When we made our new year’s resolutions at the start of 2020, many of us decided to pick up yoga. Even though yoga is one of the best things you can do for your body, having your first class can be stressful if you do not know anything about it. Yoga has always been around but it only became so widely popular a couple of years ago. Therefore, it is not so surprising that many people have numerous misconceptions when it comes to yoga and usually do not know what to expect out of their first class.
There are no requirements when it comes to the level of fitness
You might have seen photos of videos of people doing yoga and thought “I cannot do that, I am not flexible enough!” If you are anxious because you believe you do not have the necessary skills or fitness level to start practicing yoga, do not worry. There are no requirements! People you see online are the ones who spent many years practicing yoga to be able to do some of the most difficult poses. Balance, flexibility, and strength are something you obtain when you practice yoga, not requirements.
There are different types of yoga
To a beginner’s eye, all yoga could look the same. That is not the case, though. There are numerous types of yoga, such as Hatha, vinyasa or yin yoga, and thus, there are numerous different classes you can take depending on which one you prefer. If you have never heard about these types of yoga before, you might want to check out videos of each of the types online before you make a decision about which one to take. Another good option is calling your studio and asking them which one they would recommend to absolute beginners.
The dress code
Of course, there is no strict dress code when it comes to yoga classes, and you can wear whatever you are going to be most comfortable in. However, most of the people opt for something form fitting, such as leggings, so that you don’t have any obstacles while practicing. Make sure that the material is elastic, as you won’t be able to follow the class completely in something restricting.
What you need to bring
As with any workout class, there are a few things you have to bring with you. For example, there is a great chance that you are going to become thirsty at some point, so bringing a water bottle is a must. When it comes to yoga mats, some yoga studios have their mats and others require you to bring your own. Another important item is a towel, so you don’t have to worry about sweat, especially if you are taking a hot yoga class.
Soreness
There is a good chance that you might experience soreness after your first couple of classes. This is completely normal – that is a sign that the practice was good. Take your first class slowly and do not overwork yourself. For a couple of days after your first class incorporate some mild stretching to get rid of the soreness.
