Ready to give Yoga a go? 5 things you need to know before coming to a class.

Going to your first Yoga class can be intimidating, and you may have just finished scrolling through Instagram Yoga seeing all the headstands and backbends thinking there's no way you'll ever be able to do that!

Yoga is not all about what you see on social media. It's a practice of healing, connection, feeling, loving, breathing and moving to your body's wisdom.

Here are 5 things you need to know before attending your first Yoga class.

1. Yoga is for EVERYBODY.

T.K.V. Desikachar said "If you can breathe, you can do Yoga!"

Yoga is a practice accessible to everybody from all walks of life, no matter any physical or mental conditions you think may be holding you back. A Yoga practice is adaptive to meet your physical and mental needs, and should feel good for you at all times.

In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali emphasised that Asana (postures) should always be steady and comfortable. This rings true, and you should be feeling steady and comfortable as you hold your postures.

Don't be afraid to try something new though, something that may look intimidating. Your body is capable of more than you think!

If you are injured, have a physical condition, pregnant or menstruating, always let your teacher know before class so they can provide you with appropriate alternatives to suit your body.

2. You don't have to wear fancy tights if you don't want to.

The Yoga industry has thrived in the apparel department for many years now, but the practice of Yoga doesn't require us to be fashionable. You can wear literally anything you feel comfortable in and can freely move around without feeling distracted.

Some days, I feel most comfortable wearing leggings. Others, I love a loose flowy pant. There have been many occasions where I've even worn trackies to class.

A cute crop is cute until you're in downward dog and your nipples are slipping out. Practicality is crucial.

Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, whatever makes you feel good, and whatever won't distract you from enjoying your practice.

3. Yoga classes are a judgement free zone.

Comparison and fear of judgement are constructs of your ego holding you back from exercising your true potential.

If you're wobbling in tree pose, I guarantee you that your fellow peers are not looking at you in judgement. They're probably wobbling with you. Even as a teacher, I wobble from time to time when demonstrating.

Yoga is not about what you look like when practicing, but instead how you feel and what you discover about yourself.

Celebrate yourself for coming to class! And if it's your first class, celebrate that even more!

Everyone started their Yoga journey at one point. Everyone had to learn what a Warrior 2 was. If you're only starting out, give yourself time and consistency in practice, you too will learn!

4. Chanting is a real thing, Pranayama is a real thing, and Savasana is not a thing we do for 3 minutes.

A Yoga class is a 60 or 90 minute journey into ourselves. And that journey has many facets.

To honour the tradition and experience its benefits, often teachers will include a chant of Mantra into class. Give yourself the container to open up to chanting, but if you really don't feel comfortable, you don't have to chant aloud. Simply recite the Mantra within your mind. It's not as mystical as you think, and many neuropsychological studies have explored the benefits of chanting for a wide variety of mental conditions, as the act invokes a great sense of calmness and connection. Plus it's great for breath control.

Speaking about breath control, Pranayama (breathing techniques) are quintessential for a Yoga class. You'll probably practice breath control while you move through and hold postures, you may even have dedicated time at the end of practice for Pranayama. There are so many Pranayama techniques in Yoga, all with different effects on the body, mind and energetics. They're so useful to know even outside a Yoga class. I practice Pranayama whenever I feel anxious, stressed, exhausted or before meditation.

Savasana aka corpse pose is where we lie on our back to finish our Asana practice. This is an imperative time for us in practice because it gives us an opportunity to integrate the practice, to settle and ground, then to take a deeper journey within through a meditative state. Ideally, Savasana should be at least 7 minutes for the effects to be optimal and to journey within. We encourage you not to skip Savasana.

5. Presence is everything.

To feel the full extent of what a Yoga class can offer you, you must be present. This class is an opportunity for you to switch off from the outside world and spend some time with yourself.

So turn off your phone, take off your smartwatch, invite your thoughts to meet you in your body and your breath. Be intimate with yourself through practice in the means of being fully present and connected to yourself.

Remember, Yoga is for everybody. Your teacher is your guide into connecting you to mind, body, breath and spirit. You are welcomed, you are hon

oured, you are deeply appreciated, just for being you and for showing up to class.

We are looking forward to seeing you in class and begin your Yoga journey.

In light and in love,

Vicky

Ready to give Yoga a go? Book in for a class on our website or visit the MindBody app. Got any questions about trying Yoga? Reach out to us at any time via email, text or phone call.