Are you thinking of transitioning to group yoga classes? Even if you have taken in-studio yoga classes in the past; it is important to honor the transition to in-person yoga. By thinking about what to expect in your first group yoga class (ever or after a hiatus), you help set yourself up for success. I am defining success for this as starting the class a little more grounded and relaxed so you can pay more attention to yourself and your breath and be less distracted by the trappings of this new experience.
The other day I had a new student. She has been practicing yoga online (yay!) for the past two years and came to my class as her first in-person yoga class. She took the brave step of trying something new, being at a yoga class in person. Her body knew all of the basic poses. Her mind knew the words associated with them. My advice to her was that this class would feel weird. She might be hyper-aware and distracted. For your first class, just showing up and observing is going to be your win. Don’t expect to be able to do everything the teacher tells you. Indeed, you may not even register half of what the teacher says.
If you are anything like me being in a new situation can set me on high alert. Everything will feel new and overstimulating for your first in-person studio class. This is true even if you had a regular in-studio practice several years ago or at-home yoga practice. You may be highly distracted during the class, noticing everything around you. You will be alert to sounds, music, lighting, and the fact that you are around a group of other people practicing with you.
Let yourself notice what piques your attention. Do you keep coming back to notice a seam on the floor? That’s fine. Notice what you notice and then come back to your breath. Do you feel behind in the poses and not sure what is happening? Yup, this is totally normal too. You have sensory overload and are taking in a lot. Know that you will miss some cues, and that is okay.
Does it feel like everyone else knows what they are doing except for you? Group classes can build community, and lovely things can happen when we share a space and practice with others in person (and sometimes online too). It also sets up a chance to compare yourself with others, which is never productive. Comparison is the thief of joy. Many people in the room will have taken this same class with this same instructor for years. A good teacher will take their students on a journey of progression in poses physically and with their breath. We are all on different paths and at different places. No one gets a grade for yoga poses. Know that however your body looks and feels is okay. Your practice is exactly what it needs to be for you on any given day.
Setting Yourself up for Success When you Take Your First Group Yoga Class
- Sign up for class ahead of time. Most studios require some sort of waiver and payment. Doing this before you arrive makes everything easier for you and for the teacher.
- Bring your own mat if possible, but also know most studios have mats for you to borrow or rent.
- Bring a towel and water.
- Shoes and other personal items are not usually allowed in the studio. Most places will have a dedicated spot to store your things during class. If they have lockers, bring a lock for your things. I have not witnessed a problem with theft, but this feels like a best practice.
- Arrive early for class. Give yourself 15 minutes to find the studio, park, and check in. Arriving late can lead to students feeling frazzled and stressed. The bonus is that you get a few minutes to yourself before class to stretch, breathe, and observe the space.
Layer in grace for yourself. Know that you are doing something fun and brave. You are showing up to a new space with new people! You are letting yourself be seen and are ready to be a little vulnerable. Know that your first in-person class is about taking everything in and getting a sense of the place. If you can find a few minutes attuning to your breath, then you have done well. Your practice is for you and only you. The most important connection is your connection to your body and breath. The added beauty of practicing in community is that there can also be connection with others.
May you accept yourself as you are today, honoring your journey.
Namaste, friends.
Image Credit: The top image by Dylan Gillis
