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Ive been practicing yoga for years, but even I know that yoga can be especially daunting for the uninitiated. Being new in a yoga class is like entering a new dimensionto boldly go where no non-yogi has ever gone before. But heres where youre in luck: Ive come up with a guide of how to handle yoga class like a certified yogi. Or, rather, how NOT tothe mistakes that lots of newbies make that you should decidedly avoid. Consider this mishmash a list of pet peeves and also general life pointers. And for those of you who do yoga regularlydefinitely let me know if Ive missed anything in the comments!
Mistake: Keeping Your Shoes On
Im a self-professed shoe addict, so I totally get that the perfect pair of sneaks can pull a whole gym look together but that stops at the door of your yoga class. Theres a strict no shoes rule in all yoga classes. Youll have your hands, feet and entire body on and off the mat at some point throughout the class, and you dont want to drag the street into the studio and roll around in it. If you worry about the safety of your beloved shoes, stash them in your gym bag and tuck them away in the cubby (almost all yoga studios offer this space).
Mistake: Keeping Your Cell Phone On
Picture this: Youre deep in your savasana when a familiar ring tone starts blaring. Hey, its happened to the best of us but even so, the shuffle of shame to your bag as everyones zen bubble bursts around you is pretty excruciating. Save yourself the agony and turn your phone completely off. Or, better yet, dont bring it to class at all!
Mistake: Letting It All Hang Out
A yoga class is full of twists, standing forward folds, straddles, inversionsIm talking a ton of movement. This may sound counterintuitive, but tighter clothes actually leave more to the imagination than baggy ones. Thats because with baggy clothes, you stand a better chance of them slipping or falling or gappingbasically, an invitation for anyone to look up your shorts or down your shirt anytime you go into Downward Dog or Happy Baby. And while were on the topic, dont forget the sheer check, either. Some yoga pants can be a bit, ah, translucent when you bend overso Id recommend the bend over check before you shell over your money for any new pants.
Mistake: Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else
Youll only ever be a beginner once, so enjoy the journey young Jedi! Its easy to walk into a yoga room overwhelmed with the abilities of others around you. Youll only get yourself into trouble through comparison, though, because that often leads to jealousyand that might make you tackle poses that youre not ready for. Try to flip the coin by seeing inspiration instead. You can learn so much by observing other peoples talents. Trust that if you apply yourself and show up regularly your practice will thrive.
Mistake: Being an Attention Monger
Easy with the drama! Its important to focus on your breath and connect to the moment, but do what you can to avoid the look at me show. Dramatic sighs, loud exhales of breath and breathing that can be heard 2 city blocks away is overboard. My teacher always taught that your breathing should only be loud enough for you to hear on your mat. Remember yoga is a personal practice and just because youre having a bad day and feel the need to sigh it out doesnt mean the rest of the room wants to share in that experience.
Mistake: Losing Track of Your Personal Space
Many popular yoga classes will pack their students in like sardines, which can mean you might be mat to mat with other students. This means you need to up your spatial awareness as you flow through your poses. Theres a strong likelihood that youll smack or get smacked, but you can decrease those chances by keeping your movements within the island of your mat. Im a huge fan for challenging yourself and stepping outside of your comfort zone, but when it comes to kicking up into poses, if youre in close quarters to someone elsebe thoughtful! The last thing you want to do is fall over onto someone else mat (or body) and cause a domino effect. Trust me, Ive seen it and its not such a pretty sight!
Mistake: Packing Up Early
Savasana is the final pose of a yoga practice, and it involves lying on your back for about 5 minutes to absorb the practice and calm the mind. This is a pivotal part of the practice followed by a meditation or closing words from teacher to keep you in the right mindset from the rest of the day. I understand that people cant always stay for the duration of the class, but please, PLEASE dont decide to leave in the middle of everyones rest. It is crazy-making to watch a student nosily roll up their mat, collect their stuff (which generally insinuates bag ruffling and keys jiggling) only towait for itslam the door shut on their way out. Are those 5 minutes really going to make or break your schedule?! I dare say youve missed the beautiful message of yoga at this point. That everything is exactly as it should be, there is no rush and youre right where you need to be. If you must leave class early, tell the teacher at the beginning of class, make time for your own savasana, set up near the door and leave before savasana as to not disturb the class.
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