Taking Your First Yoga Class

So, you’re contemplating giving yoga a try. Perhaps you've already attended a class, moved around your mat a bit, and left the studio pondering, “What just happened?” You might feel like a newcomer all over again, and it’s perfectly normal to feel out of place.

We understand.

Yoga has a way of humbling you in some respects while elevating you in others. There’s something almost alchemical about its influence on the body, breath, and mind. However, be prepared: the outcomes may not always align with your expectations, but they often provide what you truly need—something that can only be credited to the magic of this ancient tradition.

54 Insights We Wish We Had Before Starting Yoga

Whatever may be holding you back from trying yoga, it likely doesn’t matter at all. Because yoga doesn’t judge. Believe it!

Oh, and one more thing: that anxiety you’re feeling? Yoga can assist you with that. See you on your mat!

1. Attending yoga class in person enhances the experience by allowing immersion in the collective energy and direct guidance from the instructor. The atmosphere promotes calmness and harmony, offering transformative benefits that surpass home practice. Personalized corrections improve technique, while community support enriches your yoga journey.

2. Yoga will transform your life in both obvious and subtle ways.

3. Arrive early to class to give yourself time to settle on your mat; rushing can steal your peace.

4. You don’t have to be flexible to start yoga!

5. Yoga is for every body, including yours.

6. You’re expected to remove your shoes before entering the class.

7. No need for a tight crop tank; faded concert t-shirts work just fine! Just know that if you wear a loose shirt, it may slide around your neck in Downward-Facing Dog if it’s not tucked in.

8. Don’t worry about what anyone else—students or teachers—thinks. No one is watching you; they are too focused on themselves.

9. The poses are only a small part—just one percent—of yoga.

10. You will love it immensely. Don’t wait too long to give it a try.

11. If you have a question about a pose, discreetly get the teacher’s attention so they can assist you at your mat, or save it for after class instead of shouting it out.

12. How a pose feels is far more important than how it looks.

13. Yoga is incredibly soothing for your nervous system.

14. If you’re feeling unwell with a head cold, it’s best to skip hot yoga.

15. It’s perfectly okay to fall out of a pose. Progress in yoga is reflected in how kindly you speak to yourself when you do.

16. Props—like blocks and straps—are there to be used! They support you in the pose and don’t indicate a lack of ability.

17. It’s acceptable not to follow the sequence exactly as taught. You won’t get in trouble, and taking a modification or dropping into Child’s Pose for a break is sometimes the best choice!

18. No need to wear the perfect yoga outfit.

19. It’s fine to practice vinyasa or hot yoga for an intense workout, but ensure your practice encompasses more than just the exercise aspect.

20. Wipe down your yoga mat at least every few classes.

21. You will forget to clean your yoga mat sometimes.

22. Yoga is not a “one style fits all” practice; there are various styles, so if one doesn’t resonate with you, another might.

23. Struggling with Downward-Facing Dog? It’s completely normal; we all go through it at the beginning and sometimes long after.

24. If you accidentally knock over your water bottle during class, it will make a loud noise. Try to avoid this!

25. You will rediscover parts of yourself through yoga.

26. Everyone on the mats around you has been a beginner at some point. There’s no need to feel self-conscious.

27. People often say they aren’t flexible enough for yoga. No one is born “flexible enough” for yoga—that’s precisely why we practice.

28. If you’re not mindful of your breath, you’re not truly practicing yoga.

29. You might feel a sense of euphoria after class. There’s no need for concern, but do drive carefully!

30. Also, be cautious of impulse purchases in the studio’s boutique after class!

31. After a great session, remembering your water bottle, keys, mat, or flip-flops can be quite challenging. Consider this your warning.

32. A quality yoga mat can significantly enhance your experience. After my first two classes, I bought a grippy mat, which transformed my practice for the better.

33. Yoga is not a competition—neither with others nor with yourself. There is no “winning” in yoga.

34. Listen to your body before taking cues from your teacher.

35. A regular yoga practice will positively change your life.

36. Breathe through your nose.

37. Not every class will turn you into a pretzel.

38. Yoga can feel like it heals parts of you that seem broken. It may truly help, but don’t let it replace other essential support you might need.

39. Just because a more intense version of a pose exists doesn’t mean you should attempt it. You don’t have to constantly push your limits for yoga to be effective.

40. Yoga is not a performance.

41. You don’t necessarily need to buy a mat before your first class; most studios allow you to borrow or rent one.

42. Some attendees may know each other, making it easy to feel excluded. It’s okay if you don’t know anyone and feel a bit awkward at first.

43. It’s also completely fine to greet a stranger on the mat next to you!

44. Your yoga practice doesn’t have to resemble anyone else’s.

45. When you arrive at yoga class, quietly unroll your mat. Please do not slam, flop, or otherwise announce your arrival by thwapping your mat on the floor.

46. There is no “arrival” in yoga; it’s an ever-evolving practice.

47. If your first class doesn’t resonate with you, try a different class. Yoga classes are not a “one size fits all” thing. There are many options to choose from at Hello Yoga. Much of the yoga experience depends on the delivery system. Give it a second (or even third) chance.

48. Attend several classes a week.

49. Just because the teacher is looking in your direction doesn’t mean you need to perform anything “perfectly.”

50. There’s no such thing as “perfect” in yoga.

51. It’s okay to feel uncertain about where to place your yoga mat.

52. Savasana is the best part; don’t skip it!

53. No matter how long it’s been since your last class, you can always return.

54. The most essential lesson in yoga that no teacher might tell you? That 72-by-24-inch rectangle of natural rubber you’re on during class is a case study in how you approach everything in life. How you practice yoga reflects how you handle discomfort in work, challenging conversations, or anything that doesn’t go your way. We refer to this awareness as “self-study,” and it begins to happen once you start practicing yoga, whether you intend for it to or not. In fact, that’s kind of the point!

At Hello Yoga we offer Restorative Sound Bath Yoga, Yin Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Beginner's Yoga and more. See Our Schedule and Book Your Class

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