It's pretty easy really . You have
already begun the first step. So let’s put it all in order. You’ve done a
little reading up and asked around and Yoga sounds to you like something you
would like to try. What’s next?
1. Find a class…
There are many styles
of Yoga. Look for a style that you think will suit
you.
2.Contact the studio and find out…
a.Where are they located?
You should
find a place that is convenient for you.
b.Do they offer the first class for
free?
If they do, find
out if you have to schedule, or if you can just “drop
in”.
c.Do
they provide yoga mats and other props?
Some studios have mats and props there for
your use, and some charge a small rental
fee.
d.
What classes do they offer for beginners, and at what time?
Does it fit into your
schedule?
e.What are their
fees?
Yoga studios often offer lower rates if you
purchase classes in bundles.
f.What forms of currency do they take?
(cash, check, credit
card)
3.Put
it on your
schedule…
Plan ahead! That way it
will be less likely for anything to interfere with your
plans.
4.What
to bring…
a.Wear comfortable and flexible clothing that will
not restrict your movement.
b.Make sure
you will be comfortable bending over. Some t-shirts and slacks slip up
a little too high for comfort.
c.Bring a non-spillable water bottle.
d.A small
towel can be handy, but it is not vital.
e.Depending on the time of year, you may want to
bring a light jacket and warm socks.
Some studios tend to be a
bit cool. Use these items at the beginning and the end of class. You
can shed the jacket as you warm up.
Be prepared to go
barefoot as the class picks up speed.
Put jacket and
socks back on when the class begins to slow down at the
end.
f.If
the studio does not provide mats, bring you own.
Make sure it is a Yoga mat and not
an exercise pad. Yoga mats are longer and have more
grip.
I generally advise against making any
purchases on equipment until you find out for sure that Yoga is for
you.
g.Bring an
acceptable form of currency, according to what you found out
above.
h.Bring an open mind, ready to learn new
things.
5.Go to
your first free class.
Yoga edicate:
Come a little early. There will be forms to fill out.
Avoid heavy scented cosmetics.
Some people are very
sensitive, respect that.
Remove your coat and shoes before entering the main practice room.
Center and quite yourself at the beginning of class.
You will see people
sitting quietly, meditating, and doing gentle warm-up
stretches.
Be respectful with your conversation,
keeping your voice volume low.
This is a good time to meet new people and greet old
friends.
If you come in
late, enter quietly and spend a little time centering and quieting
yourself before joining in with what the class is doing.
Pay close
attention to the instructor, but listen even more carefully to your own
body.
Only
you can feel what is going on inside of yourself.
Do not
do anything that is uncomfortable to you.
Especially do not do anything that causes you pain.
If there is pain, stop
what you are doing and let the instructor know. The instructor
will work with you to find out what is wrong and to make
adjustments that better suit
you.
Cool down and relax at the end of class.
If you need to leave the class
early, take about five minutes to cool down and relax before you go.
If you enjoyed the class, let the instructor know.
If your experience was not enjoyable, give the instructor feedback in
the form of a suggestions note. This will help the instructor make the
experience better in the future.
6.Acquire
your class pass and find out when the next class will be.
7. Put it on
your schedule!
That’s it! You’re off on your Yoga
Journey!
One last thing. Start your Yoga
journal! You will want to reflect back on it to see how far you have come.