15 TOP TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST YOGA CLASS
#1 ARRIVE 15MINS EARLY + AVOID STRESS
There’s nothing worse than arriving to your first yoga class feeling stressed out because you’re running late. We recommend arriving 15mins early so we can show you around, complete a quick health questionnaire and also give you time to discuss any injuries with your teacher.
Top Tip: If you are running late - please arrive ‘quietly’ and be sure to check in with the teacher after class. The studio door is locked 5mins after the class start time.
#2 BYO YOGA MAT + straps
You’ll need a yoga mat for your first class. You can purchase high-quality yoga mats at the studio for approximately $100, or alternatively - you can borrow one for your first class. If you’re on a budget - there are cheaper options at Target, Kmart, Rebel etc. Yoga is practiced in bare feet and comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. Layers are a good option as it’s likely you’ll warm up significantly in your class, but will need to rug up for savasana (relaxation) at the end.
#3 Let us know it’s your first class
Every studio is different! We’d love to help you get the best out of your first class - so just let us know if you’re new to the studio and that it’s your first class so we can show you how to check in, let you know where our props live, and take some time to ask about any injuries or answer any questions you have.
Top Tip: When you take a different teacher’s class for the first time - just let them know you are new to the studio and introduce yourself so we can help you get the most out of your practice.
#4 DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT
Phones, smart-watches, fitbits etc are intentionally designed to hook your attention and keep you coming back for more…. We have a “leave your phone outside” policy… but we also encourage you to take off your smart-watch as well. You’ve come here to unwind, meditate, move and be mindful. If you own a smart-watch - you’ve probably already experienced a time when you’ve been completely focussed, then your wrist vibrates and your brain automatically tells you to look at the watch.
Top Tip: Pop your phone on silent and leave it in your bag/locker. Turn your smart-watch onto airplane mode to avoid those pesky notifications mid meditation. (If you are on call and need access to your phone during class just let the teacher know).
#5 AVOID DRINKING WATER IN CLASS
In gym settings, we’ve been conditioned to take a 1 or 2 min water break and think of it as a reward for ‘working hard’…. Whilst drinking small amounts of water during exercise can help to remain hydrated, in the yoga setting we are focusing on the mind, connecting with the breath, and trying to establish a moving meditation. When you stop for ‘drink breaks’, you essentially break your concentration and dampen the energetic fire called “Agni”.
Top Tip: Hydrate before class. Avoid drinking water during class unless you are feeling light-headed, are pregnant, or have low blood pressure.
#6 PRACTICE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH
Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. Forward bends, twists, core work and inversions can be challenging and trying to do these postures after eating will generally impede your ability to move freely. If you’re coming to a 7.30pm class - we recommend having a bigger lunch and then a light snack around 5pm. Soups or leftovers are a good option for dinner on nights when you attend a late class.
Top Tip: Avoid eating 2 hours before class. Having a bliss ball, some nuts or something else light is a great option if needed before class.
#7 KICK OFF YOUR SHOES BABY!
When you enter the studio, please remove your shoes and socks in reception and place them in a locker or under the bench seat. Yoga is always practiced with bare feet, it also helps to keep the yoga studio clean and in some cultures - signifies sacred space.
Top Tip: Practicing in bare feet helps you to reestablish proprioception with all the tiny muscles in your feet - improving your foot strength and balance.
#8 STAY FOR SAVASANA
Whilst some people absolutely LOVE the last part of class known as savasana (literally ‘corpse pose’), for others, this can be the most challenging part of the entire class! If you suffer anxiety, trauma, or just feel stressed when you lie down, try sitting in meditation or chat with us so we can give you options.
Top Tip: Savasana is the time when your nervous system gets to receive the benefits of the practice.
#9 TAKE IT TO YOUR OWN LEVEL
Whether you’re just starting out, a seasoned yogi, or have an injury - one of the core teachings of yoga is to practice Ahimsa or ‘non-violence’. We can think of practicing non-violence in our approach as how we view our body and our thoughts on the yoga mat. At Younga Yoga, we will often give you options to use props or to work with different variations of postures so that you can practice in a way that supports a sustainable approach. If you notice yourself straining, or that your breathing is not easeful, try to rest or use a prop for greater ease. Right from your first yoga class, you will often be faced with a choice to rest, challenge yourself, or find the sweet spot in the middle. Try to listen to your body & not get too caught up in what other people are doing around you.
Top Tip: The advanced yogi is the person that is wise enough to modify their practice to strike a balance of effort and ease without straining.
#10 YOGA STARTS WITH THE BREATH
Many newcomers to yoga are surprised that it can sometimes feel the complete opposite of relaxation! As you move your body through the practice, try to breathe in and out through your nose unless the teacher instructs you otherwise. We’re aiming for the breath to have a sense of fullness, length and ease.
Top Tip: Anytime you notice you’ve lost connection to the breath - take a moment in child’s pose or modify the posture with a prop (the teacher will give you options as well).
#11 PROP IT UP!
We have blocks available at the studio which are a handy tool for many postures - especially if you have tight hips, tight hamstrings, or find it difficult to sit up straight. Bolsters (which are like a mega-sized cushion) are used for yin and prenatal - just grab a clean pillowslip before using your bolster.
#12 BOOKING & CHECKING IN
Pre-booking is required for all classes. You can do this on the day or up to a week in advance. When you arrive simply check-in via the iPad at the front desk.
#13 WHAT TO DO IF I NEED TO CANCEL
You can cancel your studio classes easily via the Younga Yoga App. We have a 2hr cancellation policy. If you cancel after the 2hr period a late fee will apply for IN-STUDIO classes.
#14 HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FIRST CLASS
Vinyasa is a great option if you are looking for a flowing class that incorporates functional movement, strength, flexibility, connection to breath, and alignment. Vinyasa classes are ideal for those who are able to get up and down off the floor with ease, for those who want a mix of dynamic movements, mindfulness, alignment instruction, and relaxation. Philosophy teachings are often woven into the practice to help you bring meaning from your yoga practice beyond the mat for an inspired life!
Yin is a great option if you would like a floor-based class that gives you time to settle into the postures. These are ideal if you are returning to yoga after a long break, want to slow down, or have knee or shoulder injuries. You are free to move out of the posture if it becomes uncomfortable, or use props to help you find more ease in your body.
#15 TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
We put together this awesome little virtual studio tour to show you around and help you feel more at ease knowing what to expect for your first visit. It’s normal to feel anxious when visiting a new space - but we’re here to help!
