There’s no need to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of yoga poses. Hopefully, your yoga practice will be a lifelong pursuit, giving you plenty of time to learn scores of poses. As your yoga practice advances, you will be at ease when working on increasingly challenging poses, however when you are just starting, it is a good thought to keep it uncomplicated.In a typical yoga class, the students place their mats facing the front of the room in a loose grid. It’s best not to line up your mat exactly with the one next to it because you and your neighbor will need some space in certain poses. The students usually sit in a cross-leg position waiting for the class to begin or do a few gentle stretching.
The teacher might begin the class by asking the class to chant ‘Om’ 3 times. It depends on the teacher to start with short meditation or some sort of breathing exercise, at the beginning of the class.
After that there are some warm-up asanas, then more of brisk asanas, then stretches and finally relaxation. At any time, take Child’s Pose if you need some rest.
Sometimes the teacher will go around to each student during final relaxation and give him or her a little massage. Most of the teachers end the class with one more round of ‘Om’.
Congratulate yourself! You just had the first yoga class! You might be a bit sore the next day.
Dos and Don’ts
- DON’T have a big meal right before class. Try eating a light meal a few hours prior to the class.
- DON’T drink water for the duration of class, but have some after and before.
- DON’T wear socks or shoes during class.
- DO let the teacher know that it is your first class.
- DO ask you teacher for help when you need it.
- DO glance around and notice what other students are doing, particularly if the teacher doesn’t demonstrate each pose. On the other hand, remember that you might be looking at students of more advanced class, so don’t measure yourself up to them.
