class.
Do I need to be flexible to start yoga?
No. Flexibility is something you can work on through yoga, not an entry requirement.
Everyone starts from a different point, and the aim isn’t to reproduce someone else’s range of movement.
Is yoga only for younger, fitter people?
There isn’t a particular age at which you have to stop — or start — practising yoga.
The important thing is choosing an appropriate class and working within your own comfortable range. If getting up and down from the floor is difficult, Chair Yoga may be a more accessible option.
Is yoga just for women?
No. Yoga can be practised by anyone, and Embody’s classes are mixed.
Do I need to be spiritual or interested in meditation to do yoga?
No. Yoga has a long history and traditions that extend well beyond physical exercise, but you don’t need to adopt a particular spiritual outlook to attend a class.
You can simply enjoy the movement, breathing, concentration and relaxation aspects of the practice.
Does yoga count as proper exercise?
Yes. Depending on the style and intensity, yoga can involve strength, balance, mobility and flexibility work.
The NHS includes yoga among activities that can help strengthen muscles, and also identifies activities such as yoga as useful for balance in older adults.
Can I join with an injury or health condition?
Possibly, but it depends on the individual circumstances.
Tell your teacher about relevant injuries or limitations before class so they can explain appropriate options. If you have a medical condition or are uncertain whether yoga is suitable, check with an appropriate healthcare professional first.
A one-to-one session can also be a useful way to explore yoga at your own pace before joining a group.
What if I can't keep up with the rest of the class?
You don’t have to.
A yoga class isn’t a race, and there’s no prize for getting into a posture first or stretching furthest. Take the options that work for you, rest when you need to and allow familiarity to develop over time.
Start Yoga in Vauxhall / Nine Elms
Ready to give yoga a try? Start with one of our beginner-friendly options and choose the route that feels most comfortable.
If you’d prefer individual attention before joining a group, we also offer one-to-one yoga sessions.
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