| Yoga can be a rewarding and relaxing form of | | | | your classmates and help clear your mind and focus |
| exercise, but many who wish to try it are scared to | | | | on the task at hand. |
| enter a yoga class for the first time. Thoughts of | | | | The next step is a series of gentle warm-ups and |
| looking foolish while trying to strike unheard of | | | | stretches to get your body and mind ready for what |
| positions or concerns over the spiritual side of the | | | | is to come. Once you are warmed up, the teacher |
| technique weigh heavily on first timers. Knowing what | | | | will guide you through the exercises and postures. |
| to expect before you begin your journey into yoga | | | | These will often be combined with breathing to |
| can help you remain calm as you take your fist class. | | | | create flow, which is the flow of energy through the |
| Getting Ready | | | | body to create a feeling of wellness. |
| Dressing appropriately for your class will make your | | | | The entire class lasts about an hour. At the end, you |
| first experience more rewarding. If you have long | | | | will be guided through a cooling down series of |
| hair, tie it back in a ponytail or bun. You will have it in | | | | exercises. The final cool down is a relaxation that |
| your face the entire time if you don't. Wear | | | | involves laying on your back, eyes closed, and body |
| comfortable clothing to your first class. It can be | | | | relaxed. Do not skip this, because it is a very |
| loose or tight, depending on your comfort level. Make | | | | important part of the class and the yoga process. |
| sure the clothes will stay where you want them, | | | | Sometimes the class will end with another OM and |
| because you do not want to spend the entire class | | | | the words "Namaste" or "Jai Bhagwan," which is a |
| pulling on your clothing and distracting yourself. | | | | salutation of honor. At this time, the class is over. |
| Remember that you may not always be standing or | | | | Yoga Etiquette |
| sitting upright, so make sure the clothes will stay | | | | You may wonder how to be polite during your Yoga |
| where you want them. | | | | session. Proper yoga etiquette will make your |
| Arrival | | | | experience as positive as possible. Always stay until |
| When you arrive at the yoga studio, you will need to | | | | the end of the class, even if you feel uncomfortable. |
| check in. if you have not paid for your class, you will | | | | You may not return, but it is considered rude to |
| need to do so at this time. Let the attendant know | | | | leave in the middle. Sometimes you are experiencing |
| that you are new to yoga, so they can show you | | | | discomfort because of your body's poor physical |
| around and help you get comfortable. Before you | | | | condition or the fact that you are not used to |
| enter the actual studio, you will be asked to remove | | | | getting into a clam state. |
| your shoes. Socks are acceptable, but not necessary. | | | | At the end of the class, avoid talking, as others are |
| You may find that your feet are too slippery if you | | | | enjoying their meditative calm. If you wish to have a |
| wear socks. | | | | conversation, do so outside of the studio. Stay calm, |
| The Class | | | | still, and quiet during the class, and listen to your |
| Each teacher has his or her own approach to the | | | | teacher's instructions, as they are designed to keep |
| yoga class, and the type of class you chose will also | | | | you safe throughout the routines. Remember, you |
| affect how the class proceeds, but most likely the | | | | may feel uncomfortable during your first yoga |
| class will begin with a centering exercise. This may | | | | session, but if you stick with it, you will enjoy greater |
| involve chanting the sound of "OM." You do not have | | | | wellness and overall health and well being as a result. |
| to do this if you feel awkward, but you can listen to | | | | |