Tips Before Your First Yoga Class
I dare say many of us have thought of the „How to start with yoga” question. You may have already tried to google it and too much stuff pop out from all the crazy styles of yoga to the million places you can go to do it. This load of information is likely to overload you so that you close your browser back and postponed your yoga interest until later. I hope to help you find your bearing and this article even might be the impulse to really start doing something about that yoga itch.
What type of yoga to choose?
There are many different overlooks on the internet on what style of yoga there is and those can explain the basis of every one of them. Just try to pay attention to what they say because the first lesson you take can determine whether you are going to love or hate yoga. I personally would advise going to some slower type of yoga, for example, Hatha yoga or Iyengar yoga. In these lessons, there is a bigger emphasis on the technique of each position and the pace is slower.
Do bear in mind that the yoga instructor of your class has a huge impact on how much you are going to like the lesson. Everyone has their own style. Do not lose all love for it in case the first class is not what you came for. I am sure everyone can find the right teacher!
What do I need for yoga?
One of the biggest advantages of yoga is that you don’t need any special equipment for it. You can get by just with some cozy clothes. Yoga is also most often done barefoot. If you’re headed to your very first class, don’t worry about bringing a mat if you don’t have one. You can usually borrow it at the studio and if you’re flowing at home you can use a rug or a towel. If you do love yoga already, it’s worthwhile to invest in a yoga mat and other nicknacks that will make your flow easier and more entertaining such as blocks, belts, bolsters, and other.
When and how often should I do yoga?
For this question, there is no set rule. If I was in your shoes I would try to rely on when you feel the best to work out. Listen to your body. Try not to overdo it from the beginning and be perceptive. You could start with 10 to 15-minute flows and add on as you like. It is usually said to do yoga in the morning with an empty stomach but it really is a personal thing. The same goes for how often. Just as often as you feel like. Ideally, you should find a few minutes for it every day.
Where to go to do yoga?
It really depends on how much time, money, and effort you want to put into yoga. It is convenient to find classes near your home or work. It is more likely that you will go there regularly than if you would have to commute to the studio for hours.
The best choice for a beginner is an individual lesson. During those yoga teachers can explain everything slowly, the setting of every position, and mainly there is no shame in asking all about it. If of course, you are not feeling like paying a little extra for private lessons, a group class is perfectly fine too. There are often long-term courses for beginners that might be a great way of starting your yoga journey.
Next and the cheapest version to start your yoga journey is videos and books about yoga. Feel free to take this path but I truly recommend visiting at least a few guided lessons with a qualified teacher just so that you do not hurt yourself at home. For spicing up your own flows I recommend youtube very much since I love flowing with them too. My favorite people to follow are Cat Meffan, Yoga with Adriene, or Five Parks Yoga. For Czech yogis, I recommend Zuzana Klingrová Jóga.
How to behave in my first yoga class?
In every studio, there will be mats set up already that you can borrow or you brought your own. Find a place that will make you feel good. I recommend being closer to the teacher so that you can see and hear clearly. If the teacher does not ask at the beginning don’t be afraid to say that you are a beginner. There is no need to feel ashamed. Every one of us was there at some point and the teacher may modify the lesson for your needs and he will be more attentive to you. Also, don’t forget to mention if you have some restrictions because of your health.
Never compare yourself with others in the class! That pays for all and not just the beginners. Every body is special and unique and there is no perfect way of performing the yoga pose. You need to be aware of yourself, your body, and maybe the teacher a little bit too. He is only to guide you because you need to feel comfortable in every part of the flow. You don’t want to push your body to positions that you are just not ready for.
At the end of the class, most of the teachers farewell with a bow and their palms of hands facing each other at the level of a heart and say Namasté. That is a mutual respect and thank you sign. Do not be afraid to show that back.
I truly hope some of you find this article useful and you will give yoga a chance. I would love to see you in one of my classes too.