Just imagine this scenario…
Maybe you’re new to yoga or maybe this is just a new studio for you. You walk in, sign in at the front desk, leave your shoes, mat bag, sweater, keys and phone in a cubby and head towards the studio door. Upon opening the door you realize you’re one of the first ones to class and your options are open as to which spot you choose to set up.
Where do you go?
Your options are nearly endless and you’re suddenly swept into a world of thoughts and questions and weight every option against each other. But the question remains, where is the perfect spot in a yoga class?
There’s a chance you won’t like my answer, but hang with me. The perfect spot is anywhere.
You chose to show up. You chose to bring your mat and your body and practice. It doesn’t matter where you practice, the point is that you are.
I was setting up the other day when I overheard a lady talking to her friend, who was clearly new. She suggested setting up near the back so she could watch what everyone else is doing and learn if she got confused. The lady mentioned how she did that when she first started and thought it was so helpful. Her friend grabbed her mat and set up near the back.
Now, I’m not saying I don’t agree with this, as I think it’s something that many of us do, but I challenge the logic. What about the teachers who flip the class around mid-flow and suddenly the back of the room is the front? What about the energy that exists in the middle of the room during a packed class of heated, flowing yogis? What about making yourself a little uncomfortable and setting up near the front? Or, what about just making sure the teacher knows you’re new so she can be sure to really explain the poses you’re in, how to get there, or demonstrate each one when we first get into it?
Sure, if we really broke down the set up of each studio in the entire world, I’m sure we could figure the perfect spot to practice, where you’re near the wall but not too close, or where you don’t have to walk across the whole room after class dodging sweat puddles, or where, well, I think you get the point.
And the point is that the perfect spot to practice is anywhere.
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Show up. Be Present. Breathe. And Move. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
Do you have a favorite spot to practice?
Honestly, for me, I like to be in the middle of the room and within a few feet of the wall.
Love this! If I am unfamiliar with a class, I prefer to go to the back but if it’s something I have been to and feel like I know what I’m doing I’ll start moving my way towards the front.
xoxo, Jenny
Jenny recently posted…Establishing a Workout Routine
Literally every time I walk into the yoga studio I question where to go … and then switch my spot once or twice … or thrice. So true though. Showing up is what is the MOST important.
i prefer to be in the middle as well..also, i appreciate when teachers correct my poses or help me in the process because i’d like to learn and make changes to better my practice.
dixya @food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Cucumber Mint Chia Fresca
I haven’t been to a yoga class in years, but I know I was the one who liked to stay against the wall more towards the back, because I didn’t want anyone watching me. My flexibility is a joke. I love doing it at home, though! I feel much more comfortable and actually enjoy it.
Rebecca Hicks recently posted…Five Recipes to Try this Summer
I always go for the middle because I feel like the front and back are what the teacher focuses on haha. You’re so right though – any spot is a great spot because it means you’re practicing!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Core³: a Killer No-Equipment Ab & Oblique Workout
I always go into the back in classes LOL
I like to be in the middle of the room, near the front so I can see myself in the mirror and check my form. I understand why people want to be in the back though especially when they are new!
I used to stay in the back, but I now feel really comfortable in the middle. xxx
Chrissy recently posted…How I Feel In 5 Words.
I used to always have to be next to the wall so I could easily practice inversions mid-class. Now I preach in my classes to always have an exit strategy in an inversion so that you can practice them mid-class anywhere in the room. I LOVE being in the front (so I’m not distracted by people in front of my) and middle (so I’m in the middle of the energy and not near a wall to hit with my arms and legs). But yes, really anywhere in the room is amazing! I’m always just grateful to be in class!
liz recently posted…#SundayFunday in the Sunshine and Wildflowers
I like sitting toward the back of the class but, hey, at least I’m there, right? 😉
Susannah recently posted…Get Your Car Road Trip Ready
I applaud all those who practice yoga…not sure I’d have the patience for it!
I usually go for the middle–not in the back and not in the front!
I agree, just pick a spot! I’m pretty sure everyone else is just as focused on themselves as I am, right? 😉
I love this post because I see so many people obsessing over logistics when the point of yoga is to get centered wherever you are — physically, emotionally, spiritually. It’s so freeing when we can come to our mats with that mindset. Thanks for sharing this great post!
Rica@ Yoga Mat Monkey recently posted…When Gangsta Rap and Yoga are the Good Sh*t
I usually go for the middle but next to the wall for a place to put my things and close to the wall for head/handstand practice. I usually avoid front and center 🙂
PS: all my yoga experience ha been in China and mot instructors do not speak English!
AmyC recently posted…Sprinting Works and I Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Carbs
Preach. I like to be in front so I can check alignment, but not in a mirror seam. That annoys the crap out of me.
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…What To Do Between Training Cycles
I love this post! I just started doing yoga and I often wonder that myself, but I think that’s a great point you make. Showing up is the most important bit.
I typically like to be towards the back, but not in the back row–I’ve found that teachers make less adjustments to students in the back row often because it can be hard to get there with the wall in the way. Also, if it’s a room with mirrors, I like to make sure I have a good view of myself to check alignment.
Katie @ Adulting Daily recently posted…Book Review: Running: A Love Story (& Giveaway)!
Our first instinct is always go to the back. Anywhere is a good spot.
candy recently posted…Pizza Cookies
This is a question I think everyone has regardless of the type of class. I’ve learned I do like the middle of the room but every studio is different.
Sheryl recently posted…Our Stay At The Cromwell – Las Vegas
I start in the back of the classroom so i can get the feel of the room. After a few weeks I may slowly inch my way up to the spot I want.
We were just discussing our fav spots in the studio in class yesterday. I hate being in the back of the class – I feel so left out even though the teacher walks around. My fav is in the front left corner. I had an awesome teacher who would change what was the front of the room every class. Her favorite thing to do was mix it up so you never knew if you were in the front or back each class.
Angela @ happy fit mama recently posted…Lately
Im so so so that in the back so I can watch everyone else lady.
but now that I think about it I think Ive also convinced myself the BACK is the pace to be so that if I all etc I dont distract and topple everyone else with me…
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