Category: Yoga for Beginners

Honest insights, gentle guidance, and encouragement to start – just as you are.

  • Forget the Myths – Here’s the Truth About Starting Yoga as a Total Beginner

    Forget the Myths – Here’s the Truth About Starting Yoga as a Total Beginner

    “You don’t have to be perfect to begin. You just have to begin to feel whole.”

    Alina Saibel

    The Beginning Is the Hardest Part – And That’s Okay

    So, you’re thinking about trying yoga, but something keeps holding you back. Maybe you’ve caught yourself saying things like:

    • “I’m not flexible enough.”
    • “I wouldn’t know what to do.”
    • “Everyone else will look like they know what they’re doing.”

    If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most people feel this way when they’re just starting out.

    But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be flexible, experienced, or even confident to begin. You just need to show up as you are. That alone is an act of courage.

    Yoga isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being present.

    You’re allowed to wobble. You’re allowed to take breaks. You’re allowed to just breathe and listen. And that’s already yoga.

    5 Yoga Myths That Keep You From Starting

    Let’s clear the air and bust some common myths that might be standing between you and your mat:

    1: You have to be flexible to do yoga.

    Truth: Flexibility is a result of yoga, not a requirement.

    2: Yoga is only for young, slim, bendy women.

    Truth: Yoga is for every body. Truly. All ages, all shapes, all walks of life. Your body is welcome.

    3: Yoga is too spiritual or esoteric.

    Truth: Yoga can be deeply spiritual – but it can also be purely physical or meditative. It’s your choice how deep you go. Your mat is your personal space.

    4: Yoga doesn’t count as real exercise.

    Truth: Ever tried holding Warrior II for 60 seconds? It builds strength, endurance, coordination, and focus. Many styles of yoga are a full-body workout.

    5: You need expensive gear or outfits.

    Truth: All you need is a mat, comfortable clothes, and an open mind. Simplicity is strength.

    Alina Saibel, yoga instructor, laughing while playfully falling out of Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) – a lighthearted moment from a yoga class, showing the real journey of practice

    Frequently Asked Questions from Beginners

    “How often should I practice yoga?”

    Start with 2-3 times per week. Consistency matters more than intensity. Even 10 minutes a day can shift your mood and mindset.

    “Can I do yoga even if I have injuries or chronic pain?”

    Yes – with modifications and the right guidance, yoga can be incredibly therapeutic. Inform your teacher and always honor your limits.

    “What style should I choose as a beginner?”

    Try Hatha, Yin, or Gentle Vinyasa. These styles are slower-paced and focused on alignment, breath, and ease.

    “What if I can’t keep up in a class?”

    That’s perfectly okay. Yoga is not a performance. Go at your own pace. Nobody is watching — they’re all focused on their own journey.

    “Will people judge me in class?”

    No. The right class will make you feel safe, not scrutinized. If you don’t feel comfortable, it’s not you — it’s the wrong space.

    Pros & Cons of Starting Yoga

    Starting something new can feel daunting — and yoga is no exception. Even if you’re nervous, unsure, or convinced you’re ‘not ready yet’, stepping onto the mat for the first time can already bring powerful benefits. Yoga doesn’t wait for perfection. It starts working the moment you begin.

    Here are some of the real-life pros and cons to expect when you start your yoga journey:

    Pros:

    • Increases body awareness and mobility
    • Reduces stress and anxiety
    • Builds strength and balance
    • Enhances breathing and mindfulness
    • Encourages self-compassion and acceptance
    • Supports better sleep and emotional regulation

    Cons:

    • Can feel intimidating at first
    • Progress may feel slow (because it’s subtle and deep)
    • You may uncover emotional blockages that need processing

    But here’s the thing: Every moment on the mat teaches you something. Even discomfort is part of your growth. It’s not about mastering a pose — it’s about meeting yourself within it.

    Practical Tips for Your First Yoga Steps

    1. Start at home if it feels safer. Choose beginner videos from certified teachers who guide with clarity and kindness.
    2. Attend a beginner-friendly class. Look for words like “gentle,” “intro,” or “level 1.” Call ahead if you’re unsure.
    3. Use props. Blocks, straps, and cushions are not signs of weakness – they are tools of empowerment and support.
    4. Focus on your breath. It’s your anchor when the mind wanders or the pose challenges you. Breath first, pose second.
    5. Let go of comparison. Your body is unique. Your journey is your own. Your yoga doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be real.
    6. Celebrate small wins. The first time you breathe deeply, soften into a stretch, or show up on a tough day — that’s a victory.

    My Secret Tip as a Teacher: It’s Not About the Pose

    So many beginners obsess over the shape of the pose. But yoga isn’t about how a pose looks – it’s about how it feels.

    The real magic happens when you start tuning in rather than looking out. When your breath, body, and awareness move in unison – even for a single breath – that’s yoga. And you don’t have to be advanced to experience it.

    The pose is not the goal. The feeling is.

    What to Expect from Yoga with Me

    Alina Saibel, yoga instructor, standing in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) with eyes closed during an outdoor yoga session – a moment of focus, balance, and calm

    At Yoga by Alina, my mission is to make yoga a space of safety, healing, and authenticity.

    My classes are:

    • Mindful and inclusive
    • Gentle but effective
    • Centered around inner connection, not outer performance
    • Designed to meet you exactly where you are
    • Rooted in compassion, not competition

    Whether you’re curious, cautious, or completely new – you’re welcome. Come with your questions, your doubts, your curiosity. You don’t need to be anything other than yourself.

    Try It for Yourself – A Gentle Start on YouTube

    Curious to dip your toes in before joining a full class? On my YouTube channel, you’ll find short, beginner-friendly yoga sessions designed to help you feel safe, grounded, and gently guided. They’re the perfect way to get a feel for my teaching style — and to begin moving and breathing with intention at your own pace.

    30 Minutes Full Body Detox Yoga Flow
    13 Minutes Full Body Yoga in Limited Spaces
    10 Minutes Energy Boost

    Whether you have 5 or 15 minutes, there’s something waiting for you — no pressure, no expectations.

    Ready to Begin?

    If something in you is whispering “maybe…” – listen to it.

    Start with a class. Book your first session. Come as you are. Let yoga do the rest.

    book your session

    You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to begin.

    Namaste,
    Alina