Overcoming a fear of exercise classes - Louise’s Yoga Journey
For some people, starting yoga isn’t just about fitness.
It’s about navigating anxiety, pressure, and the very real fear of not being “good enough” in a room full of others.
And here’s the truth: not all beginner classes feel the same.
There’s a big difference between beginner-friendly and beginner-focused yoga classes. One assumes you’ll keep up. The other is designed to teach you properly - to slow things down, break movements apart, and create a space where learning feels safe, not intimidating.
In this student interview, Louise shares a powerful and honest journey - from practicing yoga at home through online classes, to overcoming a fear of group exercise, and finally finding a space that made consistency possible.
This story highlights what so many people struggle with but rarely say out loud:
how hard it can be to build (and keep) habits
how intimidating classes can feel when you’re competitive or self-critical
and how important the right environment is when you’re managing stress or neurodivergence
Through our Beginners Yoga Classes, Christine didn’t just improve flexibility or strength - she found a way to manage pressure, regulate stress, and create a routine that actually sticks.
Because sometimes, the challenge isn’t starting yoga.
It’s finding a place where you feel safe enough to continue.
If you’ve been looking for beginner-focused yoga classes in Glasgow East End that prioritise learning, support, and real-life sustainability — this interview will show you exactly why that matters, and what’s possible when you find it.
How long have you been practicing yoga for?
I started yoga at home around 7 years ago, via online classes. This was before I had my ADHD diagnosis. I found it immediately helpful and loved it, but I couldn’t keep the habit and it faded out.
I have had a pretty significant fear of ANY exercise “classes” my entire life and the thought of joining a class was incredibly overwhelming and debilitating, it took me a very very long time to pick somewhere I felt was safe.
What class do you attend and why did you seek it out?
I had looked for a long time for a beginner “focused” class as opposed to beginner “friendly”, which for me is a huge difference. I place a lot of value in understanding the method and learning the form.
Why did you decide to choose to practice with Michelle?
Being beginner focused as opposed to beginner friendly, felt it might create a “safe space”, which it completely did. I am an incredibly competitive person, my career is in sales, so I struggle to be anything but the best at something, and I knew I needed to be in a safe environment where it was safe and welcome to learn and adapt.
Tell me a bit about the benefits yoga brings to you, both on and off your mat
I work in a high pressure, high stress environment and I’ve seen a significant impact on how I manage that self inflicted expectation.
Because of my condition, I struggle to form good habits and struggle further to keep them. But I have known for a very long time that yoga is my answer. I just needed to implement it in the right place with the right environment.
I have found myself on Sundays pre-work, now looking forward to Tuesday classes, and I have found the midweek depressive “lull” and stress easier to manage because I know factually I will feel better after a stretch and some breath work on the mat.
Share an interesting or fun fact about yourself
My little grey best pal is nearly 10, she’s a free roam house rescue-rabbit called Audrey.
www.rabbit.org adopt don’t shop pls :)
If like Louise you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in group exercise classes our beginners yoga classes are a great way to get started in a supportive environment of like-minded people.
