What to Expect at Your First Yoga Class

You’ve booked your first yoga class, or maybe the booking page has been open on your laptop or mobile for a while and you are still trying to pluck up the courage to actually click the ‘Book’ button.

Going to your first yoga class can be daunting for a lot of people – “What do I wear?”, “Should I bring a mat?”, “Will I be the only person who doesn’t know what a Downward Dog is, never mind how to do it?”, “I’m not flexible enough”.

Firstly, take a slow breath in, and a gentle breath out.

Yoga is not about how flexible you are, how strong you look, or how perfectly you move. It's about noticing how you feel and giving yourself a little time to move, breathe and simply be.

Now that I have your attention, let’s address some of these questions so you can feel good walking into your first yoga class, because honestly, starting is often the hardest part.

Arriving at your first class

Try to arrive a few minutes before the class begins – this will give you time to meet the teacher, set up your mat and feel a bit more comfortable in the environment. Most yoga teachers are friendly and welcoming people who are just happy to be sharing their space with you. Make sure you tell the teacher if you have any injuries or niggles that might be bothering you – this is not because they are nosey, or because they are doctors who can fix you, but rather so that they can be aware of any restrictions you might have and to show you what would work best for you and your body.

Take off your shoes (and preferably your socks) and leave them either in an allocated spot, or somewhere along the edge of the room. Then make yourself comfortable, maybe have a chat with fellow students – they all know what it was like walking into a class for the first time.

What to bring to your first class

If you have a yoga mat, bring it along. Bring a bottle of water if you feel you might need it and any other props or things you feel you might need; maybe something warm for the end of the class. A lot of people attending a beginner yoga class won’t have their own props or mats and that is perfectly ok - most teachers and studios will have extra mats and props, but it’s always worth checking with your teacher beforehand to be sure.

What to wear

Yoga is not a fashion parade and as much as you think people are watching you or judging your clothing or your body, they aren’t. The truth is, most people are far more focused on themselves, their thoughts, their bodies and whether they’re doing the pose correctly.

Wear whatever you feel comfortable moving in. Leggings, joggers, shorts, t-shirts and comfortable gym clothing are all absolutely fine.

That said, you may find yourself bending forwards, reaching overhead or spending some time upside down-ish during the class - here's looking at you, Downward Dog! So, it's worth choosing clothing that allows you to move comfortably and stays in place while you do.

Most importantly, wear something that helps you feel comfortable, confident and able to focus on yourself rather than what you're wearing.

Will I know what I'm doing?

Probably not. And that's completely okay.

Nobody walks into their first yoga class knowing every pose, understanding all the terminology or remembering every instruction.

Most yoga teachers know that beginners will be in the room and will guide you through the class step by step. If a pose has a Sanskrit name, they'll usually explain it in plain English too.

You don't need to memorise anything beforehand, study YouTube videos or learn a list of poses. Just come along, listen, move in a way that feels comfortable for your body and ask questions if you're unsure. Most of all, breathe.

What if I'm not flexible?

This is probably the most common concern people have before starting yoga, and one of the questions I hear most often. Sometimes it's even the reason people tell themselves they "can't do yoga".

The good news is that you do not need to be flexible to begin yoga.

In fact, many people start yoga because they feel stiff, tight or uncomfortable in their bodies.

Saying you need to be flexible before starting yoga is a bit like saying you need to be fit before joining a gym.

Yoga helps you develop mobility, strength, balance and body awareness over time. You start exactly where you are.

The person on the mat next to you started somewhere too – and trust me, your teacher did as well.

What to expect at a Bendy Bodies class

If you're considering joining one of my classes, you'll find a calm, supportive and beginner-friendly environment where there is no pressure to keep up or get anything "right".

Classes are kept small, with options offered throughout, so you can move in a way that feels right for your body on the day. Rest is always welcome too.

We move, we wobble, we learn - and sometimes we even laugh along the way.

Whether you're completely new to yoga, returning after a break or simply looking for a gentler approach to movement, you are very welcome.

If the idea of joining a group class still feels a little daunting, I also offer private yoga sessions . These can be a lovely way to build confidence, learn the foundations and explore movement at your own pace before joining a class, or simply as a practice tailored entirely to you.

You can find details of current classes and private sessions in Newbury, Mortimer and West Berkshire here.

A final thought

Walking into your first yoga class can feel like a big step, especially if you're trying something new or returning to movement after a long break.

Remember that nobody is expecting you to be flexible, experienced or perfect.

Just bring yourself.

Take a breath.

Step onto the mat.

You might be surprised by how welcome you feel.

And if you've been waiting for a sign to book that first class, perhaps this is it.