Yoga class regulars will tell you how much they enjoy attending, but as a complete beginner, the thought of joining a class can feel a little daunting. I can assure you of a welcoming atmosphere at any yoga class, but it also helps to know a bit more about what to expect before you jump in and try out your first class.
GETTING READY FOR CLASS
As you get ready for class, you'll want to wear something very comfortable and stretchy. There's no need for special yoga clothes as such. Any leggings or joggers are both perfect. Loose-fit trousers can also work really well, but an elasticated waist is definitely recommended from a comfort point of view. And then go for a tshirt or long-sleeved, stretchy top.
Check with your instructor whether yoga mats and blocks are provided or not. In a beginners class, there are often lots of spare mats, so you don't need to go out and buy one of your own. Not all classes use yoga blocks, but these are again usually provided in a beginners class. Do just check about these two things first though.
And then you may want to bring a blanket and cushion for the final relaxation part of every yoga class.
ARRIVING AT CLASS
As we arrive at class, expect to be greeted and welcomed by your instructor. You'll find people arriving sometimes ten minutes or so before class and sometimes just before we begin. Both are fine, but do aim to get there before the class start time to avoid missing any important instructions or exercises at the beginning of the class.
We practice on yoga mats and these are laid out in rows, with the instructor at the front. Your instructor will show you either where there is a free mat laid out, or where to place a mat that you've brought with you, or that they can provide for you.
The beginning of class is a lovely little time to chat and get to know those sitting around you, or simply to sit quietly on your mat, settling yourself in.
THE CLASS
The class itself starts gently, with warm up moves and maybe some grounding, breathing exercises. This is a chance to warm up muscles and also to really bring yourself into your body, into this moment, setting all thoughts about your day aside, to really get focused on this time of caring for yourself.
And then we will move through a series of yoga poses and sequences. Your instructor will demonstrate any new exercises and will then talk you through it as the class tries them out. Always, the emphasis in yoga is on listening to your body, stretching in the direction demonstrated, but moving only to your own individual edge point - the point where the stretch transforms from comfort, to slight discomfort - just to the edge of your ability, but not so far that it puts your in real discomfort. Expect to see a really broad range of abilties in class. We all tend to have exercises that come naturally to us and others we find more challenging. Each of your class mates will have their own unique mix of easy and challenging poses, and so will you. A lovely feature of yoga for many is its non-comptetitiveness. Rather than competing with each other to be the best, we are all simply noticing how our body moves, gently inviting our muscles to stretch and elongate at their own pace. As you will see, this brings fantastic benefits for all of us.
At the end of class, we wind down with some relaxing poses and we finish with a guided relaxation, lying down on our mats, covered with a blanket if we wish, for a chance to deeply relax our minds and bodies.
And we come out of class feeling great!
AFTER CLASS
There's always a chance to ask your teacher any questions at the end of class. Please do approach if you have anything to ask, they're always happy to help.
And then you're ready to get on with your day, feeling like you've had a great workout, but also feeling refreshed and restored.
COME AND JOIN US!
If you'd like to ease into yoga really gently, to find out what class is like with a group of fellow complete beginners, come and join us in my FREE workshop on Feb 26th 2025. We'll be trying some classic yoga poses, a lovely deep relaxation and it will be a chance to hear some more about yoga itself - the amazing benefits you'll gain from this lovely practice and some of the other things you can expect from joining a yoga class.
Or simply sign up to come to class - Wednesdays 9.30am at the lovely Buddhist Centre in Castlefields, Shrewsbury.
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