Your first yoga retreat with no experience: is it for me?
Yoga Amigas ·
Yes, you can go on a yoga retreat even if you have never stood on a mat. On my retreats, beginners and experienced women practise together, and I adapt every pose to you. You do not need to be flexible, sporty or "ready". You only need to come. Here is what the classes are really like, and what women worry about most before their first time.
Do I need to know yoga?
No. "Zuza, but I have never done yoga" is one of the first things I hear on the phone. My answer is always the same: that is fine. Many of our Amigas had never practised, or had not practised for years, before their retreat.
The groups are small, from 6 to 15 women, so I see each of you. When a pose is too hard, I show you an easier version. When something feels tight or hurts, we find another way into it. Blocks and straps help a lot when the floor feels very, very far away :)
What the classes look like on a retreat
I teach Integral Yoga, and I mix in elements of Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin and breathwork. It sounds serious, but in practice it is simply calm movement linked with the breath. You can read more about how I teach here: My yoga.
In the morning we start with the breath, to quiet the mind. Then we wake the body up: standing poses, gentle backbends, a little strength. Everyone at her own pace and range, without forcing the body.
In the evening it is calmer: stretching, Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra, which is a guided relaxation lying down. It is time for your body and mind to rest before sleep.
"Morning yoga on the beach wakes you up gently… the evening one makes you lazy… gets you ready for sleep." Zita, Fuerteventura
On Fuerteventura, morning yoga is on the beach and evening yoga is in a studio. In Marrakech we practise by the fireplace in the morning and on the riad roof in the evening. You can read about a full day here: A day at our retreat on Fuerteventura.
What beginners worry about (and what I tell them)
"I am not flexible." Nobody starts flexible. Flexibility is a result of practice, not a condition for starting. On the mat, what matters is your breath and your attention, not whether you can touch your toes.
"I will be the worst in the group." In yoga there is no best and no worst. Everyone practises in her own body and on her own day. I watch you to help, not to judge.
"I am not fit" or "I am not young any more". Most of our guests are between 25 and 65. Every pose has an easier version, and resting during class is completely fine.
"I will not understand the names of the poses." You do not need to know them. I show every pose and explain it in simple words, in Polish or in English.
"I have an injury, or my back hurts." Tell me before the retreat, and I will adapt the practice to you in class. If you have a serious health condition or you are pregnant, please also talk to your doctor before you book.
Feeling nervous before your first time is normal. I wrote a whole post about it: Beginnings and returns on the mat are the hardest. And that's normal.
The truth is, on every retreat there are a few women who are just starting yoga with me. And that is wonderful! We have seven whole days and many classes, so I can calmly introduce you to the world of yoga, show you the basic poses and help you get them right, and show and explain the different styles. So you go home with a good understanding of yoga, and with a body that is open and ready to practise :)
What if I get tired or run out of energy?
Rest. On my retreats nothing is compulsory. In class you can sit down, lie down and simply breathe at any moment. You can also skip a whole class or a trip and spend that time your way. We are here to rest and recharge, not to wear ourselves out.
"I rediscovered yoga and completely fell in love with it!" Martha, Marrakech
How to prepare at home (if you want to)
You do not need to do anything before the retreat. But if you want to feel more confident, three simple things are enough:
- Practise a few times, briefly. Ten to fifteen minutes, two or three times a week, is enough. Regular practice matters more than long sessions. I write about it here: Yoga is not a circus.
- Walk. On retreats we walk on the beach, in the dunes or in the medina, so a bit of daily movement helps.
- Breathe consciously. A few times a day, stop for three slow, long breaths. Every class starts with the breath.
What to bring to the mat
- Comfortable clothes you can move in freely. They do not need to be special.
- A hoodie or a jumper for the evening classes. During Yin Yoga and relaxation the body cools down quickly.
- A water bottle.
We practise barefoot, and mats, blocks and straps are waiting for you on site.
Not sure which retreat to choose for your first time? Take the short quiz or write to me. I answer every message myself.
Frequently asked questions
Are there classes every day? Yes. There is yoga every day, usually in the morning and in the evening. The programme is planned for the whole week and suits all levels.
Can I skip a class? Yes. Nothing is compulsory. You do as much as you need.
The classes include mantras and meditation. Do I have to join in? Mantras are a short moment of chanting sounds together, and meditation is a moment of silence and focus on the breath. If you do not feel like chanting, simply listen. Here too, nothing is compulsory.
I am travelling alone and I do not know anyone. Is that a problem? No. Most women come on their own. Read more here: Going on a yoga retreat alone as a woman.
What language are the classes in? I teach in Polish and English.
See current dates and prices on the retreats page.