How to Prepare for Your First Yoga Class

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to jump in and take your first yoga class, no matter how nervous you might be.

It’s okay to be scared and do something anyway–in fact, I think it’s good for us. But you can do a lot ease your anxieties by following these easy steps to prepare for your first class.

Read the yoga class descriptions.

Don’t jump into a Level 3 or Advanced or Super Power Sweaty Time yoga class on your first day. If descriptions aren’t available, call the studio or gym, tell them you’re a newbie, and ask which class would be most appropriate for you.

Dress the part.

You want to wear clothes that make you feel comfortable–and covered. (Read this.) No shoes or socks!

Have the right equipment.

Ask in advance if the studio or gym has yoga mats for you to use (most do, but not all). If not, bring your own. (I like this one.) You might also want to bring a towel if you think you might sweat a lot.

Go early and talk to the teacher.

Tell him or her that this is your first time. If you have a burning question, ask it then; otherwise, save your questions for after class when the teacher will have a little more time to speak with you.

Go to the bathroom before class.

Seriously, a full bladder makes bending and twisting really uncomfortable.

Sit in the middle.

I know it’s tempting for new students to sit in the back corner, but you want to be where the teacher can see you more easily and help you adjust your poses if you need it. This is especially important in a big class where the back corner is a very easy place in which to get lost. However, sitting in the front might not be the place for you, either–it can be nice to see what the other students are doing so you can follow along in case you get lost. If you’re in the middle, you’ll have someone to watch no matter which way the pose has you facing.

Rest!

Yoga is not a competition. No matter what the other students and the teacher are doing, it’s always perfectly okay for you to return to child’s pose, sitting, standing, or any other pose that’s comfortable for you if you’re not ready for whatever they’re doing.

Are you thinking about your first yoga class? What’s holding you back?