Two thumbs up, for taking care of you! Here are some tips to help you feel more comfortable when you attend class.

Be On Time. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to connect with the teacher and get settled.

Be Proactive. Let the teacher know if you have any physical limitations, injuries, pregnancy, or concerns prior to class. Certified teachers are skilled at finding modifications for poses on “the fly.” But it is helpful to allow them an opportunity to ponder your specific situation. If you have several limitations or concerns, consider scheduling a private yoga lesson prior to attending your first class. Most studios have teachers who offer one-on-one lessons to address a variety of issues. This is a wonderful way to learn how to modify poses in order to best take care of you.

Be Comfortable. Plan to remove your shoes and socks. Wear clothing you can move in and not “flash” the other students. If you are worried about your clothing, you won’t enjoy your practice. You will be distracted. It is worth it to have all “parts” secured and to know that your tights are thick enough to hide your undergarments. Bring a towel if you tend to sweat buckets. Some studios provide towels but I’ve found it more enjoyable to have my own. Be Present. Power down phones and electronics. This is your time. Give yourself the gift of disconnecting from the outside world.

Be Patient. Give yourself permission to be a beginner or in “strength building mode.” Listen to your body and take breaks as needed in class. If it has been awhile, you will need to build up muscle and coordination. After a certain age, it can take longer for this process. Attending 3 or more classes a week (or practicing at home between classes) will help you get there faster. Even if you are slow getting your groove back, remember, you are doing better than if you stayed on the couch. 

Be Clean. Movement creates heat. Heat amplifies scent. Be mindful of heavy perfume/cologne/lotion and body odor. If you are a night bather and take a morning yoga class, you might need a quick rinse off or wipe down before you head out. As I tell my family, do a “pit check.” If your perfume or essential oils leave a trail after you’ve moved on, it’s probably best to skip them prior to class. Do remember your deodorant.
Bring your own mat. After class, check your spot of the floor for anything that may need to be wiped up, sweat, water-bottle drips, fuzz from a blanket.

Be Hydrated. Get into the practice of hydrating prior to class (which is good to do anyway). Bring your own water, especially if taking a fast paced class. 

Walk Around Mats. The yoga mat is an extension of that person. Unless you’ve asked permission, avoid stepping on someone else’s mat.

Stay Until The End. Savasana or closing relaxation is your reward. Yoga experts refer to Savasana as the most important and difficult pose because it requires stillness. This is the pose that allows all the energy that was shifted to settle and integrate. This is where you find your calm. Your peace. It is fantastic for your brain too. If you must leave early, do so before Savasana begins and give the teacher a heads up at the beginning of class so that they can cue you when it’s about that time.

Be Positive. Bring your smile and willingness to learn, let go and grow. You will get there.

Namaste. You will hear this used at the beginning and/or the end of class. It means, All that is good in me, greets all that is good in you.

Yoga Mat Cleaning

Yes, you do need to clean your mat. One way is to choose a sunny day, take a small bucket of water with a tiny bit of dish soap and a soft bristle scrub brush, head to the driveway and scrub the old fashioned way. Be sure to get both sides and rinse well. Let your mat dry in the fresh air and sunshine.

Another way is to use mat cleaner in a spray bottle. This recipe is from the Yoga Accessories website.

• Fill a 2 to 4 ounce spray bottle 3/4 of the way with distilled water

• Add 1 drop of Lavender Essential Oil & 2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil

• Fill the bottle the rest of the way with Witch Hazel or White Vinegar

Then spray your mat and use a wash cloth to wipe it down.