Hurray!!! you have finally enrolled for Yoga and it is your first Yoga class. After so many evaluations, going through the fees, timings, type of instructor, reviews from other folks, type of yoga taught, you have zeroed upon your Yoga studio.
You might be excited and little nervous if you have never done yoga before, so as they say, just control your breath.
Breathe in and breath out and read some of the below tips before your first Yoga class which might help you to feel more comfortable.
Tips before your first Yoga class
- Yoga mat : Some Yoga studios, provide their own mat to every student, others ask the students to bring your own Yoga mat. Know what your studio’s requirements are. Buy a good quality mat as it will last long and will provide great support while practicing various asanas. You can check some tips here before buying a mat.
- Shoes : Yoga is performed with bare feet. Also, no need to wear socks. Don’t make a fuss about getting a pedicure before your practice. Every day cleaning and then moisturizing your feet are enough. You can rinse and dry your feet before the class to avoid sweaty and dirty feet.
- Clothes : One should always wear comfortable clothes before the practice. You can expect a sweaty class if you are practicing Bikram or Asthanga Yoga. Hence try to wear clothes made from breathable fabric (like cotton, bamboo or jersey)
- Avoid wearing too loose top as it might make you uneasy every time you do a downward dog by trying to suffocate you.
- Pick a t-shirt, that is comfortable and fits well. As there will be a lot of stretching, bending , make sure the shirt is not too tight.
- You can also tuck in your t-shirt in order to avoid it sliding up your torso while doing inversion pose.
- Once you are comfortable with the class, you can try and experiment with the different Yoga branded dresses.
- Carry a towel with you: Bikram or Asthanga Yoga will be too sweaty and your sweat will keep dripping after some of the asanas. Carry a towel with you and place it along side of your mat and use it everytime when required.
- Human-touch : Yoga teachers generally adjust your posture in middle of asana to give you better alignment. In case you don’t feel comfortable, you can directly say so.
- Food before Yoga : It is advisable not to eat 3-4 hours before Yoga practice. In case, you are attending early morning class then you may either have a banana or some dry fruits. This is also applicable for evening classes in case you feel little hungry.
- Know your limits : Try to focus on your breathe and the postures rather than on the people around you. Yoga is not a competition, if you can’t touch your toes then don’t worry. With slow and regular practice, every pose will come to you.
- Don’t overdo any pose especially if it is your first few weeks. Respect your body and know its limit. Stop when you experience a pain.
- Talk to your teacher if you don’t feel comfortable in any pose. Because others around you, are not saying anything and following and perfecting their pose, doesn’t mean that you should not raise your concern.
- OM/AUM – Mantra: You will hear OM/AUM or other mantra in a Yoga class. OM/AUM is a Sanskrit sacred word/sound and a spiritual icon of Hinduism. Understand it more. In case you don’t feel comfortable chanting it, you don’t have to. You can just close your eyes and fold your hands in Namaste pose.
Finally, don’t think too much. No one will judge, just go and enjoy your first class. Just start, with each passing day you will gain more wisdom and feel more comfortable.
You can also read more on the precautions to be followed before doing Yoga.
Till then happy practicing.
