My First Yoga Class! All you need to know! Pt. 2
Now that we have dismissed some of the most common myths about the practice of yoga, this is what you will need to know to make your 1st class most effective:
- Clothing
Wear comfortable clothing. Many people wear regular athletic/athleisure wear to classes. You just want to ensure you are wearing clothing that will not restrict your movement, especially your breathing. You do not need to wear shoes during the class, so wearing casual tennis shoes or slippers to the studio or gym is perfectly fine. I do suggest you get a pair of grip socks which can help with your stability on the mat, especially if your feet tend to sweat. Some people also use grip gloves for sweaty hands.
- Equipment
Most studios and gyms provide equipment for free or for a rental fee. If you prefer to have your own equipment (which I highly recommend), just get the basics – mat, a set of blocks and a strap. You can buy these in sets or separately. For people who are really tall, there are sets available with extra-long mats and straps. It is also important to bring a towel – a face towel for sweating and it is optional to bring a large towel to cover your mat. Some people like to cover their mats with towels because of sweat or when they are using studio/gym equipment. Also, bring a container of water. Yoga will make you sweat, and heavy breathing during the practice can make your throat dry, so it is important to stay hydrated! If you are taking a hot yoga class, I suggest you have chilled water on hand and A LOT of it!
- Class Etiquette
Arrive at least 10 – 15 minutes before class begins. It can be disruptive to the other students and teacher when you arrive late. Some studios may not let you in class if you are late! Arriving early allows you to use the bathroom before class begins, ask any questions about the class, you can choose a comfortable space and begin to deep breath and/or gently stretch as you get ready to practice. You can also become more acquainted with other students in the class especially other beginners. It is a supportive environment and a safe space for many students!
Be sure to turn the ringer on your cell phones OFF!!! It is EXTREMELY disruptive when they go off in class, especially during a meditation session.
If you are using studio equipment, some studios may ask for you to wipe down the equipment you used before putting them away, please ensure that you do this! Cleanliness is an important aspect of the yoga lifestyle as it reflects self-care and respect for the space where you practice.
If you need to leave a class early, make sure you choose a space near the exit in order not to disturb other students and the teacher.
- Choosing a class
Let me start off by saying that if you are an athlete especially an accomplished athlete, and you are trying yoga for the first time, do not assume that because you are fit that you should automatically take an advanced class! Start with a beginners/intermediate class. I have worked with athletes from middle school to professionals would participate in my intermediate/advanced classes and struggled all through the class. Some took the beginners class, and still found it challenging! Like I tell all of the athletes who found yoga challenging after their first class, stretching is different when proper alignment is applied so don’t assume that the class will be easy! Now if you are a dancer or gymnast or engage in an activity where you may already have well developed flexibility and strength, then an intermediate/advanced class may work for you.
When searching for a yoga class, you will come across many different types of yoga such as “hot yoga”, “aerial yoga”, “boxing yoga”, “naked yoga” etc. which are less traditional forms of yoga. You will also discover traditional forms such as “Ashtanga”, “vinyasa alignment”, “yin yoga”, “Iyengar”, “restorative” etc. It’s important to do some research or consult with a yoga teacher for which type of yoga will work best for you. The most common yoga class you will come across is Vinyasa Alignment which is a very general form of yoga. Some other forms of yoga are more targeted for example restorative yoga is great for people who have injuries or limited mobility, and Iyengar yoga uses a variety of equipment for those who need extra assistance in their poses making the practice quite hands on. Less traditional yoga such as aerial yoga or boxing yoga combines other exercises with yoga sequences.
It can be quite fun to try different classes to see what works best for you. I would recommend that you take several basic vinyasa alignment classes to start before venturing out into other forms of yoga.
- Self-care during a class
Yoga is a practice that brings a great deal of self-awareness. It is important to pay attention to your body while you are moving through the sequences. If you need to take a break and sit on your mat for a while – DO IT! If you are feeling over heated – take some time to step outside to cool off. If you feel like you are over working a muscle do not hesitate to ask your teacher for extra assistance, after all that is what they are there for! Never feel embarrassed by this, especially when it is your first class. I have witnessed some of the most advanced yogis, including teachers in classes who needed to take a break when they felt something awkward within the body.
The practice of yoga and meditation carries many amazing benefits for the body and mind. It is a versatile practice that allows us to become more conscious of ourselves, to release toxic emotions and to heal ourselves mentally and physically. Once you become more knowledgeable of the practice, you can adopt your own method of practicing based on a number of factors such as how long your sessions are, the type of yoga you want to focus on, where you practice – online, at a studio or in nature and setting personal goals.
If you practice yoga regularly, please feel free to share additional tips in the comment section! If you have just started your yoga practice, I would love to hear about your experiences so far, and if you are about to take your first class and have any questions feel free to ask!
Have a happy, healthy yoga journey!!!💕