Yoga Class

Performing yoga through a yoga class is an educational and rewarding experience. Individuals may consider practicing at home with DVDs and books, but learning yoga under the tutelage of a qualified instructor is best, especially the first time. In addition, the community of spirit within a yoga class adds to the overall enjoyment of the practice.

Getting Started

• Clothing for this exercise should be slightly form fitting, as the body will be sideways, upside down and inverted through different poses. It doesn’t take long to work up a sweat during yoga class, so breathable fabrics are also helpful. There’s no need to invest a lot of money in yoga apparel, but being comfortable is important.

• Many classes provide the basics such as mats and props. However, it’s good to confirm exactly what equipment is available. After a few sessions, many individuals supplement the exercise with personal yoga equipment, once certain needs are identified.

• Don’t hesitate to ask for blocks for better positioning, rounds for wrist support or an extra strap to lengthen into a pose. The instructor may notice a need for assistance, but listen to your body. It’s much more advisable to ease into postures and use props rather than force the body into bad form.

• Other helpful items to bring to class include plenty of water, a towel, socks or slippers (although yoga should be performed in bare feet, some people don’t like to do that or get cold) and maybe a moist towelette.

• Try not to eat one-to-two hours before class, as yoga is best performed on an empty stomach. If you must have a little something, eat half of an energy bar, a piece of fruit or drink a big glass of water.

Do What You Can Do

Yoga classes, even those at a beginner’s level, feature a variety of people, each with a different level of fitness. Don’t compete. While it may seem amazing that a 70-year-old man can do a freeform headstand but you can’t lift your legs off the floor, the basic philosophy of yoga encourages exploration within the self.

Of course, you want to improve and go deeper into the poses, but remember that it’s only you and your body. Learn the proper technique and enjoy the participation of others for what they add to the class.

Terms and Etiquette

Here are a few terms you might hear in session:

• Asana – a pose or posture. Each pose has a specific name, which also sometimes ends with the word asana.
• Chakras – the seven energy centers within the body.
• Namaste – an Indian acknowledgement meaning "I bow to the divine in you." Instructors commonly say this at the beginning or end of session while slightly bowing the head and shoulders with the palms together in front of the heart, and members of the class may say it in return if they wish. Not to be tossed around like “hello” or “goodbye,” the term is a reminder of the spiritual root of yoga.
• Prana – life force.

Points of class etiquette include:

• Place your mat a respectable distance from your neighbor. Unless it’s a crowded class, this gives all of you room to perform postures comfortably.
• If using communal equipment, wipe the sweat off. The suggested towel and moist towelette weren’t exactly for your benefit. If the session was quite rigorous, wipe off the evidence.
• Keep chatting to a minimum. The atmosphere of a yoga class is often quite tranquil, accented by gentle music and the soft voice of the instructor. This peaceful environment is beneficial to everyone. If you’re there with a friend, whisper or catch up after session.

Where to Find A Yoga Class

In the past 10 years, yoga in all forms has become very popular in the United States. In addition to private yoga studios, yoga is taught at fitness clubs, colleges and high schools, senior centers and through community ed. Classes are often offered in six-to-eight week sessions, with a payment required in full up front, and fees vary based on location, instructor and method.

Finding a class that’s right for you requires a little experimentation. While some may feel very comfortable at a yoga studio, others might feel intimidated if members of the class seem more advanced. A bad instructor at a fitness club may not guide a practitioner properly, resulting in injury and forever souring the experience.

If you’ve just started to explore the world of yoga, try a single session or two at different places. Talk with the instructor in advance, and understand that you’re there to observe and flow with the movements as best you can.

Eventually, you’ll find the perfect fit and discover the many advantages of a regular yoga practice.

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