Are you new to yoga? Do not worry.

Here are the most frequently asked questions and answers to help you to experience your first yoga class.

I didn’t fall in love with yoga in my first class because there was so much going on and trying to understand the movements, cues, breathing and keeping my focus on myself. I felt super shy so didn’t answer the teacher when she asked if anyone was a beginner. It was obvious that I had no clue as the class progressed. It took a few classes to notice how different I felt when I was off the mat in my day-to-day. I realised it was impacting me in ways I couldn’t articulate yet other than knowing I could feel the difference mentally and physically.

How do you find a beginners yoga class?

Most studios offer an introductory offer solely focused on beginners. I would highly recommend signing up for one of these as the classes will be at a slower pace so you can become familiarised with the poses. They are usually a block of 4-6 weeks at the same time every week. It's a really safe environment to learn the basics, and slowly progress with the same group of students.

The studios will usually have a follow on introductory offer to get you into the regular open level or beginner classes. It's worth spending a bit of time chatting to the front of house team to find out more. They will be able to guide you to the best classes to attend and explain the level system to you. There are many types of yoga as well as levels.

Joining a regular beginner or open level class at a studio?

I would recommend arriving early for your first couple of classes. It gives you time to be orientated with the space and not feel rushed making your way into the studio to set up your mat.

Most studios have mats provided for students. If it's a smaller community class or in a location not always used for yoga, it's best to call in advance to check. The mats are in the studios and there is an antibacterial spray that you can use on them before and after your use.

Traditional studios will ask you to take your shoes off when you arrive. There is space to pop your shoes into. If you're worried about leaving your shoes at the front then simply slip them off and take them to your locker/pop them into your bag.

Speak to the teacher before class begins. Teachers do normally ask at the start of class if there are any beginners or injuries just so they can offer modified poses or assist the student in the class.

Ask if there are any props needed for the class. Sometimes the props and mats will be set up before hand so you can just take a spot. Some teachers will tell you to get a strap, block or bolster for the class. All props are great. Don't see a prop as a negative. They can help keep great alignment which is far more important than letting the ego feel like you don't want to use one. I love using them as they help my practice.

Don't bring your phone into the studio space. If you do make sure it is in flight mode/no sound/switched off. It's a time to be focused on your mind and body with no distractions. It's important to be respectful to those around you and the teacher. Nobody wants to hear a ringtone or pinging sound for emails coming in.

Take a towel if you know you sweat a lot. It can be good to have it at the top of the mat to wipe away any sweat.

If you're worried about using a studio yoga mat you can get a yoga towel which you can sometimes rent at a studio or buy at a reasonable price. It is a cloth with grips on the underside so you can place it on top of the mat and practice. Then after practice, it can be washed in the washing machine along with your normal washing.

Be open to being guided in the practice. It's important to follow the instructions being said by your teacher.

Keeping an open mind is key.

I highly recommend trying lots of different types of yogas! There are so many and so different. There are slower paced ones like yin, restorative all the way through to faster paced like Rockett, hot yoga. My favourites would include Vinyasa, Yin, Jivamukti, restorative and nidra.

Don't forget to have fun! It can be a lot of information to process so remember it's more important to have fun with it rather than take it too seriously.

What to wear in a yoga class?

Wear something allows a full range of motion. I would suggest leggings, shorts or something along those lines. Wear something that is supportive but not uncomfortably tight. A form-fitting top is a good choice or one you can tuck in for when you're inverting. You don't want to be distracted with your top coming over your head when you're in downward dog.