Things You Need To Know Before Starting Yoga

Yoga is one of the most exciting practices there is. And its awareness is spreading like wildfire around the world.  More and more people are becoming curious about how stretching can solve a lot of problems.

More than just a trendy way to exercise, yoga may look tough, but there’s no need for you to reach a level of flexibility or have a specific type of body before practicing it.

If you’re thinking of some ways of reducing your stress or wondering what it’s like to try a yoga class, here’s what you should know before going. When you are just starting yoga, you’ll probably be asking what you should wear, what you should bring, and how to prepare yourself.

Here are tips and things you should know before starting yoga.

What You Should Know Before Your First Yoga Class

If you decided to join a yoga class, here’s what to know.

Everybody is different from one another

This is why what you see one person doing today may seem different from what others can do. Yoga is more than just the “doing” part. There will be times when you feel bendy and strong and times where your breath is on point. This will change every time.

Yoga isn’t just about the physical workout

There’s also the non-physical aspects. Do you find your mind wandering? Is your breathing deep? Yoga is also about acknowledging where you are today. So stop comparing yourself to other people in the studio or your own set expectations. Yoga is just being where you are at then finding the area that’s between challenge and comfort.

What You Need To Get Started

With yoga, all you really need is the floor and your body, but if you are going to be at a studio, you will need some of these:

Blocks

Check with your studio first if they have blocks. These are encouraged as they can help aid you in deepening some postures.

Mat

Just like blocks, find out if your studio has one. If you already own one, you can bring it if you can. If not, you can invest in your own quality mat and buy online from Shopee. Choose one that’s well-made and supportive. This provides you with long-term durability and good traction.

Strap

Again, studios often have straps. These are great to use if you have limited range in your chest, have tight shoulders, or have trouble reaching your toes.

Water Bottle

If you signed up for hot yoga, be sure to bring some water.

What To Wear

If you’re thinking of getting designer yoga gear before heading to class, you’re wrong. You can simply wear items that you already have. Just keep things simple.

Shoes

Often, yoga is done barefoot. But you will occasionally see people with a shoe or a sock on. This is often from an injury or a medical condition. If you’re uncomfortable with the thought of taking your shoes off in front of strangers, you can wear yoga socks instead. These have non-slip grips to help prevent your feet from slipping off the mat.

Pants

There are all sorts of yoga pants. And there’s no need to go and buy a special pair before you go to your first yoga class. If you have comfortable shorts or exercise pants, these will do. Just avoid pants with fabrics that don’t stretch like jeans.

Once you’re done with some classes, you can then buy yourself some looser, longer, shorter, higher waisted or not falling down when you do a stretch.

Tops

Baggy shirts or any loose top doesn’t suit yoga since it slides down every single time you bend over. As such, it’s best that you find a shirt that’s a bit fitted. You can also wear sleeveless tops since they allow freedom of movement, especially in the shoulders and arms. Lastly, you can wear whichever kind of bra you like.

What To Know

Sign up to a beginner class

If you’re just starting out, it’s best that you attend a beginner class. This way, you can get yourself comfortable with any of the postures before you dive into the advanced class.

Eat on time

Before you start practicing yoga, it’s important that your bowels and stomach are empty. Leave a gap of around two to four hours between your workout and your last meal.

Don’t do yoga on a full stomach. This will hinder your practice. With yoga, you can expect yourself to hop and twist in some poses so your stomach shouldn’t be digesting something heavy. However, if you’re starving, have a banana at least 20 minutes before class starts.

Do it for yourself

Yoga can offer you the break that you need. You may find yourself being focused and introspective. As you continue with your yoga practice, you’ll indulge in what feels good for you. You can also experiment so you can discover new stuff about you. Do what you think is best for you and for your health. Each person’s body is different.

Pay attention to your breathing

Breathing and postures go hand in hand with yoga. It’s important that you coordinate your movements each time you exhale and inhale. This can help you relax your body and focus your mind.

Don’t stress if you can’t do a certain pose

Your teacher provides the instructions on how to modify poses, and if it’s not working for you, you can skip it. If you need a break, you can just rest in the Child’s Pose, a basic yoga pose.

There can be soreness after your first class

Yoga can work your muscles that are not usually used even if you regularly do sports. In case you feel pain in your ligaments or joints after yoga (compared to just the overall muscle soreness), you may have injured yourself. If you feel that the pain persists or worsens after a few days, go see a doctor.

So next time you go to a yoga class, push yourself but don’t force a pose you cannot do.