Where would we be without risk takers?
Would we even know the world is round?
Doing anything for the first time can feel daunting. You don't know what to expect and sometimes you are just plain nervous.
This is natural instinct.
A first yoga class is often like that too. We have heard it is good for us, we have heard it makes us feel great, but still we have no idea how we will achieve that in our first class.
This was very much my experience before my first class. I had read so much about the advantages I just had to get out of my own way, take a chance and go!
Within the first 10 minutes the need to concentrate on my breath and what I was doing surpassed any feelings of uncertainty that I felt before attending. I was in the present moment and noticed nothing else around me.
This is the beauty of a yoga class! You are offered the space to just be, a place to connect to your true inner self.
Some students may arrive at their first class with an objective but over time after a few classes, or even instantly for some, the magic of yoga seeps in and this is when the seed that was planted begins to sprout. They realise how good this is for their mind and soul and helps give them a renewed purpose and direction for their lives.
So if you have heard of the health benefits of yoga and you have thought a yoga class is something that may be good for you, trust that this is the right time to give it a go. There is no stipulation about how you have to 'arrive' to your first class, likely you may feel uncertain, or excited, or self-conscious, or prepared or all of those things and that is OK!
The only part you are responsible for is taking your thought into action, the rest takes care of itself.
Some tips I do recommend so you feel more at ease are:
Get to class around 10 minutes before, so you have the chance to settle in and let the teacher know if you have any injuries they should be aware of.
Wear clothes that are comfy. A singlet under a t-shirt is ideal if the t-shirt is loose as you won't be worried about having to re-adjust your top if it rides up.
It's best not to do yoga on a full stomach as you may feel uncomfortable. Eating a small snack beforehand such as a banana is a good idea so you don't feel light headed.
Finding your edge. Always listen to your body and if something doesn't feel right, gently come out of the pose. Remember this class is about meeting you exactly where you are now on your yoga journey, you don't have to be flexible! The beauty of being a beginner is you can watch your body become more supple as the weeks pass. A general rule of thumb is if there is any hot or sharp pain like a pinching sensation you have gone too far so gently ease off, as you shouldn't feel any pain during yoga.
Don't forget to breathe! As a teacher I constantly remind students to breathe as learning to connect with your breath is one of the most important things you will learn in yoga and it sure is a life changer! Once you are in tune with your breath you will find you will use this superpower not only during a yoga class, but anytime of the day/night when you need it.
I hope this has answered any doubts you may have had about going to a yoga class.
If you have any questions or would like me to write about a particular topic you are interested in and want to know more about it, please feel free to email me at amy@believeyoga.com.au
I would love to hear from you!
Below is my current class schedule if you are ready to trust now is the time to begin your yoga journey!
Hope to see you on the mat some time soon!
Sending loving kindness,
Amy. x
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