What to expect at your first yoga class
About 15 years ago, I went to my very first yoga class, totally unsure what to expect. Was I a yoga type and what did that even mean? Would I be able to do the poses without pulling a muscle?
The answer is I've been regularly practicing yoga since attending that first class. I got my 200h yoga instructor certificate in an Indian school in Singapore and went to several retreats in Bali, too. So yes, yoga can change your live forever.
But I do know what it's like to go into a yoga class for the first time and not know what to expect. So if you're looking to take up yoga, here's what you can expect for your first class.
You won't nail all of the poses
No one expects you to! You can only push your body so far you feel comfortable, it is so important to listen to your body. Yoga works muscles you didn't even know you had and you're going to feel the burn and twist your body into positions that feel foreign to you. That's normal. If you're unsure about how to do a pose, listen to the instructions and look to the pose done by me and if you are not able to come into the pose I will give you a modification! Don't feel bad for not knowing what to do. Little by little you will see after some practice that you are able to do things you couldn't. It is amazing!
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Hatha yoga
Hatha is a general category that includes most yoga styles. It is an old system that includes the practice of asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises), which help bring peace to the mind and body, preparing the body for deeper spiritual practices such as meditation. I will adjust the class for each group, it can be a harder class or more relaxed one.
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Wear something comfortable and be hydrated
You need to wear something comfy and stretchy for yoga and drink water. Take a water bottle with you to the class and if you need to you can take sips of water between poses. Many people keep water bottles at the front of their mat so they can drink during class.
Please bring your own mat or let me know you need one
For outdoor classes please bring your own mat or let me know in advance to bring one, they are available for rent.
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I will adjust you if you're comfortable with it
Please let me know at the beginning of the class if you don't feel comfortable being adjusted into positions. If you don't mind being touched, let me adjust you so that I can physically move you into the correct pose. It makes a huge difference.
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You can relax in Child's Pose
Child's Pose is one of the favorites among yogis. You kneel on the mat, knees separated and toes together, with your arms laid out behind or in front of you. If you ever feel tired or just want to relax in the middle of class, feel free to come to Child's Pose and take your time. No one will judge you for taking a break. Just listen to your body and don't force yourself.
Breathing is crucial and the relaxation is a very important part of the practice
One of the key elements of yoga and why it's so great is the breathing. Sure, we breathe all day, every day. But yoga requires a very methodic and mindful way of breathing called pranayama. We will do different breathing exercises and a great relaxation on the end of the practice.
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Namaste
You'll hear Namaste after a class. It's a major yoga tradition, but what does it mean? Namaste means "I bow to you" and is seen as a gesture of respect and gratitude. It creates a bond between you, me and your classmates. Typically, Namaste is accompanied by putting your palms together at your heart and bowing. You can even do Namaste to yourself after meditation or when you want to give gratitude to yourself.
Yoga is always there
Whether you love your first yoga class or are unsure if you want to do yoga again, it's always there. Maybe you'll go to a class every now and then. Maybe you'll get into a routine practice. Maybe you'll become an instructor one day. Or maybe you'll decide yoga isn't for you, that's okay. Hopefully, you're prepared for your first class with me! See you soon!