| So, you're interested in Yoga and have decided that | | | | Most studios will have mats for hire which is handy |
| you might give a yoga class a go. Perhaps a friend or | | | | when you are starting out, but you can find yoga |
| family members has encouraged you, or perhaps you | | | | mats fairly inexpensively in sports stores or online. In |
| have seen some advertising of a local class. | | | | addition to a mat, it is good to take along a towel |
| Whatever your interest and reason for looking into | | | | and bottle of water for during the class and a |
| yoga classes, here's your quick start guide to give | | | | lightweight coverup that you can take on or off |
| you everything you need to know to get started | | | | depending on the temperature of the room. |
| with yoga class. | | | | Wardrobe malfunction. Thankfully Yoga doesn't |
| Finding the right class. There are many different | | | | require a special uniform or protective clothing and |
| takes and approaches when it comes to yoga, so its | | | | you can be as expressive (or not) as you choose in |
| a good idea to do a little research into what is | | | | your style. The most important consideration for |
| available in your area and what you want to get out | | | | your wardrobe is that you are comfortable and can |
| of your session. Most classes will be based on Hatha | | | | move easily and that the fabrics you are wearing can |
| yoga, which is yoga that focuses on the physical | | | | 'breathe'. Men tend to wear shorts, sweats, t-shirts |
| postures and poses primarily, rather than on the | | | | and tank tops. Women can also wear this, or some |
| meditative and spiritual side. Most Hatha Yoga | | | | will add leotards or fitted exercise tops. There are no |
| practitioners also include these aspects, but the initial | | | | shoes required for yoga, so be ready to remove |
| and primary focus is on the physical body. | | | | your shoes / socks before the class starts. |
| If you're a beginner, look for a beginner's course and | | | | Timing. Group yoga classes vary in length from 50 to |
| be cautious of 'general' or 'mixed level' yoga as this is | | | | 90 minutes. Fitness clubs will tend to stick with 50-60 |
| unlikely to give you the attention you need when | | | | min classes, whereas yoga studios or centers will |
| you are getting started and ensure your safety in | | | | tend towards 70 - 90 minutes and will usually |
| the poses. | | | | incorporate meditation and relaxation for a complete |
| If you come across a style or approach to yoga that | | | | yoga experience. |
| you have not heard of, then feel free to ask for an | | | | Miss Manners. Yes, there is Yoga etiquette and its |
| explanation. Yoga folk are usually pretty friendly and | | | | worthwhile taking the time to get acquainted with it. |
| happy to chat about why they practice the style of | | | | Being on time is the probably the single most |
| yoga they do and who it is best suited for. | | | | important etiquette point as the teacher will be going |
| Choose Public or Private. Once you have found a | | | | through a warm up and making sure they are aware |
| school or class that works for you, there may also | | | | of any injuries in the room so that alternative and |
| be a choice of group classes or private tuition. Which | | | | safe options can be provided. You don't want to miss |
| one is right for you will depend on your reasons for | | | | this bit. Other yoga etiquette is really just common |
| starting yoga. If you have an injury, feel particularly | | | | courtesy when joining a group activity and includes: |
| shy in large groups or want more tailored and | | | | - avoid smoking or drinking alcohol immediately prior |
| personalized attention, then private classes may be | | | | to the class |
| for you. If you are motivated by participating in | | | | - avoid heavy perfume or cologne |
| activity with others, are hoping to also find other | | | | - go to the bathroom before the class starts |
| like-minded people to hang out with and want a class | | | | - leave cell phones, pagers, shoes, chewing gum and |
| that is easy on your wallet, then public or group | | | | grumpy attitudes outside the class |
| classes are probably a good fit. | | | | - keep classroom conversation to a minimum |
| Stocking up. Ok, now you have your class sorted | | | | And, finally, remember to enjoy the yoga experience. |
| out, what do you need to prepare? Yoga is usually | | | | It may take you a few classes to start to really feel |
| quite an equipment-lite activity. Some studios will | | | | the benefits, but the increase to your wellbeing, both |
| provide all equipment, including mats, blankets and | | | | physical and mental, will be worth it. Above, all, enjoy |
| props if they use them, while others will ask that you | | | | - that's what is life is all about. |
| bring your own mat. | | | | |