New to yoga class? Here is a list of things you must remember to prepare for your first yoga class. The blog will make things easy and take your nervousness.
Let us begin with the ultimate guide to your first yoga class!
1. A Little Research Is Always Good
Before joining, it is always good to do background research about the yoga teacher and their yoga style. You can also understand what type of yoga you must first go for and how things will lead comfortably. It is also good to interact with the teacher beforehand, so you can ask various questions that must be hovering in your mind regarding your first attempt at a yoga class.
2. Arrive Early And Observe
It is always better to arrive early; it will help you adjust to the class environment. Also, you can occupy the place of your available choice. Just do not bother about who is looking at you and make it clear that everyone has come with the aim of internal practice and is so tuned into their own experiences. So forget the world and concentrate on your yoga time.
3. Clothing Matters
Yoga is not about wearing uneasy, fashionable yoga dresses; it is about wearing breathable and comfortable clothes. You can wear yoga pants or high-waisted leggings with good material and a top that is not too tight or loose.
Men can wear stretchy shorts or Thai Fisherman’s pants. Avoid wearing tracksuits because they are too thick and give you a problem in a few asanas.
4. Physical Touch
Sometimes, your teacher will touch you to help you with the adjustments. It is always good to get hands-on adjustments; it aids you in better alignment of the pose and moves you to a more profound expression of the pose. Stay encouraged if your teacher helps you adjust, and the teacher likely wants to find you at ease in the pose.
5. Pre-Yoga Meal
It is always advisable to munch on a few light and healthy snacks before your yoga class. You can eat dates, dry fruits, or yogurt to keep your energy level up. One must not go on an empty stomach as it will again make you feel low on energy. Thus make sure to eat right and in a proper amount. You should not feel lightheaded but strong enough to perform yoga poses with zeal.
6. No Socks Needed
During yoga practice, you do not need to wear socks, but if you are not comfortable barefoot, you can wear yoga socks. These socks come with a grip and are great for protecting your feet from any slips and cuts.
It is great if you avoid walking on other’s mats as some people may not like it. Because many consider yoga mats as their extension and not just rubber mats.
7. Complicated Yoga Poses Name
Learning yoga poses is easy than learning the different names of yoga poses. These names are in Sanskrit; your teacher makes you learn the English names of the poses so that it becomes easy for you.
Initially, do not worry about recognizing the names of asanas. Gradually when you pronounce these names, you will memorize them. Also, learning yoga is not an exam, so stay relaxed and enjoy every learning phase.
8. Necessary Equipment
Usually, your yoga teacher or yoga studio provides yoga equipment. Various yoga equipment like belts, mats, blankets, and blocks are present in the yoga studio itself, and you do not have to put effort into carrying them.
When you join the yoga studio, you can ask the yoga teacher if you need to bring the types of equipment with you. Also, if you think of purchasing your personal equipment for home practice, you can have them online.
9. Know Your Edge
As a beginner, you must understand your body and distinguish between pain and discomfort. You can not experience pain when you do yoga; pain is a hot, sharp, and pinching sensation. While the discomfort is a nagging sensation that can change with breathing.
You are your best teacher and know your body better than anyone else. If you feel something wrong, it probably is.
10. Breath And Connect
The most important thing you will learn in class is to connect your breathing with your movements. Your teacher will incorporate breathing exercises in class when you are into regular yoga practice.
Initially, you may find it difficult to match your breath with the teacher’s instructions but do not worry you will learn it soon. You can match the breathing with countings, making it easy for you.
11. Be In the Present
During yoga, you will learn how to be present in your body. In our day-to-day lives, we are so busy with worldly work that we hardly do anything with consciousness. So yoga teaches us to do things by being present in them.
Sometimes it happens that during yoga practice, you feel emotions of fear, frustration, sadness, and joy. Thus emotional release is normal, but the important is not to judge others.
12. No Place For Ego
Yoga is not competitive, and you are not here for comparison and criticism. So it will be great to keep your ego aside and focus on your yoga practice. Sometimes you may feel that using props can make you look like a beginner, hurting your ego. Then remember, yoga is for self-good, and these props will help to bring ease to yoga. Thus stop thinking negatively and go with pure heart and practice.
13. Enjoy Shavasana
Shavasana is the best part of every yoga class. It helps you to collect all the energy you drain while doing exercises. Beginners may feel that Shavasana is the most challenging part of yoga because it takes a lot of patience to relax.
Shavasana is like a reset button and helps you to re-energize yourself.
14. Stay Hydrated
Do not forget to keep yourself hydrated throughout the yoga session. You can take a bottle with you and take a sip whenever your throat is dry. Water will help you to balance and maintain the energy till last. Also, glowing skin is possible due to ample water drinking.
15. Go With The Beginner’s Mind
When you are new to something, then you must approach it with a beginner’s mind. A beginner’s mind helps you to be humble and accept things as taught. So when you are in the mood for learning, keep your attitude positive and strive towards learning hard.
Wrapping Up
Learning yoga is a matter of keeping patience and working hard by knowing the boundaries of your body. It can be possible that initially, you get frustrated with yoga to practice, but soon you will start experiencing the benefits of yoga and will enjoy learning it. Once you enjoy yourself, you can no longer be called a beginner.
Remember the above points to put your best in your first yoga class. Learning yoga is a journey that you will enchant your whole life. Yoga will provide you with the relaxation and calmness you all have been looking for. So make your carved-out time worthful and have happy yoga learning.
