yoga for beginners: part III
Thursday, December 3, 2009 WHAT TO EXPECT IN A CLASS
Oooh, the time has come for you to try a class. You might feel a little less apprehensive if you know what to expect.
To read about my first class experience click here.
The most important thing to remember when you go to a yoga class is that yoga is a completely individual experience. Do what is right for you. If a teacher has you in a pose and your knee is screaming, come out of the pose! Yoga should definitely be WORK but it should never, ever be PAINFUL.
When you get to your class, be sure to introduce yourself to the teacher. Let him or her know that this is your first class. Also, be sure to tell them if you have any injuries. That way, they won’t get you into the pose that makes your knee scream in the first place and will be able to modify poses for you.
Always take a modification if you need it. You’re not “whimping out”. You’re still doing the pose you just might need the floor closer to you to get the beneficial alignment.
A good point to make here is to take your preconceived notions of “no pain, no gain” and competitiveness and throw them out the window. These two philosophies have no place in a yoga class and if you bring them there you will be miserable.
Typically at a yoga class, students come in, take off their shoes and roll out their mats. Once you are on your mat, you can sit quietly or do some stretches. This is the part of class where you just arrive in your body.
Some teachers use a lot of props. Ask your teacher or your neighbor what props you will need. Of course, if there are NO props, don’t panic!
Since teaching styles vary so much you may or may not have a short meditation or pranayama practice. Just know that they might be a part of the class. If you are prepared for it, it won’t seem as weird.
The teacher will then lead you through his or her style of class or the asana practice. Yum!
After the asana practice there will be a conscious relaxation portion of the class called savasana or corpse pose. I’ll go more into depth on savasana in a later post. But, be aware that you will be laying on your back for at least 10 minutes. Don’t panic! This is a part of the class! This is the yummiest part of the class. Try to ride it out.
Tips for a happy class:
- Bring an open mind and a sincere desire to try something new. Respect your limitations and listen to your body. If you need to come out of a pose or rest, respect your body's need to do so.
- You determine the intensity of your practice. The teacher is a guide but the experience is your own.
- Many people won't try yoga because they think they "aren't flexible enough". Yoga will help you develop flexibility. The more you practice the more your range of motion will increase.
- Wear comfortable clothes that allow for a wide range of movement. Tugging at clothes is a sure way to shatter your focus! Yoga is practiced with bare feet. Leave your shoes by the door.
- Wait a few hours after a big meal to practice. A full belly will be uncomfortable.
- Before class some students choose to stretch or meditate. Be respectful and talk softly.
Next up in Part IV: The importance of savasana.
Part II: Beginning asana and resources for beginners.
Reader Comments (2)
Oh how I miss yoga classes! Reading this just made me really nostalgic... dreaming and thinking about starting up again.
You should really check out Dancing Lotus. I'd be happy to go to a class with you!