Preparing for Class

March 8, 2011 1 Comment

It’s time to get ready for your first yoga class!  And for you regulars, there are some new tidbits in here that will help you out as well!  Read on and feel more comfortable and happy in class!

Scheduling Yoga with other Exercise

If you exercise regularly outside of yoga, you should schedule classes appropriately around your workout (or your workout around your class!).

Gentle Classes:  Choose a gentle class after your workout (not before), to stretch out tight muscles.  Also, the yoga practice helps to better integrate the strength or cardio benefits of your workout, so the health benefits of your workout actually increase by doing a gentle class afterwards!

All Levels Classes:  If you can, choose an All Levels class on a day you are not working out.  This class can be a workout.

Stretching before class

You don’t need to stretch before class at home! Many people tell me “I’m not flexible – I’m going to stretch before I come to class.”  This is just like cleaning for the cleaning lady – not necessary!

However, if you do get to class early, you can to do some light stretching on your mat before we get started.  This is less about getting flexible, and more about helping you to feel more settled and grounded in your space and on your mat when we start class.

Mat and Props

If you have a mat, bring it!  Karoun Yoga does supply community mats for free, which you are welcome to use for your first few classes.  However, it’s always nice to have your own mat, creating a sense of your own comfortable space in the studio.

Karoun Yoga also supplies blankets, straps, blocks, and eye pillows, which are all optional props used during class.  While most people use the supplies at Karoun Yoga, some people do bring their own.

What to Wear to Class

http://karounyoga.com/blog/2011/02/07/how-to-dress-for-yoga/

Eating

The amount of time needed to digest food before yoga class varies by individual.  The general theory is to eat no later than 2-3 hours before class, and to eat lightly.  Depending on how quickly you digest (a great example of why it’s good to know your body!), you will fall on either end of the range.  I’ve known people who needed 4 hours, and others who only need 1 hour to digest.  If you’d like, eat a piece of fruit or juice within an hour before class to keep the body hydrated with electrolytes.

Hydration

It’s always good to hydrate before class.  If you’d like, you can bring water or a Gatorade-type drink to class.  Some people feel more comfortable when they have water next to them.  Generally it’s nice to have it!

Hope this blog helps!  See you at your next yoga class!

For Beginners, Karoun Yoga, Uncategorized, Yoga Tips