5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Yoga
5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Yoga
Whether you’re here for the first time or came to my blog from another post, welcome! I appreciate you being here.
Today, I was originally going to write a post called “5 Mistakes I Made When Starting Yoga (and How You Can Avoid Them).” I love the idea of learning from other people’s paths so you don’t have to make the same mistakes—or, if you do, you can make them in your own unique way. But after I started writing, I realized something important: there aren’t really “mistakes” when it comes to starting yoga.
So here we are—welcome to the rebranded post! Rather than focusing on what I might have done “wrong,” I’m sharing 5 things I wish I had known when I first stepped onto the mat. These are insights that would’ve made the beginning of my journey smoother, kinder, and less intimidating. Let’s jump in!
1. You Don’t Need All That Equipment, Girl (or Man)
One of my favorite things about yoga is how accessible it truly is. Unlike some other fitness methods—hello, $200 gym shoes and monthly gym fees—yoga can be practiced with the bare minimum.
When I first got into yoga, one of the first things I loved was that you don’t even need shoes. Seriously. No special footwear, no breaking in new sneakers. Just your bare feet, which is actually better for your balance and foot health.
Now, I know social media might make it look like you need a fancy home studio, $100 yoga mats, blocks, straps, yoga wheels, candles, diffusers… but here’s the truth: you don’t need any of it to get started. In fact, I began my practice on the rug in my bedroom.
You can practice on the grass, a blanket, or a big towel. Yes, some surfaces are more slippery than others, so choose what’s safest and most comfortable for you. But truly, your yoga practice doesn’t depend on gear—it depends on your intention.
If you do want to invest in a starter kit, here’s the affordable set I still use to this day: Yoga Starter Set on Amazon.
And don’t be afraid to get creative:
Use a scarf or a belt instead of a yoga strap.
Stack books or use a firm pillow instead of yoga blocks.
A folded blanket works wonders as a bolster.
Your practice is yours—make it work for you, not the other way around.
2. All You Need Is 15 Minutes
Another myth I had to unlearn: yoga has to be a full 60-minute flow to count. Nope!
When I was a full-time college student and a full-time restaurant manager, my “practice” consisted of 15-minute nighttime routines on YouTube. That small window of time became my lifeline.
Fitness influencers often suggest 45 minutes to an hour, multiple times a week—but life doesn’t always allow for that. That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a moment for yourself.
Those 15 minutes? They matter. They add up. They become a commitment, a self-respect ritual. It’s not just about flexibility or strength—it’s about showing yourself that you’re worthy of your own time.
Finished your lunch early? Do a short practice.
Kids are asleep? 15-minute wind-down yoga before bed.
Chatting on the phone? Your bestie won’t mind if you're doing some gentle stretching while you talk.
Little pockets of self-care grow into a lifestyle. If you have 15 minutes, you have time for yoga.
3. You Don’t Need to See It to Believe It
We live in a “before and after” world. Social media loves transformation photos—day one vs. day 100, couch potato vs. handstand queen.
But here’s the thing: real transformation isn’t always visible. Not right away. And maybe not ever, at least not in the ways you expect.
Progress in yoga isn’t always about flexibility or fancy poses. Sometimes, it’s sleeping better. Breathing deeper. Feeling a little calmer. Reacting a little slower to stress. These are huge wins—you just can’t post them on Instagram.
Believing in progress you can’t yet see is a powerful thing. It takes trust, consistency, and (yes) patience. And guess what helps build patience? Yoga.
Your journey is yours. Start small. Stay steady. You don’t need to believe in visible results—you just need to believe in yourself.
4. You Don’t Need a Different Workout for Every Day
When I first started practicing yoga, I brought my old workout mindset with me. In weightlifting, it’s common to split workouts—arms on Monday, legs on Tuesday, core on Wednesday, and so on—to prevent overtraining.
So I figured I needed a whole schedule of different yoga flows each day, targeting different parts of my body.
Spoiler alert: that’s not how yoga works.
Yoga isn’t just exercise—it’s a mind-body practice. You can absolutely do the same flow three days in a row, or return to your favorite 20-minute stretch session every week. In fact, repeating sequences can help you notice subtle improvements, feel more grounded, and move with greater intention.
And let’s be honest—spending 30 minutes scrolling through YouTube to find “the perfect video” kind of defeats the purpose. Simplicity is your friend here.
Let yourself find comfort in routine. Some days you’ll crave variety, and that’s great! Other days, returning to the familiar will feel like coming home.
5. You Already Belong
This is the one I wish someone had told me right away.
You don’t need to look a certain way, be a certain level of flexible, or wear a matching set to belong in yoga. You don’t need to be calm, spiritual, or even “good” at it.
You already belong. The second you choose to show up for yourself—whether that’s for five minutes or fifty—you’re doing yoga.
Yoga isn’t about achieving something external. It’s about reconnecting with yourself, right where you are.
You’re not “too stiff,” “too late,” or “not enough” for yoga. Yoga meets you where you are. And every time you come to your mat, that’s enough.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just getting started with yoga, I hope these reflections help ease your path a bit. There’s no one way to begin, no perfect gear, no ideal time. You can start today, right where you are, with whatever you have—and it will be enough.
So roll out your mat (or towel, or rug), take a deep breath, and just begin.
Thanks for being here. You’ve got this. 🧘♀️💫