What to Wear
People love to buy crazy expensive, top-of-the-line yoga gear, but truth is, you probably have everything you need to wear already. All you need is comfortable, light, and tight clothing that fits you well--think yoga leggings, a sports bra, and a fitness tank. You don't wear shoes while practicing yoga, so the easiest thing to wear to the studio is a pair of sandals that you can slip off before practice, and back on before going home.
What to Bring
Most yoga studios offer yoga mat rentals, but if you have your own, bring it! Make sure to bring some water to keep yourself refreshed throughout the practice, as well. That's about it as far as necessities go! Unless you're doing more advanced yoga requiring straps, blocks, and balls, you should be good with just a mat and water.
What to Eat Before
Pro tip: Don't eat something too heavy before going to yoga class. It's not comfortable to have a full stomach while twisting, stretching, bending, and reaching for an hour straight. Instead, try something light and healthy--some scrambled eggs, or a cup of yogurt, for example.
Tips
- If you're nervous, put your mat at the back of the room. That tends to be where the beginners go. However, it is far from mandatory, so if you feel like going front and center, go right ahead!
- Keep the talking to a minimum, and leave your cell phone outside. We're trying to get our zen on here, people! And that's easier to do when your "Hollaback Girl" ringtone isn't going off in the middle of practice.
- If you get lost... just look at what everyone else is doing! The best part about yoga is that it's a no judgement zone. So, if you get lost, don't worry about it.
- If you can't do a pose, don't worry! Just lay on your mat in a resting pose like Child's Pose.
