How to Prepare for Your First Yoga Class

The first time you take a yoga class you might have a lot of questions about how best to prepare for your practice session. You may wonder what equipment or props you will need. Many people have questions about what they should eat before class, what they should wear, or whether or not they can drink water during class. You might wonder about the benefits of breathing during yoga. Read on and feel confident that you will be prepared to relax and reap the benefits of yoga in your first yoga class by learning some basics about your first yoga session.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• mat or towel
• water bottle

1. 
    
   Relaxing throughout your practice will help recenter yourself

   Relaxation is one of the most enjoyable and beneficial parts of a yoga practice. It helps calm the mind and relieve the stress of daily living. Relaxation before you begin will help you get into the proper state of mind. Take a few minutes to relax between each series of postures to help recenter yourself and feel the benefits of the postures you've completed.

2. 
    
   Breathing is the lubricant to your muscles

   The power of breathing practice or pranayama to change your state of mind is extremely strong. Remember to use your breath to heat your body from the inside out. Think of it as lubricating your muscles as you use them. Savasana or relaxation pose is the reward for all the hard work you've done and will be the last part of your class. It allows your breath to normalize and lets the oxygen flow through the relaxing body. Savasana lets prana (energy) to balance out throughout your body. Never skip your final relaxation!

3. 
    
   It's best not to eat 11/2 hours before class.

   You should avoid meals at least two hours before class. Snacks and light meals are okay. It is best to practice yoga on an empty stomach.
   It's best not to eat 1½ hours before class, mainly because it's uncomfortable to have food in the stomach when you're bending, twisting, and exerting yourself. If you need to eat before a class, give as much time as you can and eat lightly; yogurt and fruit for example.
   
   You should drink plenty of water before, during and after yoga practice. During your practice, your body will likely sweat and release toxins. Water is necessary to help you flush out the toxins and replenish any lost fluids. After your practice you will probably be thirsty, so cool, refreshing water will seem like a wonderful reward after all your hard work.

4. 
    
   A sticky mat is inexpensive and will help you keep from slipping.

   There is a huge commercial market for yoga products, but basically the only special equipment you need to practice yoga is your body. Practicing yoga can be practiced almost anywhere, without special equipment, and by people of all ages. However, there are some supplies that are basic and which can help you be more comfortable and safer in your practice.
   
   The most basic equipment for yoga is the yoga mat. Using a mat, or towel will provide support and added comfort when you do lying or sitting positions. A sticky mat is recommended as it helps to ensure that you're able to perform certain poses safely, with minimum risk of slipping. Mats can be purchased relatively inexpensively (around $10.00) and retail stores such as Target and Wal-mart carry them in their sports equipment departments.
   
   Yoga props such a blocks can help you achieve the proper alignment, balance and make the pose a bit easier. The use of props also minimizes the strain and supports your muscles, thus allowing you to save your energy by exerting less effort on a pose. The props provide support, enabling you to do the poses that ailments may prevent from doing.

5. 
    
   Wear clothes that are comfortable and functional.

   While practicing yoga it's recommended to wear loose or stretching clothes. In other words, yoga clothes you choose should be comfortable and functional and not distract you from your practice.
   
   Natural fabrics, like cotton, are preferable, as your skin doesn't breathe well under lycra. This is especially important if you sweat a lot. If you wear a sweatshirt, wear a t-shirt underneath in case you become too warm.
   
   Practicing yoga is traditionally practiced barefoo as this gives you a sense of close contact with the ground and allows the muscles in you feet to operate freely.

6. 
    
   Release your expectations and enjoy being present in the moment.

   The last step to remember is to enjoy your first yoga class by releasing any expectations and being present in the moment. The intention to focus, become immersed and attuned to your yoga space in preparation for practice will make your first yoga experience both rewarding and reenergizing.

Tips & Warnings

• The key to enjoying your first yoga class is to release any expectations and to practice being present in the moment.
• Making your intention to become aware of your breath will help you focus and relax.
• Before starting a new exercise class, check with your physician.

[smdivin]

on 1/9/2009 Great article. I've actually never taken Yoga, but have been interested. I'll have to keep this in mind when I decide to take the plunge.