So what if you don’t know much about yoga?

by | Jul 9, 2013 | Yoga

Beginner yoga class in Milwaukee WI

Lately it seems everyone wants to try yoga. I love this. I genuinely want yoga to touch as many lives as possible. But sadly, I often hear from people who are hesitant to attend that very first class. They’re feeling uncomfortable as a newcomer. They’re worried because they don’t know much about yoga.

Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret. We don’t expect you to come to class knowing everything already — it’s our job to teach you! The great thing about yoga is that we all start at the beginning. So when you walk into your first class, you can rest assured that every single person has also been new at some point. The most important thing you can do for yourself is to simply show up. You’ll get to know the rhythm and you’ll learn gradually. Like we all did.

If you’re nervous about starting you’re yoga journey, don’t postpone it any longer. Here are a few tips to give you the confidence to show up for your first class. Follow these guidelines and you’ll set yourself up for an amazing first class experience.

  1. Choose appropriate classes. When determining which classes to take, pay attention to class levels. Start with classes tailored to those who are new to yoga or attend some slower, more restorative classes. At INVIVO, stick with Level 1 or All Level classes such as Hatha Yoga Basics or Yin-Yang Yoga. These classes will teach you the building blocks you need to develop your practice.
  2. Come prepared. Wear comfortable workout clothes and ditch the shoes and socks. Bring a warmer layer to wear until you warm up. You may also want to bring water and a hand towel. Feel free to bring your own mat or borrow one from INVIVO free of charge.
  3. Arrive early and be mindful of others. If it’s your first time at the studio, give yourself extra time to check-in at the front desk, have a quick tour and use the locker rooms. If you’re waiting outside the studio door, be quiet and respectful of the students in class. And if you’re running late (we’re human after all), wait until the initial grounding/meditation is completed before joining class.
  4. Let the teacher know if you have an injury or limitation. If the teacher knows about it ahead of time, he or she can offer specific modifications when needed.
  5. Use props. Proper use of yoga props like blocks, blankets, bolsters and straps can help you comfortably achieve your place in any yoga pose. INVIVO provides all props free of charge. At the beginning of class the teacher will let you know what props to grab and will give you options for using them during class.
  6. Listen to your body. Sometimes it’s more challenging to know your limits — and respect them — than it is to power through a pose and risk injury. If you feel you need a break at any point in class, by all means take one. Simply stop and rest in child’s pose for as long as you need. Don’t worry about what others may think. Paying attention to the needs of one’s own body is an essential element of yoga.
  7. Variety is important. I encourage you to attend an array of instructors and classes. Often you’ll find there are certain instructors or styles of yoga you really connect with.
  8. Most importantly…have fun. Don’t judge yourself or take yourself too seriously. Be okay not knowing everything and simply enjoy being in the moment with the knowledge that you’re doing something truly wonderful for yourself.

Call 414-265-5606 to sign up for gentle yoga at noon on Wednesdays & Thursdays, candlelight yin yoga at 7 PM Wednesdays, or other yoga classes at INVIVO.
Yoga Styles and Levels at INVIVO »


Lora Ehmke has been practicing yoga for nine years and is the marketing director at Invivo Wellness in Milwaukee, WI.