5 Steps to a Successful First Yoga Class
Whether you’ve been invited by a friend or simply decided you’d like to try a class, your first yoga class can bring feelings of excitement and nervous anticipation. I know any time I try something new, there is an undercurrent of unease, of simply not knowing what to expect. In case you’re having any of those feelings – whether it will be your first ever visit to Razz Yoga or just your first in a while, we want to help.
We LOVE welcoming new students to the studio. You’ll find everyone at Razz, from the front desk staff to our instructors and the other students, to be warm and ready to put you at ease quickly. Our community is so much a part of what makes us special and it’s one of the first things members always mention when they talk about what keeps them coming back.
Be assured you will be welcomed and guided through your first visit. There are also some things you can do to make your first class as successful as possible, in all ways. Today I’m going to share five of them with you.
Prep your hydration.
Hydration is so important, all day every day. It’s especially important to come to yoga class well hydrated. You will sweat, even in our more gentle classes, so you’ll want to focus on drinking water before and after class.
Drinking water before class does not mean chugging it on the way to the studio. This will lead to uncomfortable feelings of fullness, not what you want. Instead, focus on hydrating consistently throughout the day.
You may also want to add some electrolytes to boost your hydration levels, especially if you tend to sweat heavily. There are so many electrolyte supplements on the market that it can be challenging to know which is right for you. I have a few tips for you that will help you choose an electrolyte supplement that works for you but doesn’t contain anything you want to stay away from.
Choose a supplement that contains little to no sugar.
Make sure your supplement contains all the electrolytes you lose when you sweat - Sodium, Chloride, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium.
Choose single serving packets or tablets over large containers for convenience.
While most people find taking electrolyte supplements after their workout to be effective, if you are a particularly heavy or salty sweater, you may want to consider drinking yours before coming to class.
Fuel smart.
Avoid coming to yoga class with a full stomach. You’ll want to wait 2-3 hours to practice after eating anything heavy. Plan to steer clear of eating anything that might upset your stomach.
Don’t come to class too hungry, either. If it’s been a good while since your last meal, grab a small, healthy snack like a handful of nuts or some fruit. That will give you enough energy without causing you to feel lethargic.
Get your gear essentials.
You don’t need much in the way of special equipment to practice yoga, but there are a few basics you’ll need. Bring a yoga mat and towel with you as well as any props you might want to use, like a yoga blanket or bolster.
Choose comfortable yoga clothes that allow you to move with ease. It will take time to find what works best for you and your practice so don’t spend too much time or money worrying about specific brands or types of clothing.
Bring an open mind.
You’ll enjoy your first yoga class and have a much greater chance of feeling successful if you come with an open mind. You’re trying something new and getting out of your comfort zone and that is to be celebrated!
Concentrate on simply being with your body and your breath without any expectations of how it’s going to go. Be open to being surprised and surprising yourself during this first practice.
Disconnect from judgment.
Razz Yoga is a studio free of judgment. You don’t need to worry about instructors or fellow students judging you, your body, or your practice. They’ll expect the same courtesy from you.
Everyone comes to the studio for themselves, for their own reasons and for their own practice. Keep your focus on you and your practice, not any of the students around you.
Coming to your first yoga class takes courage and the willingness to try something new. Be open to all the ways practicing yoga can benefit your health and wellness, body, mind, and soul. Practicing with a community like ours makes it fun, too!
If you’re not yet a member of our Razz Yoga community, we have a special intro offer just for you that allows you to attend unlimited studio classes for 30 days! We’d love to share our home with you and help you reach balance on and off the mat.