Whole Living Daily

February 10, 2011

Introduce Your Loved One to Yoga: Yoga On the Mat

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As a yoga teacher, I’m always touched when regular students make generous efforts to introduce a partner, friend, or family member to yoga. They’ll forego their routine practice and take their loved one to the most basic class. They’ll gather props and place their mats in a spot where the new practitioner can easily see experienced students. They’ll indiscreetly check up on them throughout class. I’ve seen wives bring husbands, boyfriends/girlfriends bring girlfriends/boyfriends, daughters bring mothers, fathers bring daughters, good friends bring good friends.

This Valentine’s Day, take your loved one as your guest to a yoga class!

If you’re a more seasoned practitioner:
1. Remember all the questions you had when you first started yoga. Perhaps address some of these with your loved one beforehand.
2. Introduce them to the teacher. (Also tell the teacher about any injuries/special concerns)
3. Set your mats up somewhere behind the front row. This way, your loved one can watch experienced practitioners when needed.
4. Look up on them from time to time. An encouraging smile always helps.

Are you and your loved one both new to yoga? Start together!
Read this tips, too:
1. Not sure where to begin? Read this blog about starting yoga and finding a type that’s best for you.
2. Look for special classes or series for beginners (or level I/basic classes). It’s important to start with fundamentals!
3. If you have brand new yoga mats, make sure they’re not too slippery. Many mats come with a factory coating that needs to be rinsed off first. (see this One Whole Minute Video on mat maintenance)
4. Wear comfortable clothing that’s not too loose or too tight.

Sophie Herbert is an alignment focused yoga teacher (and perpetual student), a singer-songwriter, and a visual artist. She has lived, studied, and volunteered extensively in India; teaches yoga in Brooklyn and Manhattan; and recently released her first full-length album, "Take a Clear Look." Please visit her website at SophieHerbert.com.

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