Yoga for Complete beginners

Some people think because they are a complete beginner that it does not matter if the yoga teacher is very experienced or not, as they will at least learn something.

Your first yoga teacher is very important

When you are taking up yoga for the first time, it is very important that you go to a fully trained teacher who has a large number of year’s experience practicing yoga and also teaching yoga.

We have a very high standard of teachers who teach at the Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre, who ensure that you receive correct instruction and that you are practicing correctly in order to continue yourself when you go back home.

We will also help you locate a good yoga teacher in your local area so that you can continue to attend good quality weekly yoga classes.

Most of our courses are suitable for beginners

Although most of our courses are suitable for beginners, this will depend on the age of the beginner, their fitness level, and whether they have any physical injuries or weaknesses.

Age, fitness level and injuries

We have many different types of complete beginners who come on our yoga courses.

If you are between 16 years old and 30 years old, and are fit without injuries, then you may feel drawn towards one of our more energetic dynamic forms of yoga such as Ashtanga or Bikram yoga.

However, if you are above 40 years old, or if you are very unfit or with back, neck or knee weaknesses or injuries, you may be best to start with one of our very gentle yoga courses such as Satyananda yoga, or Hatha yoga, or Hatha-Chakra yoga.

Ashtanga would not be recommended for a beginner who was over 40 years old and unfit, but would be fine for a younger person used to regular exercise and sports.

Different forms of yoga

We teach 9 main different forms of yoga here at the Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre.

Many people do not realize how different each form of yoga can be from the next.

For example Ashtanga yoga is very dynamic and consists of strong flowing movements. You will be sweating from exertion after 30 minutes, and continue to work strongly for another 90 minutes.

Satyananda yoga is very gentle and most classes start with the person lying on their back, and ‘tuning in’ to different parts of the body, practicing breathing exercises, learning gentle yoga postures some sitting, lying, standing, and then depending on the level of the class, including some stronger postures and a deep relaxation at the end of the class.

Next gentle Yoga retreats for complete beginners

These retreats are also suitable for those who wish to go more deeply inwards, learn meditation, but gentle postures. Deepen awareness.

December 27th – January 2nd Satyananda Yoga and meditation with Tadhg Ferriter

January 3rd – 9th New Year Hatha yoga and meditation with Michael Ryan

January 25th – 27th Satyananda yoga and meditation with Dave Brocklebank

February 15th – 17th Hatha yoga and meditation with Michael Ryan

March 1st – 3rd   Satyananda Yoga and meditation with Tadhg Ferriter

Yoga for beginners

Other courses suitable for beginners

Best to click on the dates that you prefer, and see the description of that course to see if it is suitable for beginners.

Our teachers and retreats listed in the order of most gentle first can be seen at

Who our retreats are suitable for