As you probably know already, #yoga is a wonderful way to be #healthy. And that's why you have decided to go to a yoga class for the first time, right? A million questions are probably circulating in your head. How to get ready, what to prepare or what to expect and many more? We have the answers for you.
What to wear?
Each studio should have a changing room where you can change before your class. What you should wear depends on the type of yoga you go to. For relaxing yoga, it is good to wear a sweatshirt, long pants and socks with loose rubber, so that you are not cold during the lesson.
You won't need shoes or socks for other types of yoga, so keep your happy socks for better occasions. Yoga has been practised for centuries barefoot. One of the main reasons is that the foot is made up of 26 bones covered with muscles and allows you to change from a flexible to a solid structure at every step. Another reason is that it is harder to move with socks on the mat. If you feel uncomfortable without socks, you can try non-slipping socks.
Although it doesn't seem like it, yoga is not just calm breathing in a lotus pose. You can sweat a lot. Leggings (or shorts), a sports bra and a t-shirt are the best choice to wear. Even though you may not like tight clothes, it will come in handy when you find yourself in the position of the down dog (being upside down) and nothing will rollover your head. But clothes don't have to be too tight. Make sure to still feel comfortable and good in it.
What to take with you?
- Don't forget to hydrate. A bottle of clean water will help you replenish fluids throughout the session.
- Towel if you sweat a lot.
- Yoga #mat. Most studios include a yoga mat that you can borrow on-site, but it is still a good idea to find out in advance more info. If you have your favourite yoga mat at home, don't hesitate to take it with you to any studio.
- Other props, if needed during a yoga class, are available at each studio.
What to eat before yoga class?
Do not eat heavy meals for two hours before exercise. If your stomach is too full, you may feel sick during all that bending. Yoga includes a series of activities in a forward bend, backbends, rotation and inverted upside-down positions. But do not worry, these positions are intended for beginners.
Ideally, have a light snack an hour or a half before the class so you can gain energy and you won't be thinking about food during the lesson.
My favorite snack is yoghurt, fruit (banana, apple), protein shake, oatmeal, nuts, smoothie or some healthy biscuit the most.
What to expect?
It depends on the style of yoga and the individual teacher. Usually, there is a short meditation at the beginning to ground yourself into the practice. The start of the lesson is when you are sitting down, palms joined and placed in front of the chest. In the beginning or even at the end of the class, the basic mantra OM is sung. However, this is not a condition.
After that is following warming the body with the sun salutation. After that, an asana follows with positions according to the given style of yoga.
The end of the lesson ends with pranayama (breathwork). After breathwork, you will lie in the Savasana (the position of the corpse) to relax after the whole yoga class.
How to enjoy the class?
The best advice is To arrive at least 5-10 minutes early. You have time to meet other yogis who are probably in the same skin as you right now. At the same time, you will explore the environment. You will not be stressed that you will be late for your first lesson so you can relax before class.
Choose a lesson for beginners. Thus, the first lesson will be a lot about perceiving new positions and names. Once you understand the poses, the next classes will go smoothly, and you will start to enjoy the flow much more.
Respect your body, because you know yourself the best. Don't compete with others or with yourself. If you feel you that you need to stop, relax in a child pose or any other pose. Throughout the practice, focus on your breath.
If you have any questions after class, don't be afraid to ask the teacher. That is the reason why he is there, and you will go home with peace in mind.
Didn't you like your first yoga class?
Do not worry; it happens. I did not like my first class too. Try different studios, instructors or yoga style.
Everyone likes different things. You will recognise your style by leaving satisfied, feeling good, and you will feel energised or stretched. It would be a shame to give up after an hour or two for life.
The same applies to the tutors. Eventually, you will find out your best yoga teacher for your needs that will depend on their attitude, nature, helpfulness and mood of the person who accompanies you through the lesson. You will always learn new things from every teacher.
