10 Tips To Prepare You For Your First Yoga Class

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10 Things to Know Before Starting the Yoga

By Rishikul Yogshala

July 15, 2024

Foreword For Your First Yoga Class

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Taking the initial step to become a yogi can be overwhelming. However, you don’t need to have the goal of becoming a yogi to start yoga. Yoga is for everyone, and you don’t need to be scared of it. All you need is some preparation, faith, and, of course, your yoga mat.

While you can do yoga yourself, taking guidance from an instructor is preferable if you are starting yoga for the first time.

If you are still wondering whether to begin yoga, here are Ten Reasons Why You Should Do Yoga that will convince you to think no more and go ahead.

Having a peek at the brilliant ways yoga can transform you, we are sure you would be delighted to explore our Yoga Teacher Training Program in Kerala to dig deeper into making it your lifestyle.

Now, let’s make you ready for your very first yoga class. Are you excited? Here we go.

Just Starting Yoga? 10 Tips On Becoming First Yoga Class Ready

Invest In Quality Yoga Wear

Nothing is more unpleasant than performing yoga in uncomfortable clothing. You wouldn’t want your attention to deviate towards itchy nooks and uneasy clothing.

Hence, it’s crucial to select from a range of semi-fitted to comfortable t-shirts and bottoms in polyester or cotton blends with enough room for flexibility to let your body breathe and perform the asanas without feeling restricted or disengaged.

Remember, you will be performing various bends. Therefore, excessively loose-fitted clothes can embarrass you during the performance.

Get Ready For A Barefooted Regimen

The practice of being barefoot in yoga is rooted in tradition. In ancient times, yoga was primarily practiced in India, and being barefoot was considered a sign of humility and respect for the practice and the teacher.

Many yogis believe that going barefoot helps ground and connect you with the earth, enhancing your overall yoga practice.

Additionally, being barefoot allows for better grip and balance on the mat, which is essential for many yoga poses.

Select A Style That Suits You

Yoga is an expansive realm that embodies several forms of practices and asanas. Some are intense, some are relaxed; some are filled with movements, while others focus on breath alone. Some focus on strength, while others emphasize mental peace and self-reflection.

You get to decide which style suits you and the one you are interested in. Ask yourself, what are you looking for or want to accomplish? Is it flexibility, strength, healing, restoration, or weight loss? A challenging class or a relaxing flow? Defining your goals will help you choose the suitable form of yoga for yourself.

Getting started as a beginner? Hatha Yoga would be a perfect place to begin with, as it will teach you the fundamentals of yoga and how to tune in with your breath, body, and mind.

You can learn in depth with the guidance of the best instructors in our Yoga Teacher Training Program in Kerala, providing you with a perfect environment to get on this tranquil journey ahead.

Focus On The Breath

In every yoga class, you will constantly be reminded to sync your movements with your breath. Your breath always comes first and must be the source to fuel your actions.

An ideal yoga practice is composed of three components: asana practice, breath work or pranayama, and meditation. Yoga aims to align the breath with the actions to develop harmony within.

Acknowledge and be aware when you get distracted with inward thoughts or feel out of sync with your breath. Take a deep breath in, with the consciousness of the present moment, and continue with your flow.

The Practice Is More Inward Than Outward

Yoga is a spiritual practice that harmonizes your mind, body, and soul.

While many people associate yoga with physical postures, its fundamental aim extends beyond that to reach a state of self-exploration and realization.

It emphasizes going inward, exploring your intrinsic self, and becoming one with your soul through your breath. It can radically transform you into a calmer, more mindful version of yourself.

Asana Perfection Shouldn’t Be A Competition

Yoga is all about self-love! It develops discipline, compassion, and integrity.

It is much more than just comparing posture performance with others. You have to allow your body and mind to fall into this art gradually. You can push yourself to perform but never force your body to exceed its limits.

Comparing one’s performance to that of a classmate is not encouraged. Remember, yoga is all about being ‘you’ as an individual rather than someone as a class member. Practice with your whole heart, and excellence will follow.

“It doesn’t matter if you succeed at the pose, but it does matter that you try. The effort of trying will teach you valuable lessons that can transform every aspect of your life.” – Kino Macgregor

Open Up To Your Teacher

Maintaining transparency with your yoga teacher is essential. Let them know of any medical condition, history, or discomfort you might be experiencing so they can mold the practice accordingly.

A blind approach without awareness and a teacher’s guidance is not advisable, as it may leave you helpless and even prone to injuries. Moreover, your first yoga class and further classes could feel less fulfilling, too.

Be Self-Disciplined

An instructor can help you get started and guide you along your journey, but you must also bring your effort and willingness to improve your practice. Only through self-discipline, dedication, patience, and perseverance can you master the art of yoga.

To become a great yogi, one must be a great student first.

Eat Healthy

The role of a healthy, balanced diet is just as crucial as doing your yoga practice consistently.

Ignoring what you consume and indulging in abnormal eating patterns overpowers the positive effects of yoga, thereby making your yoga training a waste of time.

You must be mindful of what you consume. Adding more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds to make your diet more wholesome will energize you and build on your yoga performance.

Mind the Corpse Pose

In our fast-paced lives of struggling to fit in all our daily activities in our limited time, including a full-length yoga session in a studio, you might convince yourself to skip the last relaxing bits of the practice. Thinking the sequence you went through must do the job well enough, you keep putting off shavasana for the next session.

We often overlook the significance of laying still in corpse pose when it is the most essential element of every yoga session, which brings it to its conclusion. It is, in fact, one of the primary poses of every yoga sequence, which helps integrate the whole practice and gives us time to absorb the nutrients we gained from our training.

Conclusion

Now that we have summarized some key points to keep in mind before attending your first yoga class, you are well-prepared to step onto your yoga mat confidently. Learn many fun and calming yoga poses, and get started with your yoga journey ahead.

For a deeper understanding and immersive experience, consider exploring our Yoga Teacher Training Program in Kerala. This comprehensive program will help you embrace yoga as a lifestyle, providing you with expert guidance and a supportive community.

Happy Journey!

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