New to Yoga?

Taking your first yoga class can be disconcerting, especially if your first class happens to be a group class. As you walk into the room that little voice inside your head immediately pipes up: "Everyone seems to know what to do…should I sit like that guy in the corner or should I lay on my back like that girl over there? Maybe I'll set up in the back so no one can see me mess up….or should I be in front so the teacher can see me better and help me when I mess up…I hope they're not going to make us stand on our heads or do any of those pretzel poses...if they do I'm out of here!"

To alleviate some of those anxieties and to get the most out of their practice I like to remind new students of the key things they should bring with them to class and what not to bring:

Things to bring to yoga class:

• A positive attitude - you should never be asked to do more than you want to do. If that happens then it's time to change class and/or teacher.
• A playful spirit - the more fun you have, the more likely you'll want to stick with it
• Respect for your limits - listen your body and do not push to mimic someone else's pose.
• Your current state of health - let the teacher know before class if you have any injuries so they can help you with modifications or guide you to alternate poses if need be
• Your own yoga mat - while most studios will have 'loaners' for hygienic reasons it's better to have your own

Things to leave at the door before you enter a yoga class:

• Your expectations - everybody and every body is different. Each will experience poses own unique way hence, no two poses will be the same…and that's a good thing. This is your practice. Start where you are and go from there
• Your judgments - of others as well as yourself.
• Your cell phone - or if you must bring it with you, please turn it off or use silent mode.
• Your shoes - yoga is traditionally practiced bare footed.