Here are some things that you should and shouldn't do when preparing and participating in your first yoga class. These are guidelines and this is from my perspective only!
You Should:
Arrive to class about 15 minutes early if you have never been to class before. This way you can talk to the instructor, get your mat out, pay, sign waivers and ask questions.
Wear comfortable clothing. Tight fitting has a purpose and so does loose/baggy. The choice is yours!
Take your shoes and socks off!
Tell the instructor if you have any preexisting surgeries/conditions that would inhibit your physical ability in a yoga class.
Use deodorant - but nothing too smelly and fragrant
Have an open mind - there will be lot's of unfamiliar things
Turn your phone off and leave it out of sight, preferable out of the yoga room
Breathe! We don't like the alternative.
Bring water, mat towels and props if you know you need them
Keep your eyes on your own mat
Leave class to go to the bathroom!
Listen to the instructor, you may not know where they are heading with a sequence
Refuse an adjustment if you don't like to be touched, pushed or feel uncomfortable
Keep expectations minimal and/or reasonable.
Do what your body allows and don't hurt yourself. Stay away from burning, tingling and numbness.
Stay for svasana (pronounced shavasana) - it's a pose and a vital part of practice. Getting up will disturb other practitioners. If you MUST leave class early, let the instructor know and leave quietly and allow the instructor to put away your props.
You Should NOT:
Arrive 10 minutes late demanding to pay and chit chat. Late is okay every now and then and all of the intro stuff will need to wait until after class
Wear lotion, perfume or anything else that will make you slimy and smelly
Look and gawk at other people
Go against your doctor's orders because your friend said this class was great
Compare yourself to those you just looked at
Walk in a studio with your shoes on
Talk on the phone in front of other practicing yogis
Suffer through an adjustment if it is painful
Practice yoga in pain!
Make your grocery list or to do list mentally while in various poses
Muscle through poses because you think you have to
Be the best in class (there is no "best")
Here are some things that can go either way depending on the instructor, level of difficulty and location
If the instructor encourages questions, then don't shy away from that. This might be a great opportunity to break down poses and really fine tune how your body is moving. However, if the teacher hasn't invited commentary, then save questions and details until after the class.
Studios love community and it's great to feel that when you walk in the door. Try to avoid excluding new people and being overly talkative in the peaceful moments leading up to the class start time
Some people might feel there is a religious aspect to "namaste" and if you don't feel like reciprocating that, a simple thank you can replace it.
If you need a breather, you need to take a break and go into child's pose, another room or outside (depending on the weather). Hopefully you can make eye contact with the instructor to indicate that you are "okay" or "not okay". If you are not okay, we need to make sure you don't have a health concern in the lobby alone so don't be surprised if we check on you or send someone to check on you
These should be great guidelines to the new yogi that wants to begin a class! Feel free to comment and give some tidbits if you are a teacher or a student and what you wish you knew when you went to your first class!
my heart hugs yours - namaste
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