Have you decided to join a studio to learn and practice yoga? Congratulations and good luck! You have made a fantastic decision; it will do you heaps of good, believe me. And, I am sure you will have a lot more questions before you hit the studio for your first yoga class. What to expect during the session and how you should prepare yourself and things you will need for the practice – answers to all these coming up, read on.
#1. Things you will need
Thinking about yoga practice, the first thing that comes to your mind is probably the yoga mat and the attire.
Generally, most yoga studios provide mats and other props such as blocks, straps, and bolsters. So, all you need to do is go to the class in a comfortable attire of your choice, preferably carrying a water bottle and a towel. But, some places provide attire and towels as well. To be sure, you can call up and check with them beforehand.
#2. Participants
Typically, studios offer group classes. However, if you have approached the studio for a specific problem, you might be offered individual classes initially.
In a group class, you will find most of the students attending the session would have arrived early and practice basic stretches on their mats. You can consider doing the same because it helps you get into the right state of mind for the practice.
#3. Teacher
You will notice the teacher also arrives ahead of time and settles down to conduct the class. Before starting the session, the teacher will ask if there is anyone new to yoga. And he/she will also check if anyone is pregnant or suffering from any recent injuries or illness. Be sure to let them know. This is because they provide instructions on modifications to the poses accordingly, which will ensure you practice yoga safely.
–> Read: Want To Find The Right Yoga Class? Three Essential Factors You Must Consider
#4. During the session
Depending on the type of class, the intensity and the pace will vary. If you are entirely new to yoga, you might find it tough to sustain till the end, even if it is a foundational class. However, it will get easier eventually.
And, suppose you are confused with basic instructions such as turning to the right or left as the class progresses. Know that you are not alone; it gets better with practice. However, do not interrupt the class in between in case of doubts.
Besides, if you feel exhausted, feel free to take a break anytime, preferably in a child’s pose (Balasana).
A few other etiquettes to be followed:
- Silence your mobile phone
- Respect others’ mat space
- Do not leave in the middle of the class
- Hold back your questions, if any, until the class ends
#5. End of session
Every yoga class will typically end with the corpse pose (Savasana). It is highly recommended to stay till the end. Most teachers would hint for those participants who need to leave to do so before starting Savasana so that the others will not be disturbed. Take the cue to leave if you need to go on any given day.
Final Word
When you start attending classes in a studio, it could get intimidating seeing others get in and out of poses with ease, but remind yourself there is no competition. You will discover that yoga is not just stretching but also an intricate combination of strength, stamina, flexibility, and more. It takes practice to engage the right parts of the body and harness the power of breath to do any pose (asana) with ease and comfort. So, take it in your stride and do not hurry so that you will enjoy your practice.
Edited by love4wellness | Image: canva.com
