Starting Yoga as a Beginner
I still remember my first attempt at yoga years ago—Bikram Yoga. The heated room felt like an oven, and I struggled through every pose. But strangely, I enjoyed it. Even back then, I knew I wanted to give yoga another shot, just not in a sauna-like setting.
Fast forward nine years, and I finally decided to start fresh. The good thing is, yoga is much more accessible now. With different styles available, I had more choices this time. A friend suggested I try ClassPass, and thanks to her invite link, I got 20 credits for free—a great way to explore different fitness classes. I also took advantage of a promo, getting 28 credits for just ₱50. That sealed the deal for me.
This is my beginner’s yoga experience, sharing my first 30 days of yoga—the wins, struggles, and what I learned from this yoga journey for beginners.
Day 1 – First Yoga Class: Ashtanga at The Yoga Room (Feb 7, 7:30 AM)
I woke up feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. I had no idea what to expect. When I arrived, lululemon yoga mats were already set up. It made things easier for beginners like me. I grabbed my water bottle and towel, ready to start.
Our instructor, Ice, welcomed us and asked if anyone was new. It was a beginner-friendly class, designed to guide us through the basics of Ashtanga yoga step by step. She explained everything clearly and made sure we felt comfortable. Ashtanga felt like a flowing dance, moving from one pose to the next. It was challenging but also calming.
By the end of the session, I felt lighter, stronger, and surprisingly refreshed. I knew I had made the right decision.
Day 5 – Second Class: Vinyasa at House of Friends Yoga (Feb 11, 9:00 AM)
This session was completely different from my first one. Angel, our instructor, introduced me to Vinyasa yoga and explained the difference between it and Ashtanga. Unlike my first class, I was the only student, which made the session feel like a private lesson.
Angel was patient and took the time to guide me through fundamental poses, breathing techniques, and alignment principles. She encouraged me to ask questions, which made learning easier. The session ended with a calming balm massage on my head and shoulders, followed by complimentary ginger tea—a simple yet thoughtful touch.
I brought my own mat, but blocks were free to use. We also cleaned our mats with a provided spray after the session, which I found very hygienic.
Day 12 – Third Class: Pod Basics at Yoga Pod PH (Feb 19, 6:30 PM)
This was another Vinyasa-based class, but unlike my previous one-on-one session, this class was packed. The space was big enough to accommodate everyone, and Wil, our instructor, kept the class lighthearted with his humor.
He guided us through basic yoga poses while emphasizing proper breathing techniques. I appreciated how he provided modifications for beginners while also offering options for advanced students. It made the class feel more inclusive.
I brought my own mat, but they had some available for rent. The studio was located on a rooftop, so we had to check in at the guard’s station, present an ID, and sign the logbook before taking the elevator up.
Day 14 – Fourth Class: Yoga Fundamentals at Paragon Pilates (Feb 21, 7:30 PM)
This session focused on dynamic sequences that flowed through set poses. I originally booked the class for Teacher Kai, but she was unavailable, so Stephen subbed in.
Before class, we had a quick chat about my yoga journey. He was encouraging and supportive, which helped boost my confidence. He also mentioned that they offer free yoga sessions at Greenfield District every Sunday—something I plan to check out soon.
Stephen guided us through strength-building beginner poses, challenging us while ensuring we stayed within our limits. The class was small, which allowed for more personalized instruction. Mats were provided, so I didn’t have to bring mine.
Day 21 – Fifth Class: Strength & Flexibility at Alone Yoga Studio (Feb 28, 7:30 PM)
I thought I booked a beginner-friendly class. I was wrong. This was an advanced session.
From the moment it started, I knew I was in over my head. But instead of feeling discouraged, I took it as an opportunity to challenge myself. Ferdi, our instructor, checked my form and offered corrections when needed. My classmates were seasoned yogis, but surprisingly, I didn’t feel out of place.
I was late to this session—Friday night traffic on Congressional Ave. is no joke. I messaged the studio, and they were cool about it. That helped ease my stress before stepping in.
I brought my own mat, but they also had rentals available. The studio was spacious and clean, which made practicing more enjoyable.
What I Learned from My First 30 Days of Yoga
- Invest in a mat. While some studios provide mats, having my own makes practice more comfortable.
- Wear the right outfit. I prefer leggings and a comfortable top over shorts. I learned this the hard way when my skin stuck to the mat.
- Use blocks. They help with balance and flexibility. Cork blocks are more stable than foam ones.
- Knee pads are a game-changer. If you have sensitive knees, consider getting a set.
- Yoga straps help with grip. If you don’t have one, a towel works just as well.
- Arrive early. I try to be at least 15 minutes early to set my mindset before class.
- Respect your body’s limits. Some poses take time. Pushing too hard leads to injury.
- Show up. There were days I wanted to cancel, but every time I pushed myself to go, I felt grateful for it.
Looking back, my first 30 days of yoga were both challenging and rewarding. I gained strength, flexibility, and mental clarity, but most importantly, I discovered a new way to connect with my body and mind.
For anyone considering starting yoga as a beginner, my advice is simple: just start. Find a class that suits your level, take it slow, and enjoy the process. You don’t have to be flexible, strong, or experienced. You just need to show up and try.
If you’re thinking about committing to a 30-day yoga challenge, I highly recommend it. Who knows? It might just transform your life the way it did mine.
Explore yoga without commitment! Get 20 bonus credits when you sign up through this link | (https://classpass.com/refer/FSNS60352)
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