Before Mikayla was born I was going to yoga around 3 times a week and the gym once a week. It was nuts, but I loved it.
Yoga for me was more than a workout it was an hour out of my day where I could bliss out, have a mindful moment, slow down and rest. I had a membership at Yyoga and I had one class during a lunch break, one right after work and the YHot class after dinner on Sunday. My favourite classes were Hatha, YHot with Music and Power.
I wasn’t always a yoga nerd. I remember taking a yoga class in highschool for gym and HATED IT. It was so weird, awkward and I was so self-conscious. Then in college, it was a required class. Yes, Yoga was required. I went to school for radio broadcasting and we had to take a class based on the book Freeing The Natural Voice by Kristin Linklater. Super hippy dippy. We did Yoga to learn about breath, and how it helped us project our voices and use them properly. The concept was different, but I actually enjoyed it.
After graduating, I continued yoga and that was 7 years ago.
Walking into a yoga studio for the very first time can be intimidating. It can feel like walking into a boutique, and no one but the store staff are in there chatting away. A yoga studio can feel like that but it doesn’t mean that the staff aren’t friendly. Another thing to remember is not everyone who goes to yoga has to be super flexible, yoga is for every body and for all fitness levels. To me it was more about challenging your mind and getting over how different it was. So just go into it with an open mind.
Here’s what to expect at your first class:
Go to class 15 minutes early.
Check in, or sign up at the front desk. Go to the change room and change into comfortable clothes. People normally wear luon or stretchy clothes that are tight because it stays on their body. So when you bend forward, your shirt doesn’t fall into your face. Just tuck your shirt in the front if you’re wearing a loose one.
If you’re still super early, just hang out. I liked YYoga because they had tea and a sitting area. so I’d bring a book or grab a magazine and read for a bit with tea. It was like escaping to the spa for a bit.
Walk into the studio, if you’re comfortable, just introduce yourself to the teacher and let them know it’s your first time.
Find a spot your comfortable with and roll out your mat.
Sometimes, there are blocks or bolsters you can borrow. If other people have them on their mats then feel free to borrow them too. Usually they’re available for your to borrow in each studio.
Sit on your mat, or lay down and wait till class starts.
Class Structure
This varies, depending on what kind of class you take, but the best kind of beginner class to go to is a Hatha class.
The teacher will ask everyone to sit up nice and tall, cross legged usually or however you’re comfortable with your hands to heart’s centre, chakra – or with your hands pressed together like you’re praying. I like to close my eyes here.
Class will start with one big breath in and a loud exhale. Don’t be shy! Just let it all go.
After a couple breaths, the teacher will ask everyone to take a breath in and exhale with an ohm. Again, don’t be shy. There is no proper tune or note. You just exhale and hold a note saying OOOOHHHHMMMMMmmmm. I liked listening to how everyone’s breath and ohm was different.
Then silence. Then the poses begin.
With each pose don’t forget to inhale and exhale with each movement. BREATHE. And if you ever feel dizzy, tired or if you feel any sharp pain. Just stop. Sit on your mat. Take a break.
Yoga shouldn’t be painful. Each stretch and pose may feel uncomfortable expecially if you haven’t stretched like that before. But not painful. So don’t forget to breathe.
During the entire class, my eyes are usually closed. I’ll open them to see each pose and what the instructor is doing. But usually my eyes are closed thoughout the practice.
Class ends with Savasana or Corpse Pose. This is where you lay on your back and your breathing can relax and be your normal breath. Just rest in this pose. Sometimes the teacher will go through a guided meditation with everyone, keep an open mind.
The teacher will end the class sitting down crossed legged, with an intention and a deep bow, thank you, Namaste!
Amanda is wearing: Top: Lululemon – Free To Be Serene, Bottoms: Lolë – Livy Legging
Amanda is a writer, photographer, videographer and a content creator with a passion for sharing stories. With her family of 5, they share experiences, tips and ideas that empower Moms to make memories with their families right here in British Columbia.
