Understanding yoga: A beginners guide

Welcome - you don’t need to be flexible to start yoga

If you’re new to yoga, you’re in exactly the right place.

This guide will help you understand what yoga is (and isn’t), how to get started safely, what to look for in a teacher, and how to feel more confident walking into your first class - whether that’s with me in Faversham, at another studio, or online.

Yoga is for every age, every body, and every experience level. No flexibility, experience, or special equipment required.

What is yoga?

Yoga is an ancient practice that comes from India, developed as a way of working with both the body and the mind. It brings together movement, breath, and attention to support strength, mobility, balance, and emotional well-being.

Traditionally, yoga isn’t about performance or pushing the body to its limits. It’s a practice of awareness – learning to notice sensations, thoughts, and habits, and to respond with steadiness and care.

In modern classes, we often start with the physical poses (asana), but the deeper intention remains the same: to build a more balanced, attentive, and connected way of being, both on and off the mat.

Yoga is:

• Accessible to beginners

• A practice of awareness, steadiness, and ease

• Supportive for strength, mobility, and stress reduction

• Adaptable for different bodies and abilities

• Something you can start at any age

Yoga is not:

• A performance

• A flexibility competition

• Only for “fit” people

• About forcing your body into shapes

• Meant to cause pain or strain

If you’d like to learn more about different styles of yoga, visit my yoga resources page.

What to expect as a complete beginner

Starting yoga can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be. Most beginners say the same thing: “I wish I started sooner.”

If you’re new to yoga, here’s what it might feel like:

• Curious and a little unsure: You may not know the names of poses or the flow of the class - and that’s completely normal.

• Exploring your body: Some movements might feel easy, others a bit tricky. Paying attention to what feels good is enough.

• Freedom to adapt: Bend your knees, use props, or pause whenever you need. You get to make the practice your own.

• Small moments matter: Even noticing your breath or feeling a gentle stretch is progress.

• Confidence grows gradually: You don’t need to keep up with anyone else. Over time, the poses and sequences will start to feel familiar - and enjoyable!

How to feel comfortable before your first class

1. Wear anything you can move in
Leggings, joggers, a T-shirt - comfort first.

2. Bring water and something warm for savasana (the final pose at the end of class)
Check if the class you’re attending provides mats; if not, you may need to bring your own.

3. Arrive a few minutes early
Gives you time to settle, breathe, and get familiar with the space.

4. Let your teacher know you’re new
So they can offer clearer guidance, provide options, and monitor your comfort.

5. Move at your own pace
Resting is part of the practice - not a sign you’re falling behind!

What style is best for beginners?

Many beginners enjoy styles that are steady and clear rather than fast-paced.

You might try:

Hatha Yoga

Slow, steady, and mindful - great for learning alignment and basics. This is where all other styles of yoga stem from.

Hatha Flow

A practice with the same intention as Hatha, but incorporates some smooth transitions and flow.

If you’re in Faversham and want to explore a beginner-friendly Hatha yoga class designed for all levels, check out my weekly Hatha Flow classes in Faversham.

Yin Yoga

Yin yoga uses longer-held, mostly still postures to place gentle, sustained stress on deeper tissues such as fascia, ligaments, and joints. The intention is not to stretch deeply or force release, but to work slowly and patiently, allowing the body and mind to respond in their own time.

Restorative Yoga

Focused on rest and recovery, often using props for support.

How to choose the right yoga teacher

Every teacher has a unique style. When choosing someone you feel comfortable with, consider:

• Do they offer clear cues?

• Do they welcome beginners?

• Do they teach at a pace that feels manageable?

• Do they offer options for different bodies and abilities?

• Do they emphasise feeling over “achieving” poses?

• Do you feel safe, respected, and supported?

If you're unsure, try a class and see how your body feels during and afterwards. Trust your instincts.

Yoga should never be painful

Sensation? Yes.
Stretch? Yes.
Effort? Yes.
Pain? Never.

If something feels sharp, pinchy, electric, or wrong, you should ease out immediately. A good teacher will help you find a version of the posture that works for your body.

You are always encouraged to rest, pause, or modify.

My approach to teaching (beginner-friendly, even if the class isn’t called “Beginner Yoga”)

While I don’t currently offer beginner-only classes, my Hatha Flow sessions are genuinely welcoming to anyone starting their yoga journey.

Here’s what you can expect if you join:

• A slow, spacious pace

• Clear cueing without overwhelm

• Options are layered for different levels

• Sequencing aligned with the lunar cycle

• An emphasis on breath, nervous system support, and mindful strength

• A non-competitive environment where every body is respected

How to begin if you’re completely new

Here are simple ways to start your yoga journey:

• Read through my yoga resources page to build confidence

• Book a beginner-friendly class (mine or any local teacher)

• Start with one class a week

• Focus on how the practice feels, not how it looks

• Get comfortable with foundational poses like Mountain, Warrior II, and Cat–Cow and Sun Salutations

• Build slowly - yoga is a lifelong practice, not a quick fix.

Ready to take your first class in Faversham? My Hatha Flow sessions are all-levels and genuinely welcoming for beginners - check them out here.