How to go to a Yoga Class for the First Time

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By zeolite
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Yoga in the Park

Want to try yoga but are a little nervous taking that first class? Will you be welcome? Will you know what to do and be able to do it? Everyone is nervous when they start something new, follow these easy steps to jump into yoga practice with confidence.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A yoga class to go to at your local gym or yoga studio
Stretchy comfortable clothing
Water
Yoga Mat and block (most studios and gyms provide these if you don't own your own)

Step 1

Find a Yoga Class: Most yoga classes are either offered at a fitness center or a yoga studio.

Yoga studios usually charge around $15 per one hour class. They have smaller class sizes (think 20 or less people) and offer more personal instruction. Some people feel more comfortable starting in small class at a studio because they can get lots of direct instruction and personalized questions answered.

Most fitness centers (YMCA, Liftetime Fitness, Etc.) include limitless use of classes as part of the monthly membership fees. If you suspect you may want to take yoga classes multiple times a week, a gym is the most economical option. However, the classes are usually much larger (think 30 -50 people) and therefore there is little personal instruction. Some people like starting yoga at a large class in a gym because they have more anonymity and can learn the basics before moving on to a smaller class.

Ultimately, a mix of attending gym classes and studio classes is a good choice: combine economical gym classes multiple times a week and more personal instruction at yoga studio a few times a month.

Many gyms and studios will offer a free introductory class - be sure to ask!
Step 2

Before Class:

Don't eat for a couple hours before your class. A mostly empty stomach is generally more agreeable to stretching and exercise than a full tummy.

Show up to your first class a few minutes early. Introduce yourself to the instructor and tell him/her its your first class. If you have any health issues or injuries let the instructor know that as well.

Many studios request you remove your shoes before walking on the yoga floor - keep your eyes open for a sign about this.

Grab a mat and a yoga block. Lay the mat on the floor with a short end facing the instructor (if you are not sure which direction just copy what other people do). Unless the room is really crowded, leave at least four feet between you and the next mat - so there is enough room for both of you to hold out your arms and not touch. Place the block next to your mat within reaching distance.
Step 3

During Class:

The instructor will direct the class to do a series of poses. You can watch the instructor or sneak a peek at the other people in your class if you don't know what the name of a pose means or you if don't understand the directions. Different poses focus on building strength, flexibility, and balance.

The instructor will offer options for different levels of difficulty in poses. Never feel bad about taking the easier version - yoga is all about respecting your body and finding peace with who you are in the present. Also, if you feel really tired or lightheaded take a rest. The best thing about yoga is that no one judges - most people are so focused on their own practice they won't even notice if you skip a pose or stop to adjust your yoga pants or pony tail (common ways of sneaking in a break).

You can learn about the poses on Yogajournal.com (http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/finder/browse_categories)
Step 4

After Class:

Wipe down your mat and block and return them to where you found them (if you borrowed them from the studio).

Drink water and eat some protein; that will help your body make the best of your workout. (Chocolate soy milk is suppose to be really good after a workout.) If you loved the class, great! Go back over and over. If you didn't, consider trying a different class with a different instructor. Yoga classes and instructors very greatly - almost everyone can find a class right for them.