So you have decided to finally give this yoga thing a go, but actually going to your first yoga class can be very intimidating if you are unsure what you need to bring, what to wear, how to prepare or what secret rules of etiquette there are – I have you covered!

Do not be intimidated!

I have made a quick list with some tips which will help you feel comfortable and prepared for your first yoga class at Castleford-yoga.

Eating before class? – Come to class on an empty stomach. Wait about one hour after a light snack or two hours after a big meal.

Arrive well in time – arrive to class early enough to be prepared (so you have time to sign in, put down your mat, and go to the bathroom if necessary) and on your mat at the start time. You may want to have a quick chat with your teacher and update them on your wellbeing as well as grabbing some props to help you practice more efficiently. Consider this part of your practice.

Do not disturb – Please turn your phone off, there is nothing more distracting than someone’s phone ringing during the relaxation when you just managed to become peaceful.

Wear comfy clothing  – anything you can move in freely, there is no need to wear expensive sportswear, bear in mind that loose clothes tend to fall in your face during downward poses and they make it difficult for the teacher to check your alignment. Most supermarkets now stock a good choice of gym wear. Ladies make sure you wear a comfortable sports bra and possibly a 2nd layer under your out top to tuck in to avoid flashing in any upside down poses (don’t worry, you will be able do the down dog or the forward fold). And leave that hoody at home or take it off, the hood end up dangling around your face a lot which is just marginally distracting.

Guys, I know it’s not easy to find gym pants and shorts that are stretchy for you, maybe consider jogging pants that have stretch, having your movement restricted by your pants will limit your yoga progressions significantly.

No shoes – Yoga is intended to be practiced with bare feet, so please take off shoes and stand them out of the way to the side of the room (at Overview Studio you leave them at the bottom of the stairs). There’s no need to get a pedicure for the occasion. Sweaty, dirty feet may stick to the yoga mat, and if you have lotion on your feet you can slip. If you feel more comfortable wearing socks, you can do so, bearing in mind that our feet play an important role in every yoga pose. When your feet are trapped in socks it is hard to tune into your feet, spread out the toes and connect to the ground. Practicing bare-foot also strengthens the feet. You can wear your socks during class if you’re cold, it might be worthwhile to get some yoga socks which have silicon grippers at the soles.

Yoga equipment and mats – you should bring your own yoga specific mat (you can get a decent one at Argos for £10), it is more hygienic than using public mats. Castleford-yoga will provide a couple of emergency mats should you ever forget yours at home, please do not rely on this though. I also provide blocks, bricks and straps which are very useful for beginners and can make many postures much more accessible, please don’t feel shy about getting yourself a couple of blocks and a strap at the start of each class. Blocks make the floor closer when bending over or sitting up tall with less effort and straps are great for when stiff shoulders prevent hands from clasping behind the back. You can bring a blanket for Savasana – the relaxation at the end, it can be quite nice to feel warm and cocooned during this most important part of the class.

My favourite mat is the TPE ECO-FRIENDLY YOGA MAT at £16.99.

Setting up your mat – the teacher will have set up their mat at the front of the room. When you arrive, place your mat about a meter away with the short edge facing the teacher’s long mat edge. When you sit on your mat, your feet will point to the teacher. If other people have already started setting up, leave at least half a mat width between your and their mat as well as offsetting either 20cm forward or backward so you can move your arms freely when you both stand at the top of your mat for sun salutations. – I know this sounds complicated, if you are unsure just ask for help. The area around your mat should be clear of any personal belongings – keep them at the side of the room. Always be willing to move your mat to make room for another student.

Loo breaks – you can leave for the toilet at any point, the best times are between postures to avoid disturbing the others. Avoid leaving your mat during relaxation as it disturbs other participants when you step around them.

Water – Make sure you are well hydrated before you come to class. There are no designated water breaks; traditionally students are discouraged from drinking during class as it extinguishes the “fire” you’re trying to create through your yoga practice. Bringing a water bottle to class is acceptable, and drinking as much and as often as you need is acceptable.

Teaching is “hands on” – At Castleford-yoga, I teach hands on; this means that if I feel a student is not safe or effective in their alignment, I will touch you to adjust and guide into a more appropriate alignment. If you prefer not to receive any physical adjustment or support, let the teacher know at the start of the class.

Communicate – If something does not feel right for you or you are struggling to assume a posture/ asana let the teacher know there and then so they can help you get the same benefits of the original posture with an alternative pose. Because you are joining a course, you will get to know the other students over the weeks which should help you feel more comfortable to ask the teacher for help where you need it.

Leave your ego outside – If it hurts, don’t do it. You don’t have to do every pose, that is the beauty of yoga. Yoga is not a competition. For most poses there will be different options, take the option that feels best for you in that moment. You don’t practice to impress the teacher or the other participants, “stay on your mat in your own experience”. Observe your mind and body during each posture and take note – don’t judge – just take note; this way you will notice subtle changes as you continue your practice over weeks and months. If you truly want to impress your teacher you listen to your body and take the appropriate resting/ base pose (i.e. child’s pose or mountain pose) if you body asks for a break. A true yogi does not grit his teeth, push the limits or stick things out when they feel bad, they work with the body – the word yoga comes from the word yoking/ and is all about joining mind, body and spirit. Your yoga practice is all about kindness and compassion toward one self and others on and off the mat.

Child’s Pose is always an option – If during class your body asks for a break, take it – honour your body’s wishes. Yoga is all about honouring your body by carefully listening to the faintest whisper, and if it says enough, or slow down, then go ahead and stop what you’re doing before the body starts screaming. For standing postures your resting pose is Mountian pose/ Tadasana, for floor poses you can go back to child’s pose/ Balasana at any time. At Castleford-yoga we work with the body – not against it, it is a proven way of making great progress and staying injury free, allowing you to come back again and again.

Don’t leave during relaxation – Castleford-yoga classes start and end with “Corpse pose”, also called Savasana. During Savasana, you lie on your back, close your eyes and relax. You never want to walk out of a class when everyone is in “Corpse pose”. Savasana is the most important part of each yoga class, it helps the body assimilate your practice and still the mind so you can leave rejuvenated. If you have to leave early, ask your teacher before class, and do it before Savasana starts.

Let the teacher know if you can’t make it – Because you are booked on a course at Castleford-yoga I expect you to be at class every week. If you can’t make it one week let me know so the class is not waiting for you. Dropping me an email or sending a quick text is sufficient.

Keep coming back – To experience the benefits that yoga practice can bring you, you need to practice somewhat regularly. Some participants have reported feeling better and more flexible from attending once a week. If you are keen to see improvements physically and mentally, taking 5min each day at a time that suits you to practice one posture will make a huge difference. If you are not sure which posture would be suitable, ask your teacher to recommend one. Regular practice helps your body to become more familiar with what you want it to be good at and it will cooperate in time. Establish little islands of yoga “me time” for yourself, you will be delighted how far a little effort goes. Yoga can be your health insurance if you let it.

I hope you find that this list helps you feel more relaxed attending your first yoga class with me at Castleford-yoga.

If I left you with further questions, drop me a line, I always love hearing from you.
Namaste

Marie