suggestions for beginning yoga

[Anonymous]

I'm 44, overweight and have been thinking about the idea of doing yoga. I've been trying to get to a more peaceful place in my life and am working on my well being (including weight loss, but this topic isn't about that). I've never done yoga before or really any type of exercise except for walking/fast walking and biking (recently) so I'm a little intimidated to try something like this. But I've heard wonderful things about it.

Anyone know how I could find a place that works with beginners - especially those that aren't very fit? I'm in NOVA Arlington/FC area. Thanks

[Anonymous]

i had a good experience a while back at sun & moon yoga studio on lee highway. It's ok to be a beginner.

[Anonymous]

I've found that a "beginning yoga" class at any studio will be very accessible to true beginners. I've been doing yoga for a few years and my teachers still walk us through poses and gently correct our postures. It sounds MUCH more intimidating than it really is.

And good for you. Yoga is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Also walking.

[Anonymous]

Watch a DVD to familiarize yourself. And then, simply show up at a class. Lots of studios have free/discounted classes for new folk or at the beginning of the season.

[Anonymous]

My suggestion is to do classes before doing DVDs, because you need someone to teach you proper form and you don't want to injure yourself doing poses wrong.

Also, wear a REALLY supportive bra. I've got huge tits and nearly wacked myself in the face doing sun salutations/downward dogs.

Also (also), be prepared to sweat a LOT, so go straight home after class. And bring water to rehydrate during class.

[Anonymous]

Definitely take a class to make sure that you're using proper form. Tranquil Space has locations in Dupont and Arlington, and they do Newbie Yoga workshops (which I think include a free week of yoga classes). Their Yoga 1 classes are also accessible, and I've always found the teachers to be good. Make sure to let the instructor know its your first time.

If you do want some DVDs at home, I like Sara Ivanhoe's videos. She has a series of 20-minute workouts that are great for beginners.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Watch a DVD to familiarize yourself. And then, simply show up at a class. Lots of studios have free/discounted classes for new folk or at the beginning of the season.

I want to clarify my suggestion re. DVDS. Watch them, but do not attempt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Also, wear a REALLY supportive bra. I've got huge tits and nearly wacked myself in the face doing sun salutations/downward dogs.

I don't have this problem AT ALL but thanks for the laugh.

It shouldn't be hard to find a beginner class where you are and I agree with that recommendation. The yoga community is very supportive and welcoming to new people. Yoga is a practice and that's what I love about it. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm 44, overweight and have been thinking about the idea of doing yoga. I've been trying to get to a more peaceful place in my life and am working on my well being (including weight loss, but this topic isn't about that). I've never done yoga before or really any type of exercise except for walking/fast walking and biking (recently) so I'm a little intimidated to try something like this. But I've heard wonderful things about it.

Anyone know how I could find a place that works with beginners - especially those that aren't very fit? I'm in NOVA Arlington/FC area. Thanks

If your impediment is being overweight, check with Rick Fiori of Willow St. He used to teach a 'yoga for round bodies' class a while ago.
P.S I am not Rick or staff of Willow St. Just a student who took a Gentle yoga class with him when I initially started.

[Anonymous]

Wow, I could have written that OP myself, right down to age and location (can we be BFFs? Please?). I want to try yoga but I'm very intimidated by yoga studios with all the size 0 moms in Lululemon. I'm currently overweight and out of shape, but even in my best shape I'm totally inflexible. Although a yoga instructor in my FB feed says she can't stand it when people shy away from yoga because they say they aren't flexible, it's a very real fear for me that I won't be able to do a damn thing, plus I hate being singled out in a group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, I could have written that OP myself, right down to age and location (can we be BFFs? Please?). I want to try yoga but I'm very intimidated by yoga studios with all the size 0 moms in Lululemon. I'm currently overweight and out of shape, but even in my best shape I'm totally inflexible. Although a yoga instructor in my FB feed says she can't stand it when people shy away from yoga because they say they aren't flexible, it's a very real fear for me that I won't be able to do a damn thing, plus I hate being singled out in a group.

We want you in class! Please give yoga a try. You'll be surprised what you are capable of doing. There are many shapes and sizes especially on the weekends and at the evening classes. No one is paying any attention and I as long as you aren't doing something that is going to injure yourself, I have never seen anyone called out in class. We are just in our own little worlds maintaining our own balance.

[Anonymous]

I have been to probably every yoga studio in DC. Some of them do have more of an athletic/lululemon mom vibe than others. You want something middle of the road. Also, most places have a "beginners" class on the schedule. A good studio will have instructors who will work with you. and they usually ask if this is anyones first time. Please don't hesitate to raise your hand. We all were beginners!
A lot of folks rave about Unity Woods (I think its bethesda) for their low key "normal person" vibe and attention to posture..you could try that for some beginner classes.

[Anonymous]

+1 on Unity Woods (although I don't have experience with their Arlington location, and even there I have teachers I like more/less, but in general they are great).

[Anonymous]

Unity Woods.

[Anonymous]

Jillian michaels yoga meltdown DVD. It's awesome. It may take a few weeks before you can even get through it without feeling totally awkward but it's a great workout and you will feel amazing. Don't push it. Ease into learning the moves. In no time you will be able to do them all. Focus on doing the. Right not fast.