Get excited, get prepared, and get enough sleep before attending your first class.
Attending yoga class for the first time could be intimidating to many people. The excitement somehow mixes with fears and strange overthinking scenarios in the mind. Fortunately, we are writing this article here to soothe your nerve.
You probably struggle with the followings,
What clothes should I wear?
Do I need to bring anything to attend the yoga class?
Any Yoga Class etiquette I need to be aware of as a first-timer.
My body is so stiff and tight. Should I still attend the class?
What can I do if I need a break during the class? Is there any resting pose I can do?
OK. Are you ready to find the answers? Keep reading, and get your first class prepared.
1. What Should I wear to the yoga class?
Although people perceive yogis nowadays tend to wear trendy leggings, this is not the case in reality. It is not compulsory to wear tight leggings, especially when you have just started practising yoga. It is more practical to feel comfortable throughout the 60-90 minutes of yoga class.
2. Do I need to bring anything to attend the yoga class?
Prepare for Sweats
Grab your towel and water bottle!
Usually, when you are attending a studio class, standard yoga tools are provided - yoga mats, yoga blocks, straps, bolster etc. Just in case, you may give a quick call to the studio and see if you need to bring your gears.
Tips: Consider bringing a face towel in case you sweat during class; a bottle of water could be helpful when you need a sip.
3. Any Yoga Class etiquette to be aware of for first-timer?
Respect is universal etiquette
Respect the atmosphere, and stay quiet if the environment presents its tranquillity.
First, we need to know that there is no absolute yoga class etiquette. Yoga is a "world culture" nowadays, and all yoga studios have their unique community and culture.
Just bear in mind "Respect" is universal etiquette. Respect the atmosphere, and stay quiet if the environment presents its tranquillity. Respect everyone in the class, the teacher, the classmates and even the supporting staff in the studio. Respect the practice, learn and understand before giving up. Respect your own body, and never push yourself too hard.
Tips: Sometimes the mobile phone is not allowed to be brought into the class, check with the staff beforehand. If allowed, do remember to turn off or mute your phone, not interrupt during the class, and stay focused on your own practice.
4: My body is so stiff and tight. Should I still attend the class?
Yoga welcomes everyone to onboard.
Flexible, stretchy and robust yogis exist, but this is not the "definition" of yoga. Yoga goes deep from body to mind and mind to the soul. Just like your own life, the practice of yoga is a journey in that only you have the right to decide whether you should go for it or not.
It's scary to imagine yourself doing a yoga split for the first time. Still, it is always approachable when you pick up a beginner class to start. Understand the basic breathing techniques, learn beginner yoga poses, and even learn the art of relaxation. Get excited about what you will experience from a yoga class, don't threaten yourself away from horrible imaginations in your mind.
Tips: Yoga welcomes everyone to onboard. There is always a class that serve different needs - hatha yoga, yoga therapy, restorative yoga, beginner yoga, yoga stretching etc. Give a call to the studio or your yoga teacher, share your thoughts and ask for class advice. Don't feel shy to ask. People in the yoga world are always eager to help!
5. What can I do if I need a break during the class? Is there any resting pose I can do?
You are always welcome to take a break at any point in the class..
The sequence could be with a bit of everything in a group class setting, and not everyone feels good to follow All Yoga Pose. There will be times when you feel exhausted to follow through, feel pain or experience potential injuries that might not be ideal for your body.
Tips: Yoga teaches us to be mindful and always listen to our bodies. You are always welcome to take a break at any point in the class. If you need a small break, go ahead do Child Pose (a.k.a. Balasana). You can stay in Child Pose for a minute or two. However, if you are experiencing physical fatigue and need support, please raise it to your teacher.
We hope these five pieces of advice help you with your first-time yoga class. Get excited, get prepared, and get enough sleep before attending your first class. Comment below. We are thrilled to hear about your first-time yoga class experience! Namaste!
