Oh yes, we have all been there. Your first yoga class. The intimidation. The anxiety.
"What should I bring?"
"What do I wear?"
"What if I look dumb and I can't do any of the poses?
Sound familiar? Well that's because we have all asked ourselves the same questions and let me tell you something. As a yoga teacher, I get these questions and concerns all the time from beginners, so trust me when I say this: YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Lucky for you, you came to the right spot, because we at Revolution have prepared a list of 5 simple things to remember before you take your first class that will guarantee to make your worries melt away, your anxiety dissapate and your inner yogi shine through.
1. Come at least 15 minutes early
Most places will require that you complete a liability waiver before you take your first class, so come early to make sure you have time to do this. You will also want to give yourself time to change, put your clothes in a locker or cubby and set up your mat. Therefore, it is vert important to give yourself enough time for all of this.
2. Don't worry about bringing your own equipment
Most studios will have mats, towels and blocks there for you. If you have your own towel or mat that is totally fine to bring it, but don't feel like you need to go out and buy all this stuff before you ever take your first class. Everything you need should be provided at the studio or available to rent for a minimal charge. You will want to come in comfortable clothes, preferably some stretchy or loose pants and a tank top or t-shirt. You do not need shoes and you do not need socks, so only bring those for before and after class.
3. DO bring a water bottle
Studios will probably have water that you can either buy or fill up your bottle with, but yoga can be a vigorous workout and some classes are in heated rooms, so you absolutely do not want to forget a water bottle. Hydration is extremely important for yoga (or any exercise for that matter) so make sure you also drink plenty of water before and after claas!
4. Don't come on a full OR emty stomach
I have heard mixed things regarding eating before class, which is why this direction is somewhat ambigious. Some studios say not to eat at least 3 hours prior to class. But if you are like me, then that is simply way too long not to have anything in my system. On the other hand, others will say it is best to eat something small right before class so you have all the energy you need for the practice. I like to fall somewhere in the middle, where I won't fill up and eat a big meal before class but I also don't starve myself either. The key is to do what is best for you and what will make you feel the most comfortable during class, so if you need to eat right before, do it. If you need to let your food digest, then try to eat something 1-2 hours before class. Just remember, you are moving your body in many different positions and you will get a good workout, so you need your energy but don't want to have a completely full belly.
5. Don't worry, you won't look dumb!
This is the biggest concern of new students that I hear. They are afraid of looking bad or that others will think they suck. But the one thing you have to always remember is that everyone in that class was in the exact same position as you, some of them only a short time before you, and no one - NO ONE - is going to think you suck. In fact, most people wont't even notice you because they are concentrated on their own practice. And no matter what level ability someone is at in the room, they all started at the exact same spot: as a new student afraid that others will think they look dumb. So if you feel intimidated or nervous to take your first class, drop those worries and relax. That girl next to you with the ripped arms doing a handstand with her legs twisted all around, yeah, that girl also started exactly where you are, so don't get caught up in your worry. Just sit down on your mat, close your eyes, take a big deep breath and know that you are going to leave your first yoga class feeling empowered, strong, beautiful and a little silly for ever worrying to begin with.
Remember yogis and future yogis, yoga is a practice, not a perfect. No one expects you to be perfect or anywhere close, especially if you are a new student. So stop worrying and go out there and take your first class. You will figure it out faster than you realize, and I would bet that after your first class, you will leave wanting more! At Revolution, we have a great beginner program where you can get unlimited yoga for your entire first month at a super sweet deal. This way, you will be able to take classes from many different teachers and get to experience many different classes to see what works for you. Check out our schedule for more details on teachers and classes and sign up for your first class today!
~Molly Holmes
