Game World!: How to Prepare for My First Yoga Class at a Yoga Studio

Taking a yoga class can be a really positive and invigorating experience, but it can be a little nerve-wracking if you’ve never attended one before. Thankfully, yoga is a really versatile activity that doesn’t require a lot of experience or equipment. It only takes a few extra minutes to get ready for your yoga class, so you can get as much out of the experience as possible.

Method1
Getting Dressed and Ready to Go

1
Dress in comfortable, breathable clothes. Search through your closet or wardrobe for a loose, breezy T-shirt or tank top that fits you comfortably. Finish off your outfit with a pair of stretchy bottoms, like yoga pants, or a comfortable pair of shorts. Generally, any kind of exercise clothing works well for a yoga class.^[1]
- You’ll probably be barefoot in your yoga class, as this gives you a better structure and foundation.
- Go for clothes that are comfortable but not too loose. Especially baggy clothes may not stay in place, which can make it more difficult to focus during your yoga session.
2
Eat a filling snack about 30 minutes before your class. Enjoy a small portion of mixed nuts or quinoa, or whip up a bowl of oatmeal to keep yourself from feeling dizzy or light-headed. You can also reach for some fresh or dried fruit to keep you full and focused during your session, like a pear or banana.^[2]
- Smoothies are a great, filling food to enjoy before your yoga class.
3
Rent or buy a mat and other equipment. Ask your yoga instructor if you’ll need a yoga mat for the class, or if one will be provided. Check in with the facility—some places may have yoga mats for rent, or may lend you one for the class. Additionally, ask around and see if you’ll need any yoga bricks or special straps for the lesson.^[3]
- You can find a lot of yoga supplies online, or at any store that sells fitness supplies.
4
Bring a towel in case you get sweaty. Pack a clean towel in a duffel, tote, or other bag that’s easy to carry around. Note that yoga can be pretty intense sometimes, so you may be breaking a sweat by the end of your session. Keep your towel on your person during the session so you can cool off as needed.^[4]

Method2
Arriving at the Studio

1
Get to the studio about 15 minutes early. Figure out where your yoga class is being held, then scope out the area a little bit. See if the facility has any lockers for your belongings. If you aren’t familiar with the area, you can use this extra time to figure out exactly where your yoga class is being held.^[5]
- You don’t want to walk into your yoga class late! Arriving early gives you plenty of time to get settled.
2
Store your cell phone and belongings in a safe area. Look around your yoga classroom and see if there’s a locker or other secure place where you can stash your things. Keep your cell phone silenced and out of sight during the class—since yoga is about focus and staying grounded, you don’t want to be distracted by a stray text!^[6]
- If there’s no storage available, keep your things along the side of the room.
3
Find a spot to sit toward the front of the studio. Don’t automatically set up shop in the back of the studio. If you’re relatively new to yoga, pick a place to sit where you can clearly see and hear the instructor. If you hang out too far in the back, you may have trouble keeping up with what’s going on.^[7]
4
Get to know your instructor once you arrive. Introduce yourself to the yoga teacher once you’ve gotten situated. Be open about any experience you have with yoga, as well as what you hope to get out of the class. Feel free to voice any worries or concerns you have—your teacher has a lot of yoga knowledge, and will be able to ease your anxieties a bit.^[8]
- For instance, you can say something like: “Hi! I’m Sarah, and this is my first yoga class ever. I’m a little nervous because I’m not very flexible, but I hope to get a lot out of this session!”

Method3
Staying Comfortable during Your Class

1
Stay hydrated before, during, and after your yoga session. Drink throughout the day, so you aren’t feeling sluggish and dehydrated during your yoga session. Bring a small water bottle with you and keep it with your other belongings. If there’s a pause in the lesson, take a few sips of water so you can stay refreshed. Once the class is over, continue drinking water to stay hydrated.^[9]
- Ask your yoga teacher about their policy on water bottles during the session. Most places probably won’t have an issue with you grabbing a drink during the class, but it doesn’t hurt to check!
- Yoga involves a lot of moving around, so it’s probably not a good idea to keep your water bottle near your yoga mat.
2
Switch to the child’s pose if you feel worn out. Stay in tune with how you’re feeling throughout the session. Don’t worry if you aren’t able to keep up—yoga can be strenuous, and it will take some time before you’re comfortable with a lot of the positions. If you feel out of breath or woozy, tuck your knees beneath your chest, and lean forward, spreading your arms out in front of you. Hold this pose for as long as you need until you feel better.^[10]
3
Focus on yourself instead of the others around you. Don’t worry about your classmates—at yoga classes, people come from all different skill levels. Focus on your own capabilities, and follow along with the instructor throughout the class. You’ll find that it’s a lot more fulfilling when you only worry about yourself!^[11]
EXPERT TIP
SUSANA JONES, C-IAYT
Certified Yoga Therapist
What Our Expert Does: "I like to tell people coming to my yoga classes for the first time that they can't do anything wrong. It's important to come into class with an open mind and be willing to give it your best effort. You're not there to compete with anyone else, but to have a relaxing time and get into a peaceful, mindful headspace."