It can be intimidating and overwhelming to walk into a yoga studio for the first time. How do you know where to start? What do I need to bring? Do I need to buy anything? Don’t worry! Getting started on the right foot is easier than you think. It is possible to ease into your first yoga practice with confidence and success. Here is a quick guide on what you need to get started in your yoga practice and for your first visit to the studio.
Sit at the front of the class
In the beginning, you may feel shy and want to hide in the furthest corner of the yoga studio. Still, in most places, people have been taking yoga classes for years, so just because they may be proficient in their yoga techniques now, remember, they all had to start somewhere. When you first start a new yoga class, the best place to set up your yoga mat is right at the front, in front of the teacher, and there are a few excellent reasons why.
Get your technique right
By setting up your yoga mat right in front of the instructor, they can see you easily while instructing the rest of the class and can quickly and easily help you adjust your technique if they can see you are doing something incorrectly. The best way to learn is to learn the right way from the start, so by ensuring the instructor can assess your technique as you go, you know you won’t pick up any bad habits from trying to learn by watching others.
Hear the instructions clearly
The first time you take a yoga class, there can be a lot to take in. A new environment, an unfamiliar yoga studio, so although the teacher will always give the instructions loudly enough for the whole class to hear no matter where you are situated, you can easily find yourself distracted and miss what is said. This is another reason why it is great to be right up the front within a clear view of the instructor not to miss anything that is said.
Ask questions easily
When you first take a yoga class, it is always a great idea to introduce yourself to the instructor when you first walk into the yoga studio so that they know you are new to their class. This allows them to get an idea of your skill level, so they can keep an eye on you to make sure you are performing movements that you will be comfortable with and that are within your capabilities. A lot of yoga poses have variations to allow them to be adapted between novice and experienced yogis, so by trying to copy the person next to you, and you may be trying to perform a pose that has taken time to perfect. By being close to the instructor, they can explain a variation to you that will be manageable for a new beginner, which will make the class a lot more enjoyable for you.
It’s natural to feel shy when trying something new. You may just want to hide in the corner if you think you are going to look ‘silly’ trying something you are unfamiliar with. Still, hopefully, now you will have the confidence to take your place right at the front of the class and enjoy the benefits this can offer when you are starting a new yoga class. Remember, every single person in the class had to start at the beginning at some point too, so don’t feel shy, they know exactly how you feel.
Introduce yourself
When you first take a yoga class, it is always a great idea to introduce yourself to the instructor when you first walk into a yoga studio so that they know you are new to their class. This allows them to get an idea of your skill level, so they can keep an eye on you to make sure you are performing movements that you will be comfortable with and that are within your capabilities. A lot of yoga poses have variations to allow them to be adapted between novice and experienced yogis, so by trying to copy the person next to you, and you may be trying to perform a pose that has taken time to perfect. By being close to the instructor, they can explain a variation to you that will be manageable for a new beginner, which will make the class a lot more enjoyable for you.
Conclusion
Yoga is one of the most popular types of exercise, and for a good reason. Depending on your specific practice, it can boost your flexibility, improve your posture, and increase your strength and balance. Getting started with yoga can be a daunting venture for many reasons, from wondering if you’re fit enough to try to find the right class. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Yoga is for everyone, regardless of age, body type, or fitness level. Plus, it’s easier to get started with yoga than a lot of other exercise routines.