introduction to yoga

Trying yoga for the first time? You’re not alone—and you’re already doing it right just by showing up.

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Our intro to yoga class is designed to be welcoming, supportive, and accessible, no matter your age, background, or level of mobility. At Yoga Muse, Jen Volmer teaches our Intro to Yoga classes, with a goal of creating a classroom atmosphere where conversation and questions are encouraged. Yoga is not about touching your toes, mastering poses, or keeping up with anyone else in the room. It’s about learning how to move, breathe, and listen to your body with curiosity rather than judgment.

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If you’re new to yoga, one of the most helpful things to know is that we throw the idea of perfectionism out the window. You will find what feels right in your body on any given day: Rest is part of the yoga practice.

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Another key element of yoga is breath. You may hear cues about breathing through your nose or moving with your inhale and exhale. Don’t worry about getting it “right.” Simply noticing your breath is enough. Over time, breath becomes a powerful tool for calming the nervous system and supporting focus and ease in movement.

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It’s also helpful to arrive a few minutes early, wear comfortable clothing you can move in, and let your teacher know it’s your first class.

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In the yoga shala (place of practice), we:
 

• Practice barefoot. Many people prefer to leave their socks on until they are on their yoga mat. What you choose is a personal preference.
   

• Leave our phones outside of the shala. Yoga Muse has lockers and charging stations available for phones.
   

• Bring an attitude of respect and an open mind. For ourselves, and for others. But... we're not always serious—we love to have fun!

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Yoga studios are meant to be judgment-free spaces, and instructors are happy to offer guidance or reassurance. Mats and props are provided at Yoga Muse, so you don’t need to bring anything special unless you want to.

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Most importantly, remember that yoga is a practice, not a performance. Some days will feel strong, others will feel slow or awkward... and all of it counts! Trying yoga for the first time is an act of self-care and curiosity. With patience and consistency, you may discover that yoga becomes less about the poses and more about how you feel when you step off the mat: a little calmer, a little more grounded, and more at home in your body.