The truth about your first yoga class

You’ve never been to yoga before, but here you are, you’ve booked your first class. Now you’re asking yourself a ton of questions…What to wear? What to bring? What is it actually like?

There are a lot of different types of yoga, and all teachers have a different approach and way of teaching, but generally, here is what to expect in your first yoga class!

 So before you grab your mat, here's all you need to help preparing for your first yoga class!

What to wear to yoga

What should you wear? Fitness and yoga clothes are the best, as they are stretchy and should be comfortable, allowing you to move freely. But it could be your comfy relaxed pants and T-shirt!
One thing to remember though, is that you’ll be spending quite some time bent over, so a loose top will reveal your tummy and cover your face!

And that’s it, because yoga is practised bare feet. And now is not the time to worry about your cracked heels or unpainted toe nails… your teacher REALLY doesn’t care!

Mats and yoga props

The essential: THE MAT. This will be your space for the duration of the class! Most studios provide them, but more and more are now charging a rental fee for them.
If you have one at home, feel free to bring it!

Blocks, bricks, pads, straps…there are many other accessories and props your yoga teacher might hand you. If they do suggest you use it for certain poses…take them! The props are used for correct alignment and assisting in progression, in a gentle and safe way.

Breathing techniques in yoga

First rule: inhale and exhale through the nose! Unless otherwise directed by your teacher.
Doing so helps with awareness and control of the breath, an essential part of yoga and relaxation.
Focusing on your breath this way helps to ground yourself fully in the present moment.

During the whole class you’ll be directed to breathe. Breathing in tune to a movement, counting the breath, slowing it down, exhale longer than the inhale…
It sounds pretty simple right? But it’s not! Most of us need to “unlearn” breathing patterns shaped by our fast and stressful lives!
So don’t be surprised if you feel out of breath, find yourself holding your breath, or even are totally confused. It’s ok, it’s all part of the process!

Then, there are all the weird and wonderful breathing exercises. You might start wondering if you’ve landed in a Star Wars movie… Ujayi pranayama makes you sound like Darth Vader!

Sanskrit yoga poses explained

Yoga is a very old practice, originating from India, going back to some 4 000 years ago.
Ancient texts were written in Sanskrit, an ancient language. To this day, yoga teachers are still being taught many principles, the philosophy and the name of poses, in Sanskrit. And to keep this tradition alive, teachers often use both Sanskrit and English in class to name the poses, the “asanas”. Folding in “uttanasana” (standing forward fold), standing tall in “tadasana” (mountain).

This can sound a bit weird the first time, along with some phrases such as “connect to your breath”, “allow softness and openness in the spine”… And you thought you were just here to stetch and squeeze your glutes!

The poses

Down Dog, Warrior One, Cat… each pose has its name. You’ll get to know them pretty quickly, but you might feel totally lost in your first class!

Yoga teaches us to be in the moment as we focus on moving into the pose, holding it, and tuning in to the sensations and the breath… so much so that you might even disconnect completely, realising you have been in a pose while everybody else has moved on. Still happens to me!

Trikonasana- Triangle pose

Hands-on adjustment in yoga

As for the use of props already mentioned, your teacher might come around to adjust you, touch you to correct your alignment, or assist you in going deeper into a pose if you are able.
Now that’s not for everyone, and they should be checking with you first. Don’t be shy to say no!

Personally, I don’t do this, simply because, I can’t feel what you’re feeling! I have been adjusted in the past and ended up having to visit the osteopath the day after, so I’m not a fan.
I keep an eye on joint alignment to make sure everyone is safe, and give instructions and pointers, but I definitely won’t touch you!

Yoga to music

Yogying to the beat? For some teachers, it’s a “hell yes!”, for some it’s a “hell no!”.
The yoga community is divided on this. Traditionally, there is no music. But some teachers like to put some tunes on, and it can be relaxing spa music, Ibiza like chill out mix or even rock metal (yes I swear that does exist!). Some teachers argue that music can really make us feel a certain way, and what would relax one person might trigger a completely different emotion in someone else.

I do not use music in my classes. Yoga is about tuning in to our feelings at that moment in time, whatever they might be, acknowledge and welcome them all into our awareness. Music changes the way we feel. And not forgetting the focus on the breath! How can I hear you breathe with music is on?

Letting go of the ego

Yoga’s first lesson? Shedding the first layer covering who we really are: the ego.
For each pose, there is a “drishti”: the point of focus of your gaze. Here to help you keep your focus, balance and forgetting about those around you. No looking around at who is more flexible than you!

Yoga is a practice of observation. It helps us to turn inward, to notice what is going on in our physical body, emotional landscape, and our mind. It’s about observing without judgement- it’s mindfulness at its best.

Chanting and OM

Almost every time I ask children in schools what yoga is, they cross their legs, close their eyes, bring their fingers tips together, and say “OM”. It’s hilarious!

Certain types of yoga emphasise chanting, some don’t. And again, it’s down to the teacher. “OM” is considered a universal sound. Like the sound of a bee, the continuous humming sound in the background…there is never total silence. As we “OM” we acknowledge being part of the universe, and the sound itself has a very calming effect due to the vibrations it creates in the body.

If your teacher suggests it, try it if you feel like it, or simply don’t take part if you feel uneasy about it!

Relaxation and meditation

The class will always finish with the best part: “savasana” or corpse pose. The one you may have started the class on, lying on your mat.
This is the goal of the class. The entire class was designed to prepare you for it. It’s a time for integration, switching off, releasing the body, quieting the mind through a guided relaxation and meditation. You’ll come out of it on a cloud, I promise!

In summary...

Your first yoga class might feel a bit like stepping into the unknown, but that’s part of the beauty of the journey. From the clothes you wear, the mat you step onto, to the unfamiliar sounds of Sanskrit and the rhythm of your breath, yoga offers a unique space for exploration and self-discovery.

Don’t be disheartened if you feel out of sync with the flow or unsure about certain poses – yoga is a practice, not a performance. It’s about connecting with yourself in the present moment, letting go of judgement, and embracing whatever arises during the session.

And at the end of it all, the bliss of savasana will remind you why you took that first step onto your mat. I hope you enjoyed all these first yoga class tips! Namaste!

And if this didn’t put you off, why not start your yoga journey with me?

Here are all the options!

• Face to face group classes: I teach 2 group classes a week on Wednesday 6.30pm at Strathleven House, Dumbarton, and Friday 9.30am in my home studio in Strathleven park, Bonhill.
  Price: £9 (5-class and 10-class passes also available at discounted rate)
  
  🧘🏽‍♀️ Click here to book a spot in one of my face to face group classes

• Face to Face private yoga class: Personalised private class for women and children taught in my home studio in Strathleven park, Bonhill. Style can be adapted to your requirements and needs such as children yoga, chair yoga, hatha, yin, and restorative styles as the studio is fully equipped.
  Price: £45
  
  💻 Click here if you want to book a face to face private class

• Virtual private yoga class: Personalised private class for women and children taught online using Google Meet. Style can be adapted to your requirements and needs such as children yoga, chair yoga, hatha, yin, and restorative styles.
  Price: £45
  
  💻 Click here if you want to book a private virtual class

• Virtual recorded yoga classes: A choice of gentle to more challenging pre-recorded yoga classes, ranging from 15 to 90 minutes. Available online on desktop and mobile app to practise anytime anywhere. Get LIFETIME access- no subscription!
  Price: from £15
  
  💻 Click here if you want to find out more about the bundles!