5 Yoga Hacks: Going to your first yoga class

Yoga Retreat Cornwall

Starting anything new can be slightly nerve-racking, this guide will give you with some ‘Yoga Gold’ so you can go to that yoga class you’ve always wanted to try with confidence and the knowledge that I wish I had known years ago.

You’ve decided to give Yoga a go, to help with your fitness, to relax, for a laugh. Whatever your reason, yoga is a fantastic way to spend 45-60 minutes developing strength, control, flexibility but most importantly finding time for you.

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#1 What to bring

You really don’t need to bring much to a Yoga class, you don’t even need to own your own Yoga mat or accessories now as most studios provide these for you. But if not, and you don’t have a yoga mat, a long towel, or beach towel is a great alternative. 

I would suggest that you take a bottle of water. Depending on the style of Yoga class you’re heading to some styles are cardiovascular based, so water is essential. 

#2 What to wear

In the age of selfies, portrait modes and Instagram, even Yoga hasn’t been able to avoid the realms of social media and the pressures to look or be seen to be looking a certain way.  Now whilst there are some great Yoga clothing brands out there, here’s the thing, you could wear leggings from Primark and you wouldn’t be banished from the yoga studio. It really doesn’t matter what you wear, as long as you can move freely and easily and you feel comfortable. 

I would advise some leggings or gym trousers, not too baggy or tight, a comfy top, even a jumper for those sweet sweet minutes in savasana (usually a class ends in a position lying down, eyes closed, relaxing- savasana) this also allows your body temperature to drop back down to normal.

The aim here is to wear something that you aren’t going to be thinking about, fiddling with or worrying about during the class.

#3 What a teacher means when they say “Breathe”

Breathing and the use of breath (pranayama) are at the centre of any Yoga practice. The breath has a variety of benefits during yoga practice, a few are; warming up your body, used as a way of timing each position, and allowing you to fully relax or release in each position. Naturally, we tend to hold our breath when our bodies reach a physical boundary or are under some sort of strain. The art is to use the breath to find more movement and space to go even further.  For your first class, perhaps to try to check in with your breath every once in a while. It’s quite funny to notice how much you’re actually holding your breath when you become aware of this.

#4 Don’t compare yourself to other yogis. 

This is a biggie. Yoga is for you. Going to yoga to impress the person on the mat next to you or putting yourself down because you can’t do a headstand is not going to Yoga. Whilst, observing other’s ability in Yoga can be a source of motivation, it is much more important and safe to understand your limits, how your body feels when moving and working to a level that suits you. By working to your own limits you not only reduce the chance of injury, but you will notice in your own body mini milestones of success be that touching your toes for the first time, nailing tree pose, or fully allowing yourself to relax and focus on the class. 

#5 Don’t take yourself too seriously!

Most importantly have fun. The reasons people have to go to a Yoga class are endless. It may be to have an hour alone, or to work on physical limits, or even just to meet like minded people. Yoga is a fantastic platform to build physical technique, awareness of your own mind and opportunities to meet new people with similar interests. If you can’t quite master a certain position or transition, don’t put further pressure on yourself. Enjoy the process. Finding enjoyment in working towards a goal or finding joy in moving your body is an art, and one that could benefit you and your body in the long run.