Trying something new is absolutely nerve-wracking. Not only do you not have the hang of things yet, but you’re also worrying if you’re breaking some unspoken rule that you didn’t know about and end up being known as the awkward one in the group. If you’re new to yoga, no doubt you’re feeling this way. But you don’t have to walk into class blind. Here are some tips to help make sure that your first class goes as smoothly as possible.
Get to the studio before class starts. This should give you enough time to catch your breath, pick a good spot, get settled, and take stock of the place. No one’s going to chew you out if you arrive late, but you can imagine how distracting it would be if class has already started and someone walks in and takes a few minutes to put their things away and set up their mat. Plus, if you’re new, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss a single second of your first class.
Put your phone on silent. Do this even before you walk into the studio. Expect the space to have a peaceful, calming vibe; you wouldn’t want to disrupt that with your phone going off.
Keep your voice low. Everyone in class is for sure shifting into a calmer state of mind, and while you all can talk to each other before and after class, it’s still a good idea to do so at a lower volume. People might be chilling and feeling relaxed after a session, and avoiding loud conversations in only the considerate thing to do.
Remember that you can ask your teacher for help. But do so discreetly and quietly. Catch your teacher’s eye and raise a hand. Typically, they’ll nod at you and approach you once there’s an opportunity to do so.
Keep the area around your mat clutter-free. Stow your things in the locker room or in one of the shelves around the studio, if they have them, and keep clutter around your mat to a minimum. The space must be clear to let everyone move freely without worrying about tripping over anything. The only things you need around your mat are your water bottle, a towel, and maybe blocks and a strap, if you’re using props.
Stay until the end. You shouldn’t be skipping savasana, one of the most important parts of a yoga session. It balances and regulates the body after yoga, and even though you’re simply lying flat with your eyes closed, it might actually be the most difficult pose you can do, requiring you to stay still, breathe, keep the mind quiet, and simply be in the moment.
Good luck and enjoy your very first yoga class!
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-in-black-shorts-wearing-apple-watch-4908554/