A typical yoga studio offers dozens of different types of classes. The variety can seem overwhelming, but most classes in a modern day studio are all about postures and breathing. If you feel nervous about being a beginner, remember that everyone in the class was once a complete beginner and walked into their first yoga class not knowing what to expect.
It might be obvious, but if you have never been to a yoga class before, find a beginner-friendly class and teacher. A good teacher is able to teach each student as an individual, but those who are completely new to yoga often feel most comfortable if their first class is with a group of other beginners. Most yoga studios run introductory classes, courses and workshops for complete beginners.
You don’t have to be fit or flexible to go to a yoga class. It’s not about how well you can do the postures or if someone else can do a posture better. Forget about all the photos you saw on Instagram and all the YouTube yoga videos. It’s not a competition or a show, it’s a practice.
There also is no such thing as a perfect body for yoga, or one body type that is more suitable for yoga than others. Every body type is suitable for yoga – the body you have is the body you practice with. You should, though, tell the teacher about any injuries or current medical conditions.
There are lots of yoga classes and lots of yoga teachers out there, and it can take time to find the right teacher. Today, it seems everyone wants to be a yoga teacher, and it is possible to get a teaching certificate with very little training and very little experience. If you are not happy with your first yoga class, don’t give up: it doesn’t mean that yoga is not for you.
How To Prepare for Your First Yoga Class
What to wear for your first yoga class? is one of the most common questions from beginners. Most yoga studios will tell you to wear comfortable clothes that you can stretch in. There is no need to buy expensive branded yoga outfits, but you should make sure you can stretch comfortably. The clothes should not be so loose that they get in the way, but they should not restrict movement either.
Yoga is practiced barefoot. Shoes (and socks!) are left outside. Most of the time, the studio asks you to leave your shoes by the front door.
Most yoga studios have yoga mats you can use until you decide to buy your own (and if you start to practice often, it is more practical and more hygienic to have your own mat).
Finally, probably the most important practical tip for any yoga class is: switch off your phone before the class starts! You don’t want to get up to turn off a ring and no one wants to be interrupted with annoying chirps and beeps.
Photo credit: www.localfitness.com.au
