How To Get Started
1. Pick a Yoga Style
There are many different types of yoga classes out there, and if you pick one that does not suit your personality and state of
physical fitness, you may be turned off.
2. Pick a Yoga Class
You can check local alternative newspapers or wellness magazines for listings or do a search on the Internet for “yoga” and “your town". Pick A studio that is convenient to your
home or work, so getting to class will be easy. Make sure you start with a basic level or multi-level class.
3. What to Bring
You will want to wear comfortable, stretchy clothing that does not ‘slip off ’ when you bend over and move around,
while keeping a balance between tight & uncomfortable clothes that leave you feeling fully exposed and clothing so loose that the instructor cannot see your muscles and joints underneath. Over time you will find the items that work best for your specific body and needs.
You will probably want to purchase a yoga mat. If you will predominantly be doing yoga on carpeted floors, then a yoga mat is probably thick enough. If you will be doing yoga on hardwood floors, then you may wish to consider a thicker yoga mat as it is much more comfortable when kneeling and lying.
4. What to Expect
In a typical yoga class, the students place their mats facing the front of the room. It’s best to stagger your mat with the one next to yours because you and your neighbor will need some space in many poses. Students often sit in a cross-legged position waiting for class to start or do some gentle stretching.
The teacher may start by leading the class in chanting om three times (in a hatha style class) or by chanting Ong Na Mo Guru Dev Na Mo (in a Kundalini class). Depending on the teacher, there may be a breathing exercise and/or a short meditation at the start of class.
Back to Top
