"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." -Lao Tzu
If you're new to yoga, taking your first class can be a little intimidating. But don't worry, we're here to help. In this post, we'll give you a breakdown of what to expect in your first yoga class and how to prepare for it. Plus, we'll give you some tips on finding the right yoga class for you. So read on and get ready to start your yoga journey!
Which class you should start with
With such a large variety of yoga classes available, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. If you're new to yoga, we recommend starting with our Gentle Flow class. Once we feel comfortable with Gentle Flow, you can move on to our Yoga Flow or Hot/Heated Flow classes.
Tip: Participating in our New Student Special provides for a great opportunity to sample many different classes and instructors to find what resonates most for you! With this introductory offer, you get 30 days of unlimited yoga classes for only $50.
What you should wear
When you take your first yoga class, it's important to wear comfortable clothes or athletic wear that allows you to move freely. You'll be doing a lot of stretching and bending, so avoid anything that might restrict your movement. A loose-fitting top and yoga pants/leggings or shorts are ideal.
Tip: Wear layers so you can remove or add clothes as needed.
What you should bring
You'll want to bring a yoga mat and water bottle to class. Mats are available for rent in our studio for a per session fee of $2, but it's preferable to have your own. And be sure to stay hydrated throughout your practice; drinking plenty of water is essential, especially for hot yoga!
Tip: Bring a towel, or two, for hot yoga - a body-size towel you can lie across your mat to keep it dry and a smaller hand-and-face towel to occasionally dry off with.
What you should do when you arrive
Arrive 10-15 minutes early to get settled. When you arrive for your yoga class, please check in at the front desk or using our mobile app. There are cubbies for your personal items like bags and jackets. Restrooms are available with plenty of room for changing if needed. Remove your shoes before entering the studio and be sure to silence your cell phone. Place your mat in an open spot. Feel free to chat with other students, rest in a comfortable pose, warm up with a few easy seated postures, or practice a short meditation or deepen your breath before class begins.
Tip: Set up next to a wall if you need some added support, but note that the spots closest to the walls are also the hottest spots in a Hot Yoga class!
Yoga props
In yoga, props are tools that help you enhance your practice. Yoga mats, blocks, and straps are the most common props used in classes. It's a great idea to mirror the props an instructor has on their mat, but always feel free to grab extra!
Yoga mats are designed to prevent slipping and provide some cushion on otherwise hard floors.
Blocks help you to get into poses with proper alignment and can help with balancing in difficult postures.
Straps can be helpful for lengthening muscles and reaching limbs that might be otherwise difficult to reach.
Blankets and bolsters are often used for seated and lying poses in Yin and Restorative classes to provide extra support.
Small hand weights (3lb) are available for sculpt classes.
We have all the added yoga props you'll need at PRANA Yoga, so don't worry about packing these items before your first class. BUT, if you have them at home, feel free to bring your own to class!
Did you know? Yoga mats are available for rent at $2 per class. Shared props are available on the back wall of our main studio room, along with complimentary mat spray.
Savasana
Savasana, also known as corpse pose, is an ending pose in yoga where you lie on your back with the feet apart and arms at your sides. Savasana is an important part of yoga because it allows for quiet introspection and helps you to reflect on what you've learned during class. It's also a time to relax and rejuvenate the body and mind.
Namaste
At the end of every yoga class, we close with a simple gesture and saying: Namaste. This Sanskrit word is translated as "the light in me honors the light in you." It's a reminder that we are all connected and that we can learn from one another. When you say namaste, it's a way of recognizing the divine light in each and every person.
Now, you're ready to begin!
So there you have it - everything you need to know before taking your first yoga class! We hope this post has helped ease any anxiety or concerns you had about coming to a yoga class for the first time.
To book your first class, register from our class schedule. We can't wait to see you in class!
Photos by Jonathan Bui & Thomas J. Kelley