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New to Yoga?
Ten Tips for taking care of yourself in a class
If you are new to yoga, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the most from your classes and meet your individual needs.
1. Check this class is for you. Not all yoga classes suit everybody and sometimes it is trial and error to find a class that meets your needs. You may prefer a relaxing class or a challenging one, a meditative approach or the emphasis on the physical. Check with the teacher what style he or she has and don’t be afraid to change if a class isn’t for you.
2. Talk to the teacher before class. Let the teacher know if you have any injuries or medical conditions, or any concerns about class. Any teacher of an all-levels class will warmly welcome you and try to accommodate you in the class.
3. Take it easy on yourself. Take care of your own needs in class, whether that’s by taking a break, observing instead of doing, or modifying a pose to make it more comfortable. Yoga is not about achieving the perfect pose, it is about listening to your body and enjoying yourself.
4. Be Aware. Yoga cultivates body awareness and inner wisdom. It takes time to understand the poses and bodily alignment, but eventually even challenging poses become natural and comfortable.
5. Ask for help. If you’re unsure whether a pose or movement is right for you, ask the teacher for help. If you have a recent injury or other special concerns, be especially mindful of this. Teachers are there to help you!
6. Listen to your breath. If your breathing becomes strained in a pose, you may be working too hard or at risk for injuring yourself. Safe, comfortable stretching usually deepens the breath. Appropriate effort also deepens the breath. In contrast, strain of any kind is usually accompanied by shallow or forced breathing.
7. Listen to the teacher’s feedback. Individual feedback is one of the most valuable benefits of attending yoga class. We are so used to our physical habits that it often takes an observer to point out how we create stress in the body.
8. During hands-on adjustments, give the teacher feedback. Let the teacher know whether you prefer gentle or strong adjustments. If you prefer not to be adjusted, let the teacher know before class.
9. Take the best, and leave the rest. In any given class, some poses will feel good and others will not; some movements will feel exhilarating, and others won’t. Everyone has their favourite poses – be they forward bending, backbends or standing poses. Notice what feels right for your body.
10. Stay open. As you explore different classes, keep an open mind. No class or style of yoga is universally best for every person. As you build a regular practice, you may find that poses, practices, and classes that you didn’t enjoy at first will become your favorites. As your life changes, so will your practice.