Below are 10 things to know before you go to your first class.
1. It’s not about touching your toes
(but what you LEARN about yourself on the way there)
Your body keeps the score. It took years for your body to get to where it is today. Your body has gone through the traumas of falling from curbs, twisting or spraining ankles, falling off bicycles or motorcycles, skiing, rollerblading, skateboarding, straining your back from too much heavy lifting. The list goes on. All of the activities you have done in the past carry over into your body today. Flexibility comes with practice and patience.
2. Tune into what your body is telling YOU
The person next to you is struggling in their own way. (Open your mind to non-judgment) Open body, open heart, open mind. Open to possibilities.
We all have limitations (mental, physical, etc.). Use the sensations as a way to listen. Back off if you feel pain. Don’t let your ego get in the way.
3. Keep the scents/smell at home
Please do not wear perfume or cologne. Some individuals in the room may be hypersensitive to smell or be allergic to a scent. It’s ok to wear deodorant.
4. Arrive early
Although we teach stillness and quieting the mind, it’s distracting and disrespectful to your teacher and to the other students when you show up late. Time your arrival to class. Come 10 minutes early to fill out any paperwork, pay, take care of your set up, or use the bathroom.
5. Leave your shoes and your phone at the door
- Most yoga studios require you to remove your shoes before entering a classroom. One reason is it curbs outdoor debris (rocks, slivers of glass, etc.) and pollution (grease, dirt) into the classroom. It creates a presence in the mind so your body can prepare for what comes next. Feet are the foundation of your physical body and letting your feet become grounded and strong also create stronger ankles. It’s ok to wear socks if you absolutely must.
- You don’t need your phone for your yoga practice. Turn it off and stash it away. Detach yourself so you may be present at the moment. Be present for instructions from the teacher and to yourself. Notable yoga teacher, B.K.S. Iyengar explained, “Vairagya (detachment) is a practice through which the practitioner learns to be free from desires and passions and to cultivate non-attachment to things which hinder his pursuit of the soul”. If you are expecting an important call, it’s best not to come to class.
Your teacher is also a student. If you feel you are struggling in a pose, your teacher can provide you with a modification. Yoga is for everyone. Find the teacher that resonates with you.
7. It’s better to practice on an empty stomach
If you must eat, a banana is enough. Stay away from caffeine. Drink plenty of water.
8. There is no such thing as a perfect body
If you have a body, you have a yoga body. You are perfect just the way you are. We all have limitations of some kind (mental and physical). Honor your temple. The person next to you is dealing with their own struggles. Your yoga class is a judgment-free zone.
9. It’s not how you look, but how you feel
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Some individuals like to wear tighter fitting workout clothes. It doesn’t mean they are better than anyone else. It just means they prefer the attire. Wear clothes YOU can move freely in.
10. Stay for Savasana!
The last 5 to 10 minutes is a pose called savasana (relaxation). Please do not leave early because you can’t relax. It is disrespectful to the teacher and other students. This pose helps the body absorb the practice. Savasana is necessary. This last posture calms down the parasympathetic nervous system (heart rate, blood pressure, breath rate) and rewires brain and muscles for the next time (proprioception).
This is by no means an extensive list. It’s always best to check with your local studio or yoga teacher to find out what kinds of courtesies they expect in their environments. I wish you the very best on your yoga journey. If you have questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you.
Below are 10 things to know before you go to your first class.
(but what you LEARN about yourself on the way there)
Your body keeps the score. It took years for your body to get to where it is today. Your body has gone through the traumas of falling from curbs, twisting or spraining ankles, falling off bicycles or motorcycles, skiing, rollerblading, skateboarding, straining your back from too much heavy lifting. The list goes on. All of the activities you have done in the past carry over into your body today. Flexibility comes with practice and patience.
The person next to you is struggling in their own way. (Open your mind to non-judgment) Open body, open heart, open mind. Open to possibilities.
We all have limitations (mental, physical, etc.). Use the sensations as a way to listen. Back off if you feel pain. Don’t let your ego get in the way.
Please do not wear perfume or cologne. Some individuals in the room may be hypersensitive to smell or be allergic to a scent. It’s ok to wear deodorant.
Although we teach stillness and quieting the mind, it’s distracting and disrespectful to your teacher and to the other students when you show up late. Time your arrival to class. Come 10 minutes early to fill out any paperwork, pay, take care of your set up, or use the bathroom.
- Most yoga studios require you to remove your shoes before entering a classroom. One reason is it curbs outdoor debris (rocks, slivers of glass, etc.) and pollution (grease, dirt) into the classroom. It creates a presence in the mind so your body can prepare for what comes next. Feet are the foundation of your physical body and letting your feet become grounded and strong also create stronger ankles. It’s ok to wear socks if you absolutely must.
- You don’t need your phone for your yoga practice. Turn it off and stash it away. Detach yourself so you may be present at the moment. Be present for instructions from the teacher and to yourself. Notable yoga teacher, B.K.S. Iyengar explained, “Vairagya (detachment) is a practice through which the practitioner learns to be free from desires and passions and to cultivate non-attachment to things which hinder his pursuit of the soul”. If you are expecting an important call, it’s best not to come to class.
Your teacher is also a student. If you feel you are struggling in a pose, your teacher can provide you with a modification. Yoga is for everyone. Find the teacher that resonates with you.
If you must eat, a banana is enough. Stay away from caffeine. Drink plenty of water.
If you have a body, you have a yoga body. You are perfect just the way you are. We all have limitations of some kind (mental and physical). Honor your temple. The person next to you is dealing with their own struggles. Your yoga class is a judgment-free zone.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Some individuals like to wear tighter fitting workout clothes. It doesn’t mean they are better than anyone else. It just means they prefer the attire. Wear clothes YOU can move freely in.
The last 5 to 10 minutes is a pose called savasana (relaxation). Please do not leave early because you can’t relax. It is disrespectful to the teacher and other students. This pose helps the body absorb the practice. Savasana is necessary. This last posture calms down the parasympathetic nervous system (heart rate, blood pressure, breath rate) and rewires brain and muscles for the next time (proprioception).
This is by no means an extensive list. It’s always best to check with your local studio or yoga teacher to find out what kinds of courtesies they expect in their environments. I wish you the very best on your yoga journey. If you have questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you.
