What To Expect In A Yoga Class

Yoga is becoming an increasingly popular way to exercise, and an estimated 300 million people practice yoga. It’s a practice that provides many benefits, from helping to boost strength and flexibility, to improving your mental health too.

If you’re not familiar with yoga, you’re probably wondering what it’s all about. Trying any exercise for the first time can be daunting, so it’s natural to be curious about what to expect and to know what will be involved in a typical yoga class.

Get to know a little more about yoga with this guide to what to expect in a yoga class.

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First, come prepared

If you’re feeling a little nervous about your first yoga class, that’s perfectly natural. But it will help if you come prepared. You could watch some yoga videos online to help you see what a class involves, and even have a go at some simple poses at home first.

It’s a good idea to bring your own mat to class - a regular exercise mat with a good grip is fine for beginners. Some instructors will bring mats for the class, but it’s better to come prepared. You should also consider what to wear to a yoga class to help you feel comfortable and to let you move freely during class.

Remember to take your socks off - yoga is generally practiced barefoot, or you can get yourself some yoga socks if you prefer to have them covered up.

Listen to your instructor

Your instructor is there to help you and will guide you through the entire session. Try to get to your first class early to introduce yourself and let them know it’s your first time. They’ll want to know about any injuries you have and if there are any particular areas you’d like to focus on.

Your instructor will also ask if you’re happy to be adjusted - this will involve them placing their hands on you to help you move into the poses correctly. Not everyone is comfortable with this, but it can be a good way of helping you get into your poses correctly and prevent injuries.

Be prepared to listen to your instructor’s directions - they will tell you how to move while also encouraging you and providing a form of guided meditation that will focus your mind on the class and banish outside thoughts.

Be prepared to focus on your breathing

Breathing is an important part of yoga. It will help you focus and relax, while also helping you move through the different poses easier. Pay attention to your breath and listen to your instructor as they tell you when to inhale and exhale. It can take some getting used to, but you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Expect to do a number of poses

During your class, you’ll be instructed to complete a number of poses that flow into a routine. Yoga classes have a Sanskrit name, as well as an English name, and teachers usually refer to both. From ‘downward facing dog’ to ‘tree’ or ‘boat’, you’ll soon get to know what the different terms mean.

It’s worth checking out the most common yoga poses to give you an idea of what to expect.

You may feel a little emotional

Yoga can unlock a lot of emotions, which can be very unexpected. As you relax and open yourself up, you may experience anything from sadness to joy - this is perfectly normal and should be embraced. Yoga can feel very cathartic, and if you’ve been holding onto a particular emotion, this could be the time it gets released. It’s a great way to boost your mood, and you’ll likely feel much lighter after your class.

Savasana will be one of the highlights of your class

At the end of the class, you’ll practice Savasana, which is a time for relaxation. During this time, you’ll usually be invited to lie down (with a blanket if you wish), close your eyes and relax. This can be one of the best parts of a yoga class and is something to really enjoy.

Your instructor will then end the class, and say namaste, which you can repeat back to the class if you wish. After your first class, your instructor will want to know how you how found it, and if you’ll be coming back for more!

Yoga can be an incredible way to exercise once you get started. As an alternative to fast-paced or high-intensity exercise, it can help challenge your body in different ways. With yoga, there is truly nothing to worry about and once you give it a try, you’ll see that it’s a wonderful exercise that can make a great addition to your routine. Give it a try and start experiencing all of the fantastic benefits of yoga.