How to make the most of your practice when you’re new to yoga.

A new year is about fresh starts and new beginnings. It reminds me of turning the page of a book and starting a new chapter. 

So many people look at the start of a new year as a time to focus on their health and wellness. If that’s you, I applaud and encourage you and look forward to helping you on your own health and wellness journey. Learn about the five pillars of health and wellness in this blog post. 

Movement and exercise are a vital part of our health and wellness. Yoga provides so many benefits to our physical, mental, and emotional health. I hope you plan to make yoga part of your fitness goals for the new year. 

If you’re new to yoga or coming back to your practice, you may be feeling hesitant or uncomfortable at the thought of walking into a yoga studio. Let me assure you that we are here to help and ready to welcome you to Razz Yoga. We love meeting new students and showing you how beneficial a yoga practice can be. 

We want all our Razz Yoga members, whether you’re coming for your first class or have been with us for years, to feel at home. If you are new, knowing what to expect and what you can do to make your experience the best it can be will help. 

What to do before and during yoga class. 

As with any new exercise program, you should talk with your doctor before starting a yoga practice. Yoga is safe and beneficial but must be practiced mindfully. As you practice more, you’ll become attuned to the cues your body gives you. Our instructors are highly trained and experienced with students new to practicing yoga, but your doctor can tell you if there are any poses you’ll need to modify or avoid. 

There are several to-do’s to keep in mind on the days you’ll be practicing. 

1 - Drink plenty of water. 

Be sure you sip water throughout the day, but avoid drinking a large amount before class. You’ll end up distracted by your full bladder at some point during class! If you’re taking our Heated Vinyasa class especially or any active class, you’ll need to keep water with you. For other types of yoga classes, it’s always optional.

2 - Tell your instructor about any health conditions or injuries. 

Yoga instructors provide their students with necessary modifications and correct their alignment. If you haven’t told your instructor about an injury or medical condition, there is a chance they may provide instructions that could cause you to injure yourself. 

Share any medical concerns or injuries before class, and make sure you let your instructor know if you are pregnant. 

3 - Dress comfortably to practice yoga. 

Your yoga clothing should be comfortable, stretchy, and breathable. Make sure it doesn’t constrict your movement or get in your way. Now is the time to choose comfort over fashion. 

Loose and lightweight clothing is a great choice for slower-paced classes. If you’re headed to an active yoga class like Mixed Level or Vinyasa, however, choose a pair of leggings, a supportive yoga bra, and a comfortable-fitting top. You won’t be distracted by your clothes and won’t need to tuck your shirt in when doing inversions. 

You may want to bring a hoodie or sweater with you to put on during Savasana. 

4 - Take a shower before class. 

Yoga philosophy tells us we should practice cleanliness inside and out. There is even a special name for this - saucha. It’s best to shower before your yoga class. Not only will you feel refreshed, but you’ll also be showing respect to those you’re sharing space with. Body odor is an unwelcome distraction.  We do have a shower at the new studio if you do need to rinse off before class, just please bring your own towel.

5 - Leave your shoes in the cubbies located in our lobby. 

Removing your shoes before entering the yoga room is another way to practice saucha. This ensures none of the dirt and germs on the bottom of your shoes enters the practice area. 

Yoga is typically practiced in bare feet. If you feel cold, you can keep your socks on until class starts or wear a pair of non-slip yogi socks. 

Yoga etiquette tips all new yogis need to know. 

Manners matter in all situations and yoga class is no different. In fact, we yogis have some etiquette rules that are specific to the practice of yoga. Following is a list of “dos” and “don’ts” that will make your class more enjoyable for you and your fellow students. 

1 - Do arrive on time.

Not only is arriving late distracting, but it can also be unsafe. Your instructor takes time for you to get grounded and present at the beginning of class.  There are also warm-up poses for students to complete that prepare you for more advanced poses. Attempting those poses without being properly prepared can result in injury. 

Arriving to class late and flustered also causes your stress levels to increase, negatively impacting your ability to enjoy your class. Try to arrive early to allow yourself plenty of time to change, roll out your map, and grab any props you need. 

2 - Don’t practice on a full stomach.

Avoid coming to yoga class with a full stomach. Ideally, wait 2-3 hours after a big meal to practice. You’ll have enough energy without feeling lethargic. 

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. 

3 - Don’t bring your phone.

To get the most out of your practice, remove as many distractions as possible. To be a respectful member of a yoga class, it’s vital that you don’t distract others. This means leaving your phone outside the studio space and limiting interaction with other members of the class while practicing. 

Our Razz Yoga community is part of what makes our studio a special place to practice. We offer plenty of opportunities before and after class to meet other members and socialize.

4 - Don’t judge yourself or compare yourself to others.

There is no room for judgment in yoga. Be gentle with yourself and avoid judging yourself or others. We all started somewhere! 

Some yoga students will be stronger, more flexible, or thinner than you are. That’s to be expected as everyone’s body and yoga experience are unique. Focusing on these differences will not enhance your practice. Instead, focus on your own practice. Recognize the hard work you are doing and celebrate your progress.  

5 - Don’t skip Savasana.

We’re all busy and looking for ways to save time. Skipping Savasana may seem like a good idea. After all, you’re just lying there doing nothing, right? 

Savasana is such a beneficial part of your practice. Many of us find it challenging to be still. Savasana allows us to completely relax our minds and bodies before jumping back into our busy lives. Take those few moments and give yourself the gift of stillness. 

We’re waiting to welcome you. 

The Razz Yoga community is here for you. If you are new to yoga, you’ve found the right place. If you’re returning to yoga after a long time away, you’ve found the right place. And if you’re an experienced yogi looking for a new home, you’re going to love our new space and this community. 

We’re thrilled to welcome our members back to in-person classes at our new space and equally excited about welcoming new members to the Razz Yoga family. 

If you’re not a member of Razz Yoga, join us for our 21 Day Introductory Offer. We’d love to share our home with you.