What to expect at your yoga class

Starting any new activity can be a bit daunting - going into a room full of people who all seem to know what they're doing, while you are the novice. One way to make that process a little easier is knowing what to expect. While each yoga class will be a little different, depending both upon the form of yoga and the style of the teacher, there a various commonalties. So read our simple guide, and you'll soon know what to expect your first time!

The first thing to be aware of is equipment and clothing. Yoga is typically practiced on non-slip mats, so you will want to know if these are provided. As for clothing, you'll see a huge variety in any class. All that matters is that you wear something that is easy to move and stretch in. Most classes begin with limbering moves and sequences to warm up the muscles and joints. These prepare you for the heart of the class, the asana (posture) work.

Asanas work to tone and strengthen the body and improve the flow of energy. The choice of asanas will vary from teacher to teacher, and also the abilities of the students. Asanas are non-competitive, the goal is not to see how far you can stretch or contort your body, but to combine stability with comfort and relaxation.

One big element of all yoga is breath work. Your teacher will teach you simple breathing techniques designed to help you develop awareness and relaxation of the breath. Finally, there will usually be a time at the end of the class for relaxation. This is performed lying on your back. Various relaxation techniques are used, ranging from physical relaxation and simple breathing exercises through to visualization.

Some teachers will include a little history and philosophy in their yoga, and any questions you have will be welcomed - discussion and feedback are actively encouraged.