| So you've decided to enroll in a yoga class. Great! | | | | so used to having their phones and pagers with them |
| Signing up for a yoga class is a big first step toward | | | | at all times that they sometimes feel that they can't be |
| achieving harmony of the mind, body and spirit. Enrolling | | | | without them. But a phone can be a distraction in many |
| in a yoga class is the perfect way to relieve your mind | | | | places, especially in a yoga studio where even a |
| and body of stress and relax, as well as connect with | | | | "quiet" conversation can be a distraction. Even though |
| other people who share your new-found enthusiasm. | | | | you think you're being quiet and discreet, you're |
| But beginning students such as yourself must take that | | | | probably not. In short, leave the phone at home or at |
| eagerness to begin and take it down a notch while | | | | least turn it off. |
| you prepare yourself for the class experience. Most | | | | On a related note, keep your conversations with other |
| yoga classes have established a rhythm and pattern, | | | | members of the class to a minimum, or better yet, |
| as well as a set of rules, designed to let the | | | | have them it before or after class. Sure, mastering that |
| participants get the most out of the experience. | | | | new move may be an exciting moment, but other |
| Before your begin your first yoga class, take a few | | | | people are trying to master it as well and may have |
| moments to read some of these suggestions | | | | trouble concentrating is you're congratulating yourself |
| designed to help you enjoy your yoga experience | | | | loudly or trying to discuss it with the person next to |
| from the first class into the future. | | | | you. |
| For starters, try not to eat for at least two hours prior | | | | Have all of your class materials - yoga mat, water |
| to the class. Eating before attending a yoga class can | | | | bottle, towel, etc. - handy when you get to class. By |
| results in discomfort, cramps, nauseous feeling, even | | | | having everything you need near you during the class, |
| vomiting when performing the bends, twists and | | | | you can avoid being a distraction by walking back and |
| inverted poses that are commonly associated with | | | | forth for water, your towel on the other side of the |
| yoga. In addition, the energy your body needs to digest | | | | room, etc. It isn't fair to not let others reap the benefits |
| food can take away from the energy you'll need to | | | | they are seeking from yoga by disturbing them. And |
| perform yoga. | | | | when you're finished with your session, collect all of |
| Try to get to your class no less than 10 minutes | | | | your belongings and take them with you. Another yoga |
| before it is scheduled to begin so you can get settled | | | | class may need the space after your class is done. |
| in and find a suitable spot. Rushing into class just as it | | | | If you have an injury or special physical restrictions, tell |
| starts can make it difficult to settle in, even for the | | | | you instructor before the class begins. He or she can |
| entire duration of the class. By getting to the class well | | | | suggest poses or motions that are suited to your |
| before it beings, you can take the time to warm up | | | | condition and can tell you of poses that you should not |
| with some light stretching, meet a few of your other | | | | do and suggest an alternate version. |
| classmates or simply relax and get into a peaceful | | | | While you may be excited to be in your first yoga |
| state of mind. | | | | class, don't go overboard. Only do poses that you can |
| Along with arriving early, don't leave early. Unless it's an | | | | do without hurting or straining yourself. Listen to your |
| emergency, remain in the class until it is finished to | | | | body and only go as far as it will let you. As you |
| avoid disturbing others. | | | | progress in the class, you will be able to do more |
| Come to the class with a goal in mind. Is it to stretch | | | | intricate and complicated moves. But until you reach |
| your tired muscles and become more supple and | | | | that point, take it easy. |
| flexible? Do you want to attend a yoga class to clear | | | | Finally, allow yourself to fully experience the yoga |
| your mind of the stress that comes from work and | | | | class. Because of its ability to bring the mind and the |
| home life? Whatever the reason you have decided to | | | | body into one, it can be like no other activity in which |
| enroll in a yoga class, focus on that during your | | | | you have participated. Let yourself be open to the |
| workout to create the proper mindset to address the | | | | lessons of yoga, from the very first class onward, and |
| problem. | | | | you might be amazed at the possibilities the present |
| Leave the cellphones at home. People have become | | | | themselves. |