UPDATED MAR 2020. I’m about as flexible as a frozen corpse. As embarrassing as it is, I can’t touch my toes. Still, decided to go on a yoga retreat. I was scared though. I don’t do classes, I don’t wear Lululemon, and I certainly didn’t know my happy baby from a half lotus. What the hell was I thinking? Is that a bit crazy? Maybe. But it turned out to be a great idea and also one of those times where I end up grateful that I have these crazy ideas. I’m sharing my experience today with this guide to a yoga retreat for beginners.
Yoga Retreat For Beginners – Is It Worth It If You Can’t Touch Your Toes?
Disclaimer
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FAQ for this yoga retreat in Sri Lanka
Where is the retreat located?
What is the accommodation style?
It’s an eco-luxe style resort.
What are the highlights?
Yoga, beaches, food, and temples.
First impressions of this yoga retreat for beginners
Geez, Louise, this is hard!
That’s pretty much what I was thinking at the start the whole way through the first class.
All of my muscles were violently shaking during every pose & I couldn’t bend very far at all.
It didn’t matter that I was in the most peaceful, tropical location or that I could hear the relaxing sound of waves crashing in the background. As I tried to move my body through each pose, I did not feel anything close to zen.
Spoiler alert, I survived.
Weirdly enough I even felt great after the class. The jet lag had dissolved from my body and instead of feeling like a zombie which I definitely did after my 30 or so hour travel day, I actually felt energetic and relaxed.
Photo Credit: Marion Hurtado
The yoga retreat is a journey
I walked my sore muscles back the next morning and did it all over again.
And again.
And again for each day of the retreat.
I was embarrassed at first because of my lack of flexibility. I couldn’t do the full expression of the poses and I wasn’t as flexible as others, but the instructors made sure I was reaching my limits as far as what I could do.
More importantly, they were showing me that yoga isn’t all about touching your toes and it’s not only super flexible people who can benefit from it.
The class was filled with people of all different skill levels and we were all able to push our bodies.
You don’t have to be the best, you have to be your best.
What classes to expect on a yoga retreat
During the 5-day yoga retreat, we had a morning and evening yoga class scheduled each day.
We were able to participate in different styles of yoga such as Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, Restorative, Partner Yoga, and a workshop to learn more.
I didn’t realize it beforehand but, after the retreat, I appreciated this set up because it gave me a holistic look at the different styles, their uses, and also their benefits.
I had never gained such an understanding from the times I had done a regular gym yoga class.
As the days went by, each class felt less like a slow-burning death. I was starting to let go of my ego of being embarrassed and just focus on the poses.
Photo Credit: Marion Hurtado
What can you do in your free time?
It wasn’t only 5 days of stretching and bending.
After breakfast, we had free time until the evening class and we had beautiful southern Sri Lanka to explore.
Our group leader, Flo organized a day trip to Galle Fort and a surf lesson for the group as optional add-ons which I did. Even though I had never surfed, I had the best time trying to ride the ocean’s beginner waves.
Emphasis on trying.
At the retreat, we could get a massage, laze by the pool with a book and fresh coconut, or spend time at the beach.
We also had all the help and information we needed to explore the surrounding area. I went out temple-hopping by myself one day which was a lot of fun. I even got to visit a local Batik store and see them being made.
How do you feel after a yoga retreat?
After the retreat was over, I stayed for an extra two days and it was weird to wake up and not go to a yoga class.
As if there was a noticeable absence in my morning routine. I almost craved the yoga experience.
Like most exercise, even though it was hard during the class, I felt great afterward.
In just 5 days of classes, I had learned a lot. A lot about yoga, but also a lot about myself.
I improved each day. In each class, I could breathe a little better, stretch a little more, and feel a little more confident.
Most of all it was a great exercise in personal growth, dissolving my ego and reminding me that it’s OK to suck at something at first. Being a beginner means you are pushing yourself and learning something new which is something we need to include in our lives.
The beach outside Talalla Retreat
Overall thoughts on doing a yoga retreat as a beginner
Before doing it, I thought yoga retreats were for people who are deep into yoga and bendy like rubber bands. But now, I can see that even someone who was a beginner of all beginners like me can benefit from doing one.
It’s a fun way to add something different to your travels, meet new people, enjoy a relaxing break, and grow as a person.
You might’ve noticed the theme in my blog of ‘I have no idea what I’m doing but I’m going to try it anyway’. It’s kind of what I do.
I hope it serves as a reminder that you don’t have to be the best at something to give it a go, and that you don’t have to be fearless to try new things.
Other posts to help you plan your own yoga retreat vacation
- Book your visit to Talalla Retreat
- Where To Go For A Yoga Retreat In Sri Lanka – This Eco-Luxe Resort Is Amazing
- Solo Female Travel In Sri Lanka – How To Plan A Refreshing Wellness Trip
- Wildlife Safari In Sri Lanka – Where To Go And Photos To Inspire You
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Love your honest self and experience in going to a yoga retreat without having a weekly practice.
I’m in the midst of setting up a retreat and it’s great to read about people’s experiences with retreats.
Thanks so much Alaine! I hope some people with no experience like me go to your retreat so that you can help them as much as the retreat I went to helped me!
I do yoga but flexibility hasn’t improved much over a long time but I keep on trying! Great to see your post and definitely appreciating the honesty. Same like you… I’m trying to figure out where to bring my travel blog too. You’re not alone! Let’s enjoy the process and pains 🙂
Thanks so much Kristine! Good luck with your yoga and travel blog!