Article DetailsYour First Yoga Class: 7 Tips for Success |
| Date Added: August 29, 2008 10:52:20 PM |
| Author: Santosh |
| Category: Advice/How To |
| Interested in trying yoga for the first time but don't know where to go or what to expect? No worries, follow these seven steps, and you'll arrive ready for a great beginner yoga experience: 1. Surveys show that most people exercise within 5 miles of home or work, so look nearby for studios or fitness centers before venturing far afield. This will prevent you from investing in class cards or monthly memberships to a place that is inconvenient and grows even more inconvenient as time goes by. 2. Call the teacher or studio beforehand to find out what kinds of classes they offer. There are so many yoga styles these days, it's hard to keep them all straight. Classes range from the completely spiritual to the completely athletic. Don't be afraid to ask questions to clarify if you hear words you don't recognize. Share any concerns you have, especially those related to your medical condition and fitness level. 3. Ask friends where they go to yoga. It's quite likely that you'll enjoy the same classes that your friends with similar interests do. Some teachers even give discounts or other goodies to students who refer them, so you may be helping out a friend while having a wonderful experience yourself. 4. On the day of your yoga class, be sure not to eat in the two to three hours before class. If you need a snack, make it light and something easily digestible. Also, drink water well before you arrive. You will feel and perform better if you are hydrated on arrival, rather than chugging water during class. 5. Do not wear fragrances to class. Scented deodorant is one thing, perfume or cologne is another. Even the smallest amount can give someone a headache. 6. Practice yoga within your own limits. Don't worry about it if the teacher tells you your heel "should" reach the floor and it doesn't -- it's fine to work from where you are. Be kind to yourself and practice non-judgment of what you think your body "should" be able to do. It is perfectly acceptable to take a break in class, even lying down on your mat if you need to. If you accidentally find yourself in a class that is far too physically challenging for you, you will benefit greatly by staying -- simply practice deep breathing and do what you can until the final relaxation, many people's favorite part of class. After the class, ask the teacher what they would recommend for you, and maybe try the hard class again in a few months to see how much easier it has become with a little effort and patience. 7. Try yoga several times before investing in equipment like a yoga mat, block, or strap. Relative to other activities, yoga gear is quite inexpensive. Yet lots of yoga equipment finds its way into the backs of closets, a source of guilt for the would-be yogi. Yoga is not intended as a source of guilt, instead it is a way of living more fully. So wait before buying equipment until you are committed to a weekly class, at minimum. When you decide to buy a yoga mat, keep in mind that thicker mats will offer more padding for knees and wrists. Enjoy your first yoga class! Share any tips you have or your own first yoga experience in the comments below. Santosh (David Morgan) is a Knoxville yoga teacher who loves introducing yoga to beginners. |
