Your First BEginner Yoga class
You’ve heard that yoga has amazing benefits, but are you still unsure of what it is, what to expect or if it’s really for you? Not to worry- breathe in, breathe out and rest assured that yoga is a practice for everyone and might just be what you need.
Your friend is doing it, your colleague is heading to the studio after work and you see posts all over social media. You’ve read that it’s beneficial and has many variations- but what exactly is yoga? How does it help? Is it really exercise and is it really for you? It’s time to understand this ancient practice. It’s time to uncover why yoga is growing at a rapid rate and what you can expect during your first beginner yoga class- bring on the yoga mat!
Your beginner yoga class will teach you how to find relief, calm and the importance of deep breathing.
What to Expect- Yoga as a Practice: What Exactly is it?
Let’s start with the basics- yoga is a 3,000 year old tradition originating in India. It’s a tradition that can be done by anyone, anywhere. It’s practiced in a yoga studio, with a group, privately or even at home. But yoga is not just a tradition, it’s a practice. It’s a practice that focuses on a total mind-body connection where four components work in tandem to achieve optimal balance, calm, and physical well being.
Meditation
Relaxation
Breathing
Slow and Controlled Movement
These factors along with your certified yoga instructor will open your eyes to an exercise that will connect you to so much more than just a physical change. It will be an avenue towards an even stronger, healthier, and happier you.
Yoga is recognized as mind-body medicine. This “medicine” combines a person’s physical, mental and spiritual existence to improve all aspects of health. Consistent yoga practice leaves you centered, balanced and feeling empowered to take on your day, tackle obstacles and achieve your best self. Let’s face it these last few years have been tough. Regardless if you’ve been affected physically by COVID or any other illness, it’s all taken a toll on our mental well being. Stress is everywhere and Americans are fighting on a daily basis to deal with it, curb it and relieve it. A recent study done by The American Psychological Association revealed that Americans have been profoundly affected by the pandemic and the stressors related to it have real consequences on our mind and bodies. If this sounds like you, and you’re ready to make a change and regain control then yoga just might be your answer.
For decades yoga has been linked towards reduced stress and less anxiety. Yoga can enhance your mood, help you regulate emotions and since it promotes relaxation, it is a natural way to heal your body- inside and out. The benefits of yoga go on and on. It’s a great way to improve balance and flexibility and a softer, gentler alternative to intense exercise- yes exercise. Yoga does count as exercise- you better believe it! Exercise by definition is activity carried out to sustain or improve your physical health. So yes, yoga falls gracefully into that category and should be on your radar.
Exercise doesn’t mean you have to lift heavy weights, or run a few miles each day- it’s about movement. It’s about improving your health. And yoga does just that. Yoga as a craft is linked to improved mental well being, muscle strength and balance. Don’t you think those characteristics are what make you stronger, healthier, happier?
True, yoga might be different from your current exercise routine but it is an amazing routine. It is exercise that empowers, heals, focuses and connects your mind, body and soul.
But don’t grab a yoga mat just yet. Before you head to your first beginner yoga class, take some time to understand the practice, know what to expect during class and discover how you’ll want to get “hooked”- now. Understanding is the beginning and following through- is the key.
What to Expect- Yoga Equipment
Yes, even yoga requires equipment. But we’re not talking pads, bats, mitts or heavy weights. Simple equipment that makes your experience more joyful! Your yoga studio will help you get started but in the meantime educate yourself on the tools you’ll most likely need. Because with the right equipment your practice will become fluid, comfortable and more productive. Yoga equipment not only assists in position and pose, but also in the ease of mastering movement. Namaste!
Yoga blankets-
So cozy, so soft, and so comforting. Who doesn’t love a blanket? But bringing one or having one during yoga class? Yes- yoga blankets are beneficial and amazing tools. They are easy to tote and better yet- affordable. Yoga blankets add support and comfort during your session. By providing extra cushion to areas such as your lower neck, back, hips or knees you’ll be able to focus in on your body and breath without being distracted- after all you don’t want to break your calm because you’re uncomfortable. You’d also want to toss a blanket into your bag for an extra layer of warmth. As you drift into that zen state of mind and begin your savasana or yoga nidra, a blanket will help you feel blissful!
But not all blankets are the same. Yoga blankets come in different materials, thicknesses and grips. If you tend to sweat a lot you may want to consider a cotton blanket that is more absorbent or moisture-wicking. Cotton blankets are lighter, and grippier which are great for those quick flow sequences. But if you're prone to cooler temperatures, or crave comfort and warmth you’ll want to select a thicker blanket that will cozy you up, and give you that sense of security. Although a thicker wool blanket can be on the slippery side it will ensure you are comfortable and warm during practice.
One other amazing benefit of using a yoga blanket is that they can help bridge the space between your body and the floor. If your body can’t stretch deeply, and hey flexibility is something we all struggle with, a blanket can fill that space so you can focus on your breathwork and not worry about injury or effort.
With so many types of yoga blankets out there, make sure to chat with your yoga instructor about which might meet your needs. Instructors like Ali Reina from Gentle Waves Yoga, are experts in their field and will provide suggestions and tips to make your first but certainly not last yoga session cozy, calming and completely at peace.
Yoga mat-
Even though your studio might provide a mat, it’s also a good idea to gear up with your own. Having your own mat makes it easy to continue your practice anywhere, including your home. Yoga mats are a much better choice than practicing your sequences on a rug or towel, but how to choose?
Basically yoga mats come in two different thicknesses. Mats are either thin or thick. Thin yoga mats will increase stability and are used primarily for more active flows. Now, if you are a beginner yoga client you’ll want to pick a mat that’s about 1/8 inches thick. That’s a standard thickness and will be a perfect selection for starting out. You’ll also want to choose a yoga mat that won’t slip around on the floor. Mats that slip will interrupt your zen and affect your practice so choosing a non slip yoga mat is key. As you become more experienced you may also find that a thicker mat fits your yoga sequence better.
Yoga blocks-
Yoga blocks are essential for making the most out of your yoga session. No matter what stage of fitness or experience, adding a bit more stability is a great idea. Your position, pose and movement rely on stability and balance and that's exactly what this next tool provides. And essentially this tool brings the floor “up” to meet you! This means you aren’t straining or trying too hard to nail those poses. Using a yoga block benefits you in so many ways and can help ensure:
✓ good form
✓ comfortable movement
✓ ease of transition
✓ increased confidence
✓ accessibility of certain poses
So where to start? Your yoga instructor will guide you in choosing the best block for your practice but it’s important to know the basics as well. Let’s start with material. Blocks are primarily made from cork, or foam. Most likely your studio will have a variety to choose from, but in case you want to bring your own you might want to decide which material is best for you. Let’s break this down. If you are taking on more challenging, strengthening flows then you’d want to select a cork block. A cork block is stronger and steadier. However, if you’re booking a class with gentle flow moves, you’d more likely select a block made of foam. A foam block is softer and allows you to rest on it during your most amazing “om” moments.
It all comes down to this, yoga blocks aren’t necessary but are super helpful in providing balance, stability and confidence- especially if you’re a beginner yogi. You can also use these blocks to modify different postures and reduce pressure off your joints so yeah, talk to your instructor and add this tool to your repertoire.
What to Expect- Breath work and Yoga
You know yoga provides relaxation, calm and balance- but how? Well, it all begins with breath work. Understanding your breath and knowing its importance is essential, especially because you may never have intentionally thought about it before. In the craziness of life it’s so easy to forget how to stay centered and connected. But don’t let that happen- staying centered and connected with your mind and body are essential keys to optimal health and wellness. So ask yourself this, am I ready to enter a more relaxed state of mind? Of course you are, you’ll just need a bit of guidance and support to put you there.
So picture it. You’re at your first yoga class, yeah! You’re here! You’re ready to experience relief, relaxation and calm. Close your eyes and envision yourself rolling out your mat, scanning the studio and getting ready for zen.
Those three words will resound in your mind over and over. So own them, practice them and breathe them in. Your yoga instructor will guide you through your inhales and exhales, bringing you to the present. Consciously breathing is the essence of yoga. It will help you access the energy within your soul and opens up your mind to a healthier emotional, physical and spiritual state of being. Breathwork is truly the foundation for yoga and once mastered, leads you towards a lifestyle of optimal health and vitality. Ah yes breathe in, breathe out and find your calm.
Yoga and You
There is so much to experience with yoga. It is a practice with many rejuvenating layers. Layers that can transform your mind, body and soul. If your goal in life is to achieve optimal health and wellness, then let yoga be your guiding star. Yoga will not only relieve stress, improve flexibility and help reduce ailments such as chronic illness or pain but it will give you calm and balance. Both of which you need to be your best self.
Remember there is no wrong way to do yoga. Keep an open mind and believe in yourself. What are you waiting for? Start your yoga journey and see how simple, peaceful and beautiful it is. It is a journey that will provide comfort and joy to your soul and leave you wondering “Why didn’t I start this earlier?”
Find your peace today.