I want to like yoga. But, I’m really bad at yoga. There’s been a hot Bikram session gone bad, poorly executed headstands–poorly executed everything, in fact–and generally, not enough practice to make anything close to perfect. I’ve all but given up, but I still like the idea of yoga. And after speaking to Health Yoga Life’s co-owner Vyda Bielkus, I’m convinced there’s hope for me yet.

So if you’re like me, your Downward Dog is closer to ‘Struggling Human,’ but you still want to master the art of yoga. Or maybe the intimidation factor has prevented you from taking that first class all together. Either way, look no further for the motivation, tips, and tricks that will help you get started as a yoga novice.

Find the Right Fit

According to Bielkus, the most important part of getting started is finding the right class. “If a first class leaves you disappointed, like it’s not what you expected, then talk to the teacher,” she says. Most likely, the instructor will be able to guide you in the right direction if you ask. To figure out which type of yoga is right for you, check out the most common classes:

• Beginner – If you’ve never done any kind of practice, and are unsure about your physical ability, go to a beginner class. The instructor will lay out what yoga is, the breathing techniques, and the different basic poses, so you’ll feel welcome and comfortable as you start your journey as a yogi-in-training.

• All levels – Judge your physical capability. If you’re someone who exercises regularly, but you have yet to venture to a yoga class, try an all levels class. A well-trained instructor can adapt to those with high levels of fitness but little yoga experience.

• Bikram – Bikram is a traditional yoga practice consisting of 21 set poses that takes place in a room heated above 100 degrees. Each Bikram class is exactly the same, so if you’re routine-oriented, try it out. Anyone can do Bikram, you just need to adjust to the level of heat in the room. Bielkus recommends being aware of your pacing and staying hydrated before, during, and after the class if you’re new to Bikram.

• Vinyasa – Oftentimes referred to as hot yoga, Vinyasa adopts the heat of Bikram (although the heat will likely be less intense) and applies it to a free-flowing series of poses that can differ based on the instructor and class. A heated room allows your body to loosen up — so don’t shy away from the heat if you feel comfortable enough.

In addition to these traditional types, new studios offer a variety of yoga classes for you to try, like cardio-based, hip hop, and more. Check your studio’s calendar — there’s bound to be a class that’s right for you.

Prepare Ahead of Time

If you find yourself hunched over a computer for eight hours a day, then you might want to think about just how bad sitting all day is for your body. Before you ditch your desk and chair for a scary standing-shelf situation, you should know that yoga can help undo that damage by aligning posture, lengthening the muscles, and bringing in the spine. But there are techniques you can learn before you even step foot in the classroom that can benefit your health.

• Know your basic poses – By watching a few YouTube videos (like Bielkus’s below), you can unwind at home by assuming the Downward Dog, Child’s, or Tree pose in your own bedroom. You’ll be free from the judgment of others, and when you do head to a class, you’ll feel more secure as opposed to completely lost.

• Practice breathing techniques – Bielkus believes that three variations of nostril breathing – alternate, left, and right – help promote balance and other benefits. Alternate nostril breathing (alternately closing each nostril while breathing in through your nose) will clear your mind; right-nostril breathing will awaken the mind and refresh your whole system; left-nostril breathing will bring you to a calm state, and even induce sleep.

• Don’t stress over the ohmmm – Meditation doesn’t come naturally for all of us. Practice hearing your own voice out loud before class, and you’ll likely feel a little less silly when you’re supposed to be getting in tune with your Namaste. If it’s just not happening for you – no worries. Bielkus says that plenty of students are there for the physical aspect of yoga alone.

Practicing these simple poses, breathing, and meditation techniques ahead of time will help boost your confidence and put you in the right mindset for yoga — you’ll likely pass as a yoga veteran with enough practice.

Heading to Class

You picked a class, you’ve practiced your Child’s pose, and you left-nostril-breathed yourself to sleep last night. You’re ready to head to the yoga studio! Here’s some last minute advice to help you get the most out of the experience.

• Wear comfortable clothing – You want to be able to move, but you also want to be covered up. A loose tank top and stretchy pants are perfect for class.

• Don’t be shy – Tell people you’re new. The majority of yoga studios welcome and encourage newcomers. (If they don’t, you should probably find a new class.) If you’re open about your ability, you’ll feel like you’re being looked after.

• Go to a studio, not a gym – Yoga classes are offered at lots of gyms, but studios have highly-trained instructors that are well practiced. That means they’ll be more prepared to help ease a new student into the class.

• Look for new student specials – At Health Yoga Life, you can test out a two-week trial for $25, or a one-month trial for $45, and head to an unlimited number of classes to figure out which one is best for you.

Still skeptical? Check out Vyda’s sister Aida (Health Yoga Life is co-owned by the four Bielkus sisters) in the video below, and take in Vyda’s parting words to get your mat in that yoga class: “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. Anyone can go to a yoga class. I’d really recommend for people who are new to talk to the teacher — we celebrate new people; we’re a community of newer students,” she says. If you say so!