It is your very first yoga class, and naturally you are nervous: "Do I bring my own mat? Can I sit in the back?" You signed up for this class because you had a Groupon or you heard yoga really relaxes you -- either way, it is an experience worth learning from, and, man, did you learn a lot. Yoga is different from any other exercise you have ever done, and it makes you feel some type of way. Here are some thoughts you have during yoga, whether it is your first or your 100th yoga class.
1. Is this mat really clean?
Chances are, if it is your own mat, yes, you should be fine, but if you are borrowing a mat from your class, do not trust it. It is like using the equipment at the gym -- not everyone before or after you is as germ-aware as you are.
2. Is there an empty spot?
Many times you walk into your class with the fear your spot is taken, or wonder if there will be a spot for you when you walk in. It is always better to be 10-15 minutes early than a few minutes late.
3. How come I cannot do that pose?
Yoga envy will always get the best of you. But the best thing to remember is that no one is watching you; they are always focusing on their breathing, balance, and self. Do not stress in yoga class, of all places!
4. What is with this open hip thing?
Forever trying to get your hips to be aligned with your shoulders and feet is a constant struggle. Do not even get me started with keeping your knees straight with a revolved chair pose.
5. Please let me keep my balance!
Trying not to fall is the hardest part. The advice I have been given is to look a few feet in front of your spot, not in the mirror. It makes a big difference!
6. How much longer do we have to hold this pose?
Most likely it feels like your legs or arms may just give out and you will collapse and cause a commotion. It happens to us at least once, so shake it off and keep trying. Or just collapse.
7. Why can I not straighten any further?
You may feel like you are pretty flexible, but sometimes it is all right if you cannot reach out any further or keep your legs straight, or even touch the floor. You do not have to be flexible to do yoga.
8. A plank?! I thought that was just for other workouts, not yoga!
Yes, planks are used often in yoga. But you are not expected to hold it forever, and you can do a modified blank if you want.
9. Why must we go so fast through sun salutations?
The better you get at practicing yoga the quicker you can move through your poses, but, especially for a beginner, it is difficult running through the salutation like a pro.
10. I hope I do not fall asleep during meditation.
When meditating at the end of your yoga practice, it is almost impossible not to want to fall asleep. You have worked hard and your body deserves a rest. Just continue focusing on your breathing and let your body sink into the floor.
11. That was quick!
Many times you head into class and think it will take forever. Before you know it, though, you are reaching the meditation portion of your class, and it is time to leave.
Yoga is a difficult practice, but once you stick with it, it makes for a better you. There are so many things that run through your mind when you are in a class that it is almost impossible to focus on the actual yoga itself. If you are thinking all of these things in your vinyasa yoga, just imagine hot yoga.
