Ask an expert: Yoga advice for beginners

Posted on by Carmela Caruso

Xpress asked local teachers to offer advice for complete beginners. Here’s what they said:

“Show up on the mat. Be willing to be a mess. Don’t worry about what other people think.” Adi Westerman, Hot Yoga Asheville

“Go ahead and make a date with yourself [to attend class]. And go ahead and just feel that you do have that power to connect with yourself to institute changes in your life that you know would be good.” – Barbara Schauer, Weaverville Yoga

“Ask questions of the studio and the teacher around whatever your intention is and see what kind of answers you get back. Do you get answers that, when they hit you, feel expansive and feel like they resonate?” – Letitia Walker, Purna Yoga 828

“Don’t be intimidated. Don’t be afraid to walk in the door. … I think all of us [yoga teachers] would say, ‘Please come in, we’re going to make space for you. You’re welcome here.’” – Randy Loftis, Iyengar Yoga Asheville

“Shop around initially, and then when you find something that resonates, give it some time and be consistent with a style and see where it takes you.” – Christine Wiese, Ashtanga Yoga Asheville

“Experiment, because often it’s the teacher that makes the connection. So you might be doing something you never anticipated doing, but you love that teacher.” – Andrew Jones, Asheville Yoga Center

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