Are you a first-time Yogi / Yogini?
Top 10 tips for first time Yogis / Yoginis
Going to your first Yoga class? Excited and nervous at the same time? Going to your first class is the first step to accepting a new phase in your life - a commitment to your well-being. So good for you!
Let go of the fear of the unknown - what's the worst that can happen? You attend a few classes, try a few teachers and decide it's not for you. At least you tried.
Here are a few pointers for how to be a first-class pro:
- Equipment - ask your instructor if you need to bring anything so that you can be prepared.
- Be on time - respect your instructor and your fellow Yogis. If you are late try to come in discreetly with minimum disruption to the class.
- Put your stuff down - leave your socks, shoes, bags, phones (switched off or on silent) at the back of the room or in the designated area. You will be required to take your socks off so try and stay hygienic throughout your day.
- Communicate - introduce yourself to your instructor and ask for help if you need it. Also be aware of your mind and body and communicate to yourself about it.
- Breathe - if you do anything... just breathe through the practice. Even if you take Child's pose (Balasana) often continue to keep up with the breath cycles.
- Trust your instructor - listen to and follow visual cues and you'll soon get into the flow of sequences. The first session will be the most challenging as you'll be breaking your body from it's usual conditioning. That's okay.
- Be mindful - of the tensions in your own body and remember to work on these each week.
- Stay for the practice - the practice is usually 60-90 mins so respect the class duration. It's also important to stay for the last pose (Savasana) as this is where the body consciously acknowledges the mental, physical and emotional work from the session. Try to avoid 'sleeping' during this pose and if you need to leave early, let your instructor know before the class.
- Relax your muscles - have a warm shower after the practice and the following day to relax your muscles.
- Massage therapy - you may find your body is aching and it may be worth roping a loved one, family member, friend or even just massaging your limbs to relieve the tightness.