Yoga Classes
Yoga classes should cover all aspects of yoga -
Asana (postures),
Dhayana (meditation),
Pranayama (breathing) and the philosophy of
yoga.
The style, direction and content of the yoga classes should be aimed
towards the students and all levels from complete beginner to
experienced practitioner should be catered for. It is essential that all
students achieve their potential and at a pace of lessons which is
suited to their own abilities. With that in mind, it is a good idea if
students 'try out' a variety of new courses and teachers before settling
on the one which best meets their requirements.
Beginners to yoga should pay particular consideration to the speed at
which they wish to advance at as well as what their end goal is likely
to be. A typical range of yoga options is as follows:
Relaxed
General advice about yoga
Pregnancy
If you are either pregnant or have just had a baby, you should let the instructor know before the class commences.
Illness
The same as per pregnancy above.
Eating
Do not eat within 4 hours of your commencing the yoga class and you should not have drunk within the previous 30 minutes.
Make sure you visit the bathroom before the class starts.
Deodorants and perfumes
It is considered bad etiquette to wear strongly-perfumed scents
Mobile phones
Make sure that they are completely switched off and left with your shoes outside the classroom.
Menstruation
If you are in the first three days of your period, you should avoid doing Mysore or Shadow Yoga.
Arrival
Many yoga classes are operated on an informal 'first come' basis so do arrive in plenty of time (at least a quarter of an hour before the class starts)
in order to guarantee a place.
Single gender groups
Yoga classes are usually mixed gender. If that presents a problem, discuss the matter with your teacher.
Clothing
Wear loose-fitting clothes that do not ride up if you enter an inverted pose.
Other students
Yoga is all about relaxing and control of your own body and mind. Everyone has their own level of ability and their own goals.
There is no competitiveness in yoga so it would be highly unacceptable to make comparisons between yourself and other students.
Getting the most out of yoga
Yoga is like any other sport or hobby - practice makes perfect. It will take time and patience but the rewards are there to be had
if you persevere and attend regularly.
Other Yoga Class Resources
Getting Started