If you’re brand new to yoga, it helps to know ahead of time what to expect. Yoga tips for beginners can be found below ranging from what you’ll need to where to focus your breath.
What to Expect when you arrive to a Yoga Class:
Depending on where you’re taking a Yoga class, whether it be in a studio or fitness club, expect the room to be rather low lit and welcoming. Typically yogi’s chat and say hello to people they might recognize, etc… But if the instructor is there ahead of time, he or she might have already drawn the shades, lit some candles and begun playing some music. This is in attempt to calm your senses from the moment you walk in. Be sure to remove your shoes if you see a pile already formed before entering the class and silence your cell phones and pagers. Definitely don’t hesitate to let the instructor know this is your first class or that you’re new. If they are a good instructor, they’ll make sure to make you feel right at home.
What you’ll need to practice Yoga:
Yoga Mat – available online, any commercial retailer (Target or Wal-mart0, sporting goods stores or shop for yoga mats here
Comfortable clothing – Capri length pants, cotton pants, shorts, tanks and tees – dress in layers for comfort
Towel – use during class, beginning or end to keep the body warm
Water – keep the body hydrated during your practice
Bare Feet – helps ground your body in positions, but socks are perfectly okay too
Optional:
Block – helps modify poses for participants with tight hamstrings / legs
Strap – helps modify poses for participants with tight shoulders / neck
Pillow and/or eye pillow – used during Final Relaxation for optimal comfort
Blanket – used during Final Relaxation or to aid in seated positions
Injuries or Medical Conditions:
Please notify your instructor before class begins of any injuries or medical conditions you have such as high blood pressure, pregnancy, hip replacements or cataracts. You are absolutely still able to participate, but there may be poses that will need to be modified for you.
Modifications:
Yoga poses almost always have a modified version. Modified doesn’t necessarily mean “easy.” Anatomies differ among all body types but it’s true that Yoga can be for every body through the use of modifying the pose or using a prop. Please ask for modifications if you feel any discomfort.
The Yoga Breath:
Breathing in Yoga takes place, as best you’re able, through and only through the nose. Both the inhale and exhale occur through the nostrils. For this reason, if you are new to Yoga, it is perfectly normal to feel a little light headed during your practice. Feel free to use a mouth/nose or mouth/mouth combination until you’re comfortable with the poses and flow.
Aromatherapy / Allergies:
Let your instructor know if you have any allergies to aromatherapy sprays or specific scents.
Food / Drink:
For optimal comfort during your practice, it is best to cease eating or drinking one hour before your practice begins. Yoga is also more comfortable if the bowels have been cleared completely.
