How to Prepare Yourself for First Yoga Class

Posted On : 24 February 2017.

So you have decided to try yoga, maybe because you want to experience that calmness, or your friend has insisted that you take a class with them. You may have watched an exciting documentary that laid out the benefits of yoga and thought it was worth trying. Many new practitioners experience little frustration that can be avoided if they know and have the proper knowledge to prepare for their first yoga class. What is the reason why you have decided to try yoga? Then, you have come to the perfect place to learn how to prepare yourself for the first yoga class.

You don´t need anything

First and foremost, don't panic. You don't need any special gear or equipment to practice yoga. A tight, short t-shirt that fits you is good enough, and you won't mind breaking a sweat. It would work fine. All you have to avoid is ill-fitted clothes, as you want to avoid adjusting your clothes while doing some backbend or inversion. If you think you must bring new shoes, you don't need that, as yoga is practised barefoot. So, all you need is a willing mind and an attentive ear, as most of the preparation might have to be mental.

Do not go for your class on full stomach neither on an empty:

If you practice yoga after having your meal, it will hamper your practice. If you have a full-course meal, your body will be in digestive mode, and at that moment, any twisting and hoping or doing any inversion will add to the discomfort rather than soothe. Do not eat anything 1-3 hours before your yoga practice, but do not go on an empty stomach. Make sure to eat fruit like bananas or drink a smoothie. Drink enough water to stay hydrated

Make sure to arrive early in the class:

It is always good to arrive early in the class, especially since it is your first yoga class, and arrange everything you need next to your yoga mat before your class starts. Indeed, you want to avoid interrupting everyone by arriving late and making noise while setting everything up. Getting early in the class will help you to interact with the teacher and to know about his experience, and make sure to tell them that it is your first class.

Own that beginner mindset:

Okay, many of us will be doing yoga or something for the very first time in our lives, which can be a huge challenge for your mind and body. Approach your class with the intention that you have to learn, and you may make mistakes. Keep aside those notions that this is hard and what you will do or not; have the least expected, but be open to learning. Use props and suggestions to enhance your experience on the mat.

Do not compete:

If you love to compete, then in the yoga class, you have to leave your habit. Yoga is not a competition but a practice to explore your body and listen to its needs. When you hit the mat, your focus should be on your teacher's voice and practice. Remember, it is easy to get swayed by seeing other people, but you have to understand that your body and flexibility level are different, too. So be mindful and take your time to explore your body to enjoy your practice without getting injured on the very first day.

Listen to your teacher:

Listen to your teacher's instructions carefully and try to follow them to the best of your ability. Trust their sequence and do your best to be on track. Have that trust in your teacher that they will take care of you if you cannot keep up with the pace of the class. If it is your first class, choose a place to see your teacher and listen to their instruction. Let experienced yogis take the earlier row so you can glance over and follow the sequence thoroughly.

Enjoy Shavasana:

At the end of the class, soak into Shavasana to relax and just let it go. This is one of the favourite poses of yogis. This yoga pose is one of the favourite poses for practitioners and has immense physical and mental benefits. Try to be quiet, close your eyes, and observe your breath and how the prana flows through every part of the body.