Trying something new can be challenging. Half of the time the hardest part is just getting yourself to take the leap and actually get started. This is especially true for yoga.

You might be feeling a little vulnerable and hesitant about walking into a class where you probably don’t know anyone and where you don’t know what you are going to be doing. That’s completely normal and hopefully this article will help you walk into your first yoga class with confidence and ease. Here are some of the things you should do prior to going to your first yoga class to prep for your first class.

Refrain from Using Lotions.

This is so important and very commonly overlooked. Wearing lotion will cause a couple of problems. The first problem is that it will make you super slippery which will make it very difficult to stay put on your mat. Be extra cautious of your hands and feet but if possible keep all of the uncovered parts of your body lotion-free. There might be times when you are laying down, kneeling and so on and it will cause your lotion to transfer very quickly to your hands or directly onto the mat. It can really make your yoga session uncomfortable and frustrating whether it’s your first class or your hundredth.

The second problem is that it can get in the way of your sweat. Sweating is a way that your body detoxifies so make sure you aren’t wearing any heavy lotions that might clog your pores.

 

Schedule Your Meals Properly

Remember that yoga is a physical activity. Eating right before your class can cause a lot of discomfort and difficulty with your practice. If you wait too long between meals though, you might feel faint and low on energy.

Everybody is different but try to not eat anything at least 45 minutes before any regular yoga classes and a couple of hours before a hot yoga session. This allows you enough time to get digestion started but will not leave you feeling too hungry.

 

Dress Appropriately

Know what kind of yoga you are taking and make sure you dress to match that style of yoga. For example if you are doing a hot yoga class you want to make sure you are wearing workout shorts and a light, thin shirt. Regardless of the yoga style make sure all of your clothes are stretchy, fit well, and are not see-through. You might want to try moving around in the clothes you are going to wear before you go to your class. If you are unsure of what to wear you can always call the yoga studio you plan to attend and ask them.

 

Make Sure You Have Everything

Call the yoga studio and ask if you need to bring any props, a mat, towels, etc. Other things you will probably need include a change of clothes, a water bottle, and possibly some change for a locker.

So there you have it! Hopefully you are feeling a little bit more confident about heading over to your first yoga class. Good luck!