Brand New To Yoga? Here's What You Need To Know

Are you brand new to yoga?  ​Most likely you know someone who does yoga and by now you’ve certainly heard about some of the amazing benefits of this practice.  But if you've never been to a class, you have very little idea of what to expect.  Walking into your first class can feel intimidating.  You may be anxious, not wanting to draw attention to yourself. Or,  even worse, you might end up in the front row where everyone can see you!  Don’t worry.  Seriously.  Here’s everything you need to know about stepping into the yoga studio for your first time.   And remember: everyone was new at some point.  

1. Show up early to talk to the teacher, let her know you’re new to yoga and find a spot that you feel comfortable with.  Being early sets the stage for a more comfortable first class.
2. You need to wear clothes you can move in without feeling restricted, and that means if you hang upside down in a forward fold you don’t want your top to expose your belly.  You’ll be barefoot so don’t be surprised that you take shoes off and leave them outside the studio door.
3. Bring a mat and water bottle if you want but it's not necessary. Most studios have a water fountain and extra mats for you to use in classes, but it might be worth a call to see if you need to rent a mat at that particular studio.
4. You’ll feel like you really don’t “get” what we’re doing the first few times but it truly gets easier after a couple of classes and the more times you see each pose. Everybody in the room remembers this feeling themselves and will not judge you.  
5. You don’t have to be flexible, strong, coordinated, athletic, in-shape, etc.  You come to class to become more of those things. Most teacher want to teach to many levels and try to provide classes that are appropriate for all body types, sizes, shapes and ability levels.
6. It’s not a competition.  Comparing yourself to others, favorably or unfavorably is discouraged because it’s an individual practice performed in a group setting.  Everyone has a unique physical history and natural abilities that we cannot control or compare.  It’s all you!  You are unique and it’s all good.
7. As with any physical exercise, try not to come to class after a meal.  You'll want to have an empty stomach or you’ll be uncomfortable.
8. After class you should spray and wipe your yoga mat and blocks with a natural disinfecting solution that is provided in yoga the studio.  
9. This is a physical and mental practice that will involve breathing, physical postures that strengthen muscle, stretching, and relaxing.  All components have purpose and are equally valued as a part of the whole practice.  Some parts will be harder for you than others.  Nothing should cause pain and everything can be modified.  I’ve been doing yoga for over 20 years and there are still things I modify for my comfort and physical issues.  There is always another level to work towards and nothing happens overnight.  It’s a practice that requires consistent commitment and the benefits will be profound. 
10. Using props such as blocks, blankets, straps or bolsters does not mean that you are bad at yoga or that you are a taking the" easy way out" during your practice.  In my experience most people would benefit from using props but their egos may be bruised if they use one and nobody else does.  We all have different body proportions, possible injuries that are not visible, and, basically, different physiology...blocks even out all of that and make poses more accessible and often times help deepen the stretch in the right places.  If you doubt this I encourage you to try using props in your next class and see if they help you take your postures to the next level!
11. The typical structure of my classes follow roughly the same pattern every time.  This is a simplified structure so know that many different poses are used within this framework.  And there are exceptions.  But this will give you a basic idea of the flow of the class.

Seated centering and warm up (10 min) Standing poses (30-40 min) Seated stretches 10-(15 min) Relaxation/Meditation/Breathing (10-15 min).

Hopefully these tips help you feel more comfortable getting started with the many amazing benefits of this practice. I look forward to seeing you in class!   Find a class HERE


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