If you’re finally giving yoga a chance and you feel like you need some insight into how to prepare for your first yoga class, then you’re reading the right article.

Here are some basic tips to help you get ready for your first yoga class. With these handy tips in your pocket you’re sure to make the most of your first class and have a great time. Before you know it yoga might just become a regular part of your fitness routine.

Go On An Empty Stomach

Before you go to your yoga class you’ll want to avoid having a big meal. Remember that during yoga, you’ll be twisting and bending your body in different ways so you’ll want to feel light and capable.

Your body shouldn’t be digesting anything heavy during yoga class, so eat at least an hour before or if you couldn’t eat anything and you’re hungry, just have a small snack before and that will get you through.

You should however, bring a water bottle to your class. Yoga can be an intensive form of exercise and you’ll want to stay hydrated. Having a water bottle handy means you can easily have a sip of water whenever you’re thirsty without having to leave the room to hunt down a water fountain.

Be Early

Try to arrive at your yoga class at least 10 minutes before the class in case there’s any paperwork to fill or if you have any doubts about the class that will be your chance to ask your burning questions.

Being early will also allow you to have a better spot in the classroom and and even chat with the teacher ahead of time.

This can help you to relax as well. That way you aren’t rushing at the last minute and arriving to your yoga class stressed out from the journey to get there.

Make Sure You Have Everything

Before you head to your first yoga class, you’ll want to make sure that the studio offers yoga mats for rent if you don’t have one. Plus, make sure to grab anything else they may have available such as blankets, straps and blocks, which will help beginners get into challenging poses and provide comfort.

Get Ready For Chanting

Some yoga classes practice Sanskrit chanting at the beginning and at the end of class. So don’t be shocked if you encounter this. If it makes you uncomfortable at first, there’s no pressure on you to participate. Just take the moment to relax, breath and open your mind for your yoga class.

Not all yoga classes involve chanting though! If chanting isn’t your favourite, then choose a class like Vinyasa which focuses the moving through the poses, and doesn’t generally involve meditative chants. This can also be a good yoga style to learn if you’re looking for something which is a bit more fast paced.

Remember to Relax

Clenching your toes, jaw and fingers and holding your breath during poses is very common for beginners. Focus on relaxing your body and never forget to breathe in and out, no matter how challenging the pose may be at first. Release the stress and relax your body, keep yourself loose and you’ll find that you can hold the poses more comfortably and for longer.

Don’t Buy Anything You Won’t Need

Yoga beginners might find advertisements for sticky yoga gloves and socks, but there’s no need to spend money on accessories like these. You’ll be uncomfortable on the mat for a while, but in time, you’ll learn how to remain grounded and balanced during yoga class.

Plus, the more you become familiarised with yoga the better of an idea you’ll get of what equipment you would like to invest in. That way you know you’re purchasing something you’ll make plenty of use of, rather than something that might be relegated to a cupboard due to lack of use.

Breathe!

I can’t stress this enough: breathing is the most important thing and for beginners this is something you’ll have to be conscious and mindful of in the beginning. Focusing on your breathing will allow you to keep your mind focused and calm.

Consider these tips and you’ll have a wonderful first experience at yoga class! Not sure if you’ll have time to head to a weekly yoga class at a yoga studio? Then why not consider one-to-one lessons. Working with a yoga instructor who can come and teach a custom yoga class one-to-one will ensure that you always have time for your yoga practice! Plus, as a new yogi you’ll get the personalised support you need to effectively develop your at-home yoga practice as well.