4 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your First Yoga Class

Your first yoga class can be intimidating. It’s hard to know what to expect, and with all the newness going on it’s easy to finish the class feeling like maybe you missed something.

That’s going to happen, and it’s okay. There’s a learning curve with anything new, and as you continue to practice you will start getting more out of each practice.

However, you can ease your anxiety by preparing for your first yoga class ahead of time, and then practicing these tips during the class to get as much out of it as possible.

Keep an Open Mind

Yoga is a rich practice, and while not every aspect of it will come up in most classes, you still might be faced with some unfamiliar practices, ideas, and, of course, movements. You might not end up subscribing to all of it, and you don’t have to to reap the benefits of yoga.

Your teacher might have you chanting at the end of class. You can participate or not, as per your comfort level, but don’t discount it until you have tried it, and don’t let something unfamiliar prevent you from going back.

Talk to the Teacher

If you have a pregnancy, medical condition or injury that might prevent you from doing some poses, let the teacher know. This way, she won’t come by and try to help you do a pose you know you shouldn’t do. She can also guide you away from poses that might be contraindicated for you, and offer suggestions as to what you can do instead.

Trust Your Body

Your body knows best, and part of yoga is learning to listen to it. If everyone is doing headstands and you’re perfectly healthy and injury free but you just feel that, for whatever reason, you shouldn’t be headstanding today, that’s fine. Rest at any time during the class when you feel you need a rest. Opt out of any poses that don’t feel right to you today.

Try

Sometimes things look impossible, but they aren’t always as complicated as they seem. (Sometimes they are. See above.)

There’s a difference between knowing you shouldn’t do a certain pose and simply not wanting to do a certain pose. Give your amazing body the benefit of the doubt! Try holding for one more breath, try transitioning from high lunge to warrior III, try clearing your mind. You might fall. Who cares? Try.

What tips do you have to get the most out of your first yoga class?