What Do I Need To Bring To My First Class?
The Essentials:
your body, an open mind and of course, a bit of harmless curiosity is all that’s necessary.
In yoga we get physical. We twist, turn upside down (sometimes), and bend forward and backwards, so it’s important to refrain from eating anything too heavy about 1 hour before a class. If you’ve not digested your meal fully, it will make itself known to you in ways that aren’t comfortable.
If you are someone with a fast digestive system and are afraid you may get hungry or feel weak before class, feel free to have a light snack such as yogurt, a few nuts or juice about 30 minutes to an hour beforehand. It is always important to find what works best for you.
The Outfit:
It’s super helpful to be comfortable; think shorts or leggings and a t-shirt – ideally not too baggy; doing a downward facing dog in an oversized shirt can get pretty annoying as it can easily cover your eyes/nose, restricting your sight and scent (in yoga we breathe through our nose, meaning you’ll need your lovely nostrils to get all the air they can get). And you won’t need any special shoes or socks to practice, as you’ll be barefoot!
I’m Not Flexible – Can I Do Yoga?
Despite what Instagram may have shown you, yoga isn’t all about throwing your self in to the splits and headstands. It’s about being conscious and in tune with your bodies’ capabilities on a daily basis.
Many people think they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that’s a little like thinking you need to know how to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons! You will of course become more flexible the more you practice; this new found agility will be balanced by strength, co-ordination and enhanced cardiovascular health as well as a sense of physical confidence.
Come to your mat as you are, however you are feeling, on any particular day. There is really no wrong time to practice yoga.
Studio Etiquette
So it’s your first time going to yoga class, and you fear you’ll feel out of place. And sure, walking into a yoga class for the first time can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not sure what to expect.
One way to help calm your pre-class worries is to learn a thing or two about yoga etiquette, and the general ins and outs of a typical studio ahead of time. Glance through these tips, and then enjoy the full yoga experience! You’ll be set to go like you’ve been yoga-ing for years
Arrive Early
Usually, arriving a good 10 minutes before class starts is appropriate. Give yourself enough time to arrive at the studio, hang up your coat, take off your shoes and socks, and turn off your mobile phone. You’ll need to sign in and pay for class, which often involves a bit of paperwork if you’re new to the studio. You’ll also want to give yourself a few extra minutes to lay out your mat, gather props, and bring your breath to an even and steady pace. After all, it’s pretty challenging to get centered if you’re racing in just as class is getting started, and there’s little worse than being the cause of a disruption when everyone has just begun to relax. Usually, arriving a good fifteen minutes before class starts is appropriate (not too much more, as sometimes the teachers need prep time, or a prior class may still be going on in the studio). What should you do if you ARE late and class has begun? Anything over 10min is usually unsafe for you to start. Most teachers don’t mind if you slip in silently and take a place in the back. No one should be too uptight. It is yoga, after all.
Turn off Your Electronics
Phones, wrist watches, iPads—anything that dings, rings or buzzes—should be turned off. Want to know what can get all eyes on you in a yoga class faster than a no-handed headstand? Phones, wrist watches, iPads—anything that dings, rings, or buzzes please switch all devises off or on plane mode before class starts. Even that dangly necklace that your kids made for you that jingles as you move shouldn’t make its way into the practice space. Leave anything that makes noise but doesn’t breathe outside of the studio. Not only do you not want to distract others, but you want to be totally present in class without the outside world demanding your attention.
Use a Tissue
If eye pillows are available for use in shavasana (final relaxation), there are most likely tissues for your use as well. Place the tissue between your eyes and the pillow to protect those peepers and keep things sanitary
Be Aware of the Space You Take
Though the teacher often moves around the room and does demonstrations from various places in the studio, be aware of where you’re placing your mat so you don’t sit yourself directly in front of someone else. It is common courtesy to stagger yourself so that the person behind you has a clear view of the teacher.
Don’t Chat with the Person Next to You
Sure, make friends with your yoga neighbours because, after all, yoga is all about “uniting,” right? Often the yoga studio is a prime gathering space for like-minded folks, but keep the chatting in the coatroom. Once you enter the studio, it’s time to turn inward, so don’t be offended if that uniting you were yearning for isn’t happening when you’re on your mat. Many students relish practice as a time to turn inward and become centred, and the time in the studio before, during, and after class is to some a sacred time to ¨stay on your mat.¨ Plus chatting during class can be distracting when challenging poses are being taught and people need to stay focused.
Um…Don’t Smell-up the Room
I’m not suggesting you be concerned with body odour—actually quite the opposite. Be concerned about perfumes. Often, those in that yoga class with you are on the natural path, and the smell of commercial lotions and perfumes make some people sick (literally). Try to go au naturel, or if you really would like to smell better without being offensive, drop a dab of essential oil onto your wrists. Please NO aerosols in the studio, changing room or loo.
Ask Questions Mindfully
You might wonder if it’s okay to ask the instructor a question during class. This really depends upon the teacher. Generally YES we encourage mindful questions, if you’re in a setting where the teacher is the only one speaking, respect that atmosphere in a way that still allows you to get the most out of class. If you have a question that needs answering, by all means ask it, but aim to get the attention of your teacher discreetly so that they come over to your mat, and you can ask them one-on-one.
Head Faces the Front at the End (top of your mat)
During the last pose of the class, shavasana, some people spin around so that their feet are facing away from the teacher and their head is pointing toward her. Though many people don’t take this position on the mat, at EKAM & in many parts of the world, it is widely done to show respect for the teacher.
Clean Up
EKAM has spray bottles available to clean off the mats at the end. Spritz (usually a mixture of a few drops of lemon grass & tee tree oil diluted in water). ¾ Spritz over mat, then wipe the mat down post-practice (especially if the mat you were using isn’t your own). Put away all props neatly and where you found them. The few extra seconds it takes each student to stack the blocks so they don’t tip, roll the mats so they are even, and fold the blankets saves lots of time for the instructor.
Practice Ahimsa
Being gentle in voice, movement, actions, thought, and attitude respects those who come to yoga for a safe, uplifting, truthful environment.
Your Response Is Noted
Often, at the close of class, the teacher will bow their heads and say “namaste” to the class. If it moves you to do so, you would respond with “namaste” back. You may notice the other students around you saying it as well. Namaste is your teacher’s way of saying they honour the divinity in you. Your saying it back says you honour the divinity in them too.
Take What You Learned with You
Hopefully, your focus in class has little to do with etiquette and rules and much more to do with gaining a better understanding of both the practice and yourself. Most likely, you’ll feel a great sense of invigoration, peace, relaxation, and inspiration after class. If this is the case, there isn’t a better way to show gratitude to the teacher and honour the practice than to spread this sense of peace to others throughout your day.
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