What to Expect in a Beginners Yoga Class

Stepping into your first yoga class can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Whether you’re drawn to yoga for its physical benefits, mental clarity, or spiritual growth, knowing what to expect can ease any anxieties and help you make the most of your initial experience.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from preparing for the the class to what happens throughout the class.

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Common Myths and Misconceptions

You Need to Be Flexible

One of the most common misconceptions about yoga is that you need to be flexible to start. In reality, yoga is designed to increase flexibility over time. Everyone’s body is different, and yoga meets you where you are.

Yoga is Only for Women

While yoga is popular among women, it is equally beneficial for men. Yoga promotes strength, flexibility, and mental clarity, making it a valuable practice for everyone, regardless of gender.

You Need Special Equipment

While having a yoga mat and props can enhance your practice, they are not essential. Many poses can be performed with minimal equipment, and studios typically provide mats and any necessary props.

That being said, if you don't like using shared mats or your class does not provide one, this is the one piece of equipment you may want to acquire. It need not be expensive, you will be fine with a basic mat if you are just starting out. If you learn to love yoga and need something with more reliable non-slip properties, you can always upgrades later. Amazon have a selection of yoga mats for all price ranges and abilities.

If you want to know about what other equipment is used in yoga, check out our Ultimate Guide to Yoga Equipment and Props.

Preparing for Your First Class

One of the first things you'll need to do is choose a suitable class. Yoga studios typically offer a variety of classes, including Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Yin, and Restorative yoga. For those new to yoga, starting with a class labelled for beginners or an introductory level is ideal. These classes are designed to introduce you to the basics of yoga in a gentle, approachable manner.

We have a seperate article on the 12 Most Popular Types on Yoga.

Dress Appropriately

Wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows for a full range of motion. Opt for fitted, moisture-wicking fabrics that stay in place during various poses - so nothing you don't want on show ends up on show! Common attire includes:

• Tops: Fitted tank tops or t-shirts.

• Bottoms: Leggings, yoga pants, or shorts.

• Shoes: Yoga is typically practiced barefoot, so no special footwear is needed.

Bring the Essentials

Most yoga studios provide basic yoga equipment, but having your own can enhance your experience. Consider bringing:

• Yoga Mat: Provides a non-slip surface and cushioning for poses. Bringing your own mat can be more hygienic and comfortable.

• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated before and after class.

• Mindset: Come with an open mind and a positive attitude. Yoga is a personal journey, and everyone progresses at their own pace.

What to Expect in the Yoga Class

If you are at a studio, you might be asked to fill out a brief health form if it’s your first time. Then you may want to head to the lockers before arriving at the studio room in good time. Things may be less formal with less facilities in a church hall.

Meeting Your Instructor

Before the class begins, introduce yourself to the instructor and let them know you’re new to yoga. This will help them provide you with modifications and extra guidance throughout the class. You are likely to be asked about your yoga experience and whether you have any injuries. This will help the teacher to understand how they can instruct you, suggest modifications and provide the best experience.

Setting Up Your Space

In the yoga room, find a spot where you feel comfortable. As a beginner, it might be beneficial to position yourself somewhere in the middle of the room. This way, you can observe more experienced classmates for visual guidance without feeling too conspicuous.

Main Practice

Here are some common yoga poses you might encounter in a beginner yoga class. You are likely to hear these names as well as a lot of Sanskrit names. You certainly don’t need to know or remember these, but you will recognise them over time.

• Standing Poses: Enhance strength, stability, and balance (e.g., Mountain Pose, Warrior Poses).

• Seated Poses: Improve flexibility and relaxation (e.g., Seated Forward Bend, Easy Pose).

• Balancing Poses: Develop focus and coordination (e.g., Tree Pose, Eagle Pose).

• Backbends: Open the chest and strengthen the back (e.g., Cobra Pose, Bridge Pose).

• Inversions: Enhance circulation and concentration (e.g., Downward Dog, Shoulder Stand).

• Twists: Detoxify and invigorate the spine (e.g., Seated Spinal Twist, Revolved Triangle).

The instructor will guide you through each pose, offering modifications and adjustments to accommodate different skill levels and physical limitations.

Cool Down

After the main practice, the class transitions to cooling down poses to relax the body and mind. These might include gentle stretches, forward bends, and restorative poses.

Savasana (Final Relaxation)

Savasana, or Corpse Pose, is the final relaxation pose where you lie down on your back with your arms and legs extended comfortably. This period of rest allows your body to absorb the benefits of the practice and promotes deep relaxation. Trust me, this gives you the amazing feeling which keeps yoga students getting back on the mat! Savasana will become the first Sanskrit word you learn!

Yoga final resting pose - Savasana

Listening to Your Body

One of the most important principles in yoga is to listen to your body. Yoga is not about pushing yourself to the limit but about finding balance and harmony within yourself. If a pose feels too intense or causes discomfort, it’s perfectly okay to come out of it (child’s pose is a great way to re-centre) or use a modification. Instructors often provide variations to accommodate different levels of flexibility and strength.

Breath Awareness

Breath awareness (pranayama) is a fundamental aspect of yoga practice. In your first yoga class, you’ll learn to coordinate your breath with your movements. This not only enhances the physical practice but also helps in calming the mind and reducing stress. Pay attention to your instructor’s cues about breathing and try to maintain a steady, even breath throughout the class. If, like me, you first find the breathing cues distracting from the movements, concentrate on the movements. The breathing will become more intuitive once you are more comfortable with the asanas (yoga poses).

Yoga Etiquette

Yoga has its own set of etiquettes that help create a respectful and harmonious environment for everyone. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

Silence Your Phone: Ensure your phone is turned off or on silent mode to avoid disruptions.

Respect Personal Space: Place your mat with enough space around it to allow for comfortable movement.

Cleanliness: If you’re using a studio mat, wipe it down after use. Personal hygiene is also important, as yoga involves close physical proximity.

Savasana: This final relaxation is an important and rewarding part of the practice. Leaving early is disruptive and you miss out on an essential part of the practice.

Yoga forward fold

Building a Regular Practice

The only way to improve with yoga, is to turn up on the mat – it is as simple as that! Try to attend classes regularly and you will become more comfortable with the basics. This will help you build strength, flexibility, and familiarity with the poses and sequences. Many beginners yoga classes also offer progression options, allowing you to gradually advance your practice as you gain confidence and skill.

Exploring Different Styles

As you continue your yoga practice, you might want to explore different yoga styles to see what resonates with you. Here’s a brief overview of some popular styles:

Hatha Yoga: A gentle introduction to the most basic yoga postures. Great for beginners.

Vinyasa Yoga: A dynamic style that links breath with movement in a flowing sequence.

Ashtanga Yoga: A more rigorous style involving a set sequence of poses.

Yin Yoga: A slow-paced style focusing on deep stretching and holding poses for longer periods.

Restorative Yoga: A relaxing practice using props to support the body in restful poses.

You can find out more about types of yoga in our post on 12 Most Popular Types of Yoga.

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga offers a multitude of benefits for both the body and mind. Physically, it enhances flexibility, strength, and balance. It can also alleviate chronic pain, improve posture, and boost cardiovascular health. Mentally and emotionally, yoga promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves concentration and mental clarity. You will definitley feel different (in a good way!) at the end of a yoga class.

Being part of a Yoga Community

Yoga is not just a physical practice but also a community experience. You will meet fellow students of all experiences and will soon look forward to seeing them regularly. Engaging with the classmates can provide additional support and inspiration for your practice.

Final Thoughts

Starting a yoga practice is a rewarding journey that offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. As a beginner, it’s important to approach your first yoga class with an open mind and a willingness to learn. By choosing the right class, preparing adequately, and embracing the experience with patience and curiosity, you’ll set a strong foundation for your yoga journey. Remember, everyone was a beginner once, and with consistent practice and dedication, you too will grow and evolve in your practice.

Whether you're embarking on this journey for physical fitness, stress relief, or personal growth, yoga has something to offer everyone. So, roll out your mat, take a deep breath, and enjoy your first steps into the world of yoga. Welcome to the journey of a lifetime.