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First yoga class, what to expect
Over the past couple weeks, my knees and feet have been a little achy. I have iced and taken it easy as I really have no races coming up. I think part (or most) of the problem is I don't do much other then running. So I have been working on doing some videos (usually a Bob Harper or Jillian Michaels) at home on non running days.
In the past I have done some yoga DVD's (Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown, Biggest Losers Yoga for weighloss, and Bethenny Frankels) and really enjoyed them, but I am pretty sure that they're not exactly what a yoga class is like. I am going next Saturday to a class at a yoga studio. It is a beginners class, but are there any tips or suggestions you have for me? I am always intimidated going in to a class not knowing what to expect.
Re: First yoga class, what to expect
I'm kind of in the same boat. I usually do yoga DVDs at home (same as the ones you listed above and actually just ordered the Bob Harper one last night) and never been to a studio until a few weeks ago.
When I went, I was hoping to hide in the back of the class. Well it turned out it was just me and one other girl but it worked out well. We got lots of one on one attention from the teacher. It was a guy with dreadlocks. He was great at correcting my poses, etc. So I really enjoyed it.
I think your experience will depend largely on the teacher you get. I really liked the guy, he taught what he called "flow yoga" which is more of a workout than just standing around in poses.
Have fun & good luck!
Yoga is personal. It's about personal growth and experience. Don't look at others and judge yourself based on what they are doing.
If you know of your preexisting injuries, adjust accordingly. Don't do a move just because you can if it's going to hurt. I have been doing yoga for years and there are a couple moves I sit out because I know they kill my back. Don't be afraid to take the option or just ... sit.
There are MANY types of yoga, so don't let this one discourage you if you don't like it. Have a water bottle, hair tie, mat, and a towel if you need it. Get there a little early so you have time to grab a spot and look around. Many people that arrive early will just sit in child's pose and practice deep breathing for a bit.
All in all, it's should be calm and relaxing, but still force your muscles to work a bit. Everyone is at different levels and difference experiences with different injuries. Know that there will be people there that can do things you can't and vice versa. It's an hour or two for YOURSELF. Enjoy it.
If it is a beginner class, you should be fine going into it - especially if you have done some DVDs and are familiar with the concept of some of the poses.
Wear clothes that are easy to move in, but steer away from overly baggy t-shirts. They will ride up in some of the inverted poses (like downward facing dog).
It's tempting to be in the back, but I've found that the best place to be in unfamiliar classes is somewhere near the middle. Many of the poses face the side or back of the room, so if you are in the middle, you should always have somebody else to watch.
Have fun!
Oh, yeah! I agree with PP on the clothing. Make sure that whatever top your doing will stay put.. Sun Salutations are utilized in almost all forms of yoga now and downward facing dog will cause the shirt to ride up/down showing tummy if it's too loose (you may already be aware of this if you have been doing yoga DVDs). Just be aware that some instructors find it distracting for their students to mess with/adjust clothing during class... So try to wear more fitted stuff to avoid this.
I just recently wrote a post about this very topic. I started yoga in January and it's totally changed my life. But I wished someone had given me the etiquette rules beforehand. Good luck!
http://careergirlnetwork.com/yoga-tips-for-beginners-from-a-beginner/
jsut a lurker and answering late but definately talk to the instructor when you get there about the issues you're having wtih your feet. i have a shoulder issue and have been doing yoga for more than a year. informing the instructor before class of any issues (or anywhere that needs special attention) will let them know what you're looking for and what you can avoid and they'll show you modifications too-or ask you do special things like curl your toes under if you sit in child's pose etc. which is a great stretch for the feet.
bring a water bottle, a mat, something for your hair. i always bring a hand towel as well-my hands sometimes get sweaty and it's good to have one just to wipe them off. i know at our place we take our shoes off before we enter the studio area so that we dont' track dirt in.
have fun!!!