It can be slightly intimidating to see yoga students strutting to class with the perfect outfit, the right equipment, and no nerves at all about expertly performing each pose and movement.
Don’t stress about it — a little prep will get you started on the right foot as you take the first steps on your yoga journey.
Yoga is not just for your body, but also for your mind and spirit. Let’s go over the physical things to pack, and also what kinds of attitudes, emotions, and behaviors should be part of your checklist to support a rewarding yoga practice.
Many studios will supply yoga blocks and mats, but feel free to bring your own. A workout towel is a good idea, and also be sure to bring enough water to keep yourself well hydrated during and after class.
When you attend a Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi class, you’ll find the studio is well-supplied with any equipment you may need throughout the class. Find a studio near you today, and book your first class.
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in, and yoga socks (with traction bumps on the sole).
It’s a good idea to bring your own water bottle.
Depending on the style of yoga you’re practicing, you may need other items for your yoga class ~ some of these items may be supplied, but it’s worth confirming in advance. These items include:
Once you have that all squared away, the only other thing to bring to class is your authentic self. Be ready to have an open mind, practice with intention, and experience the amazing benefits of yoga.
It’s easy to gather a few physical items together for class, but the rest of what you need requires some focus and intention. If you want to experience the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga, then your state of mind will play a critical role.
A positive attitude and an open mind will set the tone for your successful yoga practice. Realize you won’t be an expert right away — you may feel like you’re consistently failing at first.
You may have some early frustrations with your current strength, flexibility, or yoga skills. Your yoga practice is a journey; stay positive and watch yourself improve over time.
Focusing your attention on your own body can be harder than it sounds. It can be easy to let your attention wander to the people or environment around you.
Look inward. Focus on you.
Pay attention to your breathing — deep, steady breaths will help energize your body and mind.
Be aware of your body positioning and listen to your body. Don’t worry if you don’t look as “pro” as the others in your class. Your body will adapt at your own pace if you remain focused.
Even with the right attitude and focus, your yoga practice will still take time to develop. These are new movements and stretches, and your body needs to adapt to them.
Two or three classes a week will do wonders for your yoga practice. You can do a little practice on your own, too. Consider taking breaks from your desk to do a stretch or two, or practicing some stretching and breathing as part of your bedtime routine.
Your pace of progress is going to be unique to you. Perhaps you will notice only subtle improvements in the beginning — keep the faith, remain committed, and the results will come.
Take time to set your intentions for your yoga practice. Realize where you are starting, accept your current condition, and decide how you want to grow. Focusing on these intentions can help you get the most out of your yoga practice.
Perhaps you have been feeling very stressed and want to be more relaxed and present. Maybe your workouts have been going great, but you would like more flexibility in your lower body.
Create intentions both meaningful to you and realistic for you. Unrealistic expectations will set you up for frustration, and your progress may still feel like failure.
Directing your focus to the present is a key aspect of your yoga practice. Dwelling on the past or the future will take your attention away from your breathing and from what your body is feeling at this moment.
As you become present in your yoga practice, put all your intensity into each movement. The more energy you put into your practice, the more you’ll progress toward your goals.
Bringing your commitment to a consistent yoga practice is vital to making great progress and reaching your goals. How often you practice is up to you — there is no hard-and-fast rule — just ensure it is realistic for your schedule and is something you can stick to.
Even if you can only find space for two sessions per week, that is a great start.
Connecting with other yoga students is a great way to be accountable to each other. You can celebrate your progress and also support each other. Finding a local studio is easy, as Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi is offered at over 70 locations nationwide.
Yoga practitioners accept that everyone has different experiences, capabilities, and goals — making yoga class a welcoming space.
Take the important step to accept yourself as well. Don’t get preoccupied or self-conscious about how you look or how you will perform. This is your personal journey. Own it.
Having a community of people who accept you as you are and are supportive of your progress can be incredibly motivating, and can also give you a sense of accountability. You can share your successes and your challenges with others while creating rewarding human connections.
The more you pay attention to your mind, body, and spirit, the more aware you will become. Quiet your mind and listen to your body and your emotions. This may feel silly at first, but over time it will become easier and the benefits will become quite clear.
Deepen your understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Increasing your self-awareness is something everyday life does not always provide time for. Your yoga practice is your space to focus on yourself and develop your mindfulness.
As you are about to enter into a peaceful space of practice, there are some items of etiquette to keep in mind. These basic courtesies will show respect for the class and your fellow practitioners:
Yoga is an exercise for your body and your mind. You need to bring what you need to help your body perform, and you need to bring the right attitude and commitment to help your mind and spirit develop.
Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi instructors are dedicated to helping you create a deeper connection between your body and mind. Find a studio near you and join a community of people who have already taken the first step.