WHAT TO EXPECT IN A YOGA LESSON

Beginners Yoga Class Practice

If you have never taken a yoga lesson this blog will help you know what to expect. Taking beginners group classes is a good place to start. You’ll benefit from the experience and energy of the others around you, and be surprised at how helpful and open other yoga students are.

Arrive at classes ahead of time and find a place to lay your mat and get settled, leaving your personal belongings (water bottles, shoes, keys etc.) aside and out of the way to avoid tripping hazards during the practice. It can be very distracting when someone’s water bottle rolls across your mat while you attempt a challenging standing pose.

Bring your own yoga mat, it will become your new home base, and bring one or two foam yoga blocks to help extend your reach as you stretch out in some standing poses, you’ll find this very helpful if you are not very flexible yet.

Hydrate yourself well before practice rather than during it. Adequate hydration is a very important aspect of all health regimens. Dehydration impairs brain function so your balance may be affected.

Classes begin with everyone seated in yogi position, also known as Padmasana, or Lotus.

Here is where you will set your intention for the practice. Close your eyes and begin the slow deep breathwork

known as pranayama to calm you and prepare you for the breathwork techniques that accompany each asana.

After an inspirational and encouraging introduction the teacher will have the class stand and begin the practice

with Surya Namaskara, the Sun Salutatation, as shown in the paintbrush drawings below.

TadasanaThe opening asana in the Sun Salutation flow.

Stand in Tadasana, eyes closed, shoulders drawn back, breathing smoothy and steadily.

Utthitta TadasanaExtended Mountain Asana

The second asana in the Sun Salutation sequence.

Follows Tadasana, and provides a good stretching of the back, chest, arms and core muscles.

UttanasanaUttanasana is the third asana in the Sun Salutation sequence.

This is a deep standing forward fold, bending from the waist, bringing the head to the knees and the hands to touch the floor, if possible.

Ardha UttanasanaStanding Half Forward Fold

The fourth asana in the Sun Salutation sequence, provides a deep forward half fold and stretch of the legs and back.

Adho MukhaSvanasana

Downward Facing Dog

This is another of the asana that provide a good forward stretch of the spine and legs while engaging your core to held you up in the asana, strengthens the back, shoulders and core muscles.

PlankThis is a favorite pose of mine, it looks like there is not a lot going on, but the overall strength required to hold Plank for a period of time is something to build on. Engaging the core muscles, building strength in the shoulders, back and arms, and also strengthening your confidence in yourself and your blossoming yoga practice.

Chaturanga DandasanaFrom Plank asana you’ll lower down into four limbed staff and hold the asana while maintaining your breathwork, slowly and fully inhale and exhale, checking your alignment, and form.

Urdhva MukhaSvanasanaUpward Facing Dog is a sweet change from the strength and energy needed to hold some of the previous asana that require strength and endurance. Give yourself a nice back massage here by swaying from side to side and doing a few shoulder lifts as you hold your “updog.”

TadasanaReturn to Mountain Pose and remain still, breathing slowly and fully.

Follow the directions of the yoga teacher. Close your practice with a long, restful Svanasana as this is where the magic happens. Do not rush out of class or you’ll miss out on the peacefulness and bliss of Svanasana.

Padmasana aka Lotus poseReturn to Lotus pose and just let your energy settle before you leave your practice for the day.

Daily practice, even just a few minutes, will keep your mind and body engaged and in tune with the yoga energy.

The more you practice, think about and talk about your yoga practice, the more engaged you will be, and your good energy will rub off on family and friends.