You don’t have to be flexible to begin

You do not need a photograph-ready pose to have a place in a yoga class. A useful starting question is simply: what can I notice about the way I move today?

Start with your own body

One foundation of my teacher training at RedTail Power Yoga was learning to connect anatomy with the person in front of me. People arrive with different experience, ranges of movement and reasons for coming. That is part of teaching.

A variation is a way to participate. It can give you space to explore a movement at a different depth or with a different kind of support. You can ask a teacher to help you find an option that feels manageable.

Let the first class be a conversation

Before you begin, tell your instructor that you are new. Ask what the class involves and what you can do when you need to pause. If you have an injury or health condition, discuss appropriate precautions with your healthcare professional and instructor.

During class, you can pay attention to how a movement feels, how comfortably you are breathing and whether you want another option. Avoid pushing beyond a comfortable range. You do not have to keep up with the person beside you.

Keep the goal simple

Your first visit can be about getting familiar with the space, hearing the instructions and finding a comfortable starting point. There is time to learn the names of poses later.

Bring curiosity. Ask questions. Give yourself permission to begin.

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Teaching foundation: RedTail Power Yoga 200-hour teacher training, including the 2024 Yoga Anatomy Manual and class-observation coursework. Further reading: MedlinePlus: Yoga for health. General yoga education; individual needs vary.