What You Need to Know Before Your First Yoga Class

If you have been thinking about going to a yoga class for some time now, it is time to take the plunge and get involved. There is bound to be a yoga class and teacher for you, regardless of your current state of fitness. This can be said as there are special classes offered in many neighbourhoods, including those for pregnant women, as well as those who have suffered an injury from sport. There are also gentler classes for the older generation, and even kids can get involved with suitable instruction!

However it is sensible to take a measured approach to the activity, so you should always seek advice from your GP if you are concerned about something that may hamper your abilities to carry it out safely. They will be able to provide advice about which poses and positions will be suitable, and which ones you should avoid. Once you are given the go ahead, keep these points in mind before you head to a class:

Hydrate

Many yoga classes are carried out in relatively warm rooms, and some could even be described as hot depending on which variety of yoga you take up. That is why it is vital to hydrate yourself before, during and after your class – especially as a beginner. Despite many of the positions and poses being carried out in a gentle motion, you will still end up getting hot. Classes are often at least one hour long, so bring a bottle of water with you and put it next to your mat.

Wear the right kit

You will also need to make sure you have the right yoga wear to carry out the activity. It is often advisable to wear tight fitting and stretchy trousers or long shorts; this will help your instructor to see the shape your body is taking. They need to do this to show you how to improve your posture and positions, which can make a direct impact on the safety and effectiveness of your workout. The same rule applies on the top half – just make sure whatever you wear is breathable too.

Don’t overdo it

It can be tempting to try and keep up with everyone else in the class, but remember that you are a beginner and you aren’t expected to know it all. A good instructor will tell the beginners to listen to their bodies, and don’t attempt anything that feels painful or unnatural. You will find that you are able to do more in time as your flexibility and fitness levels improve. There is no point picking up an injury by trying to overdo things in your first few attempts.

Class etiquette

A yoga class will have a lot of mixed personalities, but you can do a few things to respect the rest of the group. The first is by arriving in plenty of time so you don’t disrupt people when they have already begun; in line with this you should turn your mobile phone on silent before you begin. You should also leave others enough space and be courteous to others even if you think they are showing off a bit!