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Rhode Island Monthly /  April 2008 /  Om School /  Tips for Beginners

Tips for Beginners

It’s normal to feel a little confused or intimidated by your first yoga class. We asked Joan Dwyer, owner of All That Matters, for some neophyte advice.

1 Wear clothes you can move in:
A T-shirt and lounge pants are a good bet for most classes; for a power class, you may want to wear a tank and shorts.

2 Get a mat:
Check with the studio to see if it provides mats for complimentary use or rent (most do). If not, consider investing in one.

3 Eat only lightly before class:
Don’t practice on a full stomach. Have a small snack an hour or two before class for an energy boost that won’t weigh you down.

4 Listen to your intuition:
Don’t push yourself beyond what feels safe and comfortable for your body.

5 Stay hydrated:
Like massages, some postures release stored toxins in the body; drink lots of water before and after class to cleanse the body and replace Hb0 lost via sweat.

6 Arrive early:
Give yourself ample time to check in, find a comfortable space, gather proper props like a strap or block, and start to center yourself.

7 Check in with the teacher:
Let your instructor know if you have injuries or limitations so she can demonstrate modifications and alert you to postures you’ll want to avoid.

8 Rest if you need to:
It’s okay to take  breaks throughout class—just transition into a resting pose recommended by your instructor.

9 Don’t give up:
It’s normal to feel uncomfortable during your first class or two. It takes time to learn the postures and adjust to the teacher’s style.

10 Try something new:
Yoga types and instructor preferences vary widely, so if you’ve tried a few sessions and you’re still not feelin’ it, try switching to another type of class or teacher.

—Jenna Pelletier

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