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  • verptwerp
    verptwerp Posts: 3,628 Member
    Hi, Ellen !

    I copied some info for you ...... your class should provide mats (mine does) but eventually you may want to get your own mat ..... TURN YOUR CELLPHONE OFF ..... that's common courtesy ..... WEAR COMFY CLOTHING ..... but nothing too tight .... and nothing so loose that your pants fall down & your "girls" do the wild thing (been there & done that :laugh: ) ....... I love hatha yoga, we do lots of deep breathing & deep stretching ..... but every class is different, just be open to it ........ only do what you feel comfortable & safe doing ...... GO SLOW & DO NOT FORCE ANYTHING !

    Six Simple Steps to Enjoy Your First Yoga Class

    1. Smile and be happy. You have made an important investment in yourself. Your life is full and there are lots of demands on your time and energy. The fact you have made the decision to start yoga sends a subtle signal to your brain that life is about to change. You are taking the first step to regain control over your time and care for yourself.

    2. Let friends and loved ones know when you are going to your class. Remind them not to phone you as you will not be able to answer during your class. Your class can last between 60 - 90 minutes and after the class you may not feel like speaking to anyone straight away.

    3. Check in with your yoga teacher before you attend the class. Have a telephone conversation or send her an email. If you have any particular concerns talk them over with your teacher and make sure all your questions are answered.

    4. The night before your class, check you have loose comfortable clothing, tracksuit, warm top, a blanket and yoga mat. Some yoga teachers will supply you with a blanket and/or yoga mat. But if you decide to continue your practice then it is more hygienic to buy your own yoga mat. Plan your route, check out how long it will take to arrive, check out parking or bus/train timetables. The last thing you want is to be hassled about how to get to your yoga class. Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before the class starts so you can complete an initial medical/lifestyle questionnaire and familiarize yourself with your surroundings.

    5. On the day of your yoga class, try not to eat a heavy meal at least 60 - 90 minutes before your class. If coming straight from work, then a light snack, for example fruit and a glass of water can be eaten. By all means bring a light snack to eat after your class.

    6. Once you arrive at your yoga class, remember to take your shoes off and leave them in the designated place. Most yoga studios/classes do not allow outdoor shoes into the yoga space.

    7. Introduce yourself to your yoga teacher. Smile at your fellow yogis and relax and smile as you roll out your mat.

    Ellen, the most important tip is to leave your cares by the front door ...... this is YOUR time ..... enjoy it !

    Mary Ann
  • yoga_mel
    yoga_mel Posts: 76 Member
    Ok.. so I'm new to the group and new to yoga, (kinda). When my boys were all involved in football I bought a video for them to work on their legs and hip flexibility. I've used some of the stretches/poses for the past few years and even used a few other videos I could get from netflix.

    Monday (2 days away), I'm going to my first official yoga class and have a few questions.

    What should I expect? What do I wear?

    I don't have any fancy yoga clothes, I don't even own a mat, do I need one?

    I'm counting on your expertise to help me out here.

    I dont have fancy yoga clothes either! Just wear what is comfy!!
  • TGKvr
    TGKvr Posts: 123 Member
    I really wish this group was more active. :(
  • busywaterbending
    busywaterbending Posts: 844 Member
    tgkvr, do you have questions? you can start your own thread here if you want or just post your questions on this one. This group seems active enough to me. I bet allot of us are pretty disciplined about our am yoga workouts and don't spend too much time here online.
  • mrseholley
    mrseholley Posts: 24 Member
    My first class was amazing. Thanks for your help. My girls did kinda do the "wild thing" but luckily I was the only one who saw the show. I'll do better next time.

    My lower back is hurting a little today (day after) but I'm so pumped about going back on Friday.

    Thanks for the advice.
    Ellen
  • verptwerp
    verptwerp Posts: 3,628 Member
    My first class was amazing. Thanks for your help. My girls did kinda do the "wild thing" but luckily I was the only one who saw the show. I'll do better next time.

    My lower back is hurting a little today (day after) but I'm so pumped about going back on Friday.

    Thanks for the advice.
    Ellen

    I'm glad you enjoyed your first real class ....... it will keep getting better too !

    My class today was long & we had a new instructor ...... she does things differently ...... I'm a little achy too ...... some ice might help, or a painkiller :laugh:

    Mary Ann
  • mrseholley
    mrseholley Posts: 24 Member
    I have a plan to go to the same instructor twice a week for a month, then try a different one to do a little comparison. I do have another question tho.... how do I get my house to smell like the yoga studio? It was wonderful not that sweaty, funky smell I was expecting from a gym. It was wonderful.

    Ellen
  • shreddin_mama
    shreddin_mama Posts: 1,076 Member
    Hello everyone! I am new to the group as well. I have been doing yoga off and on since high school. I used to be quit flexible and hope to gain that back. Right now i have been practicing in the AM but when i start running again that may switch to the PM. I hope to join a class by November (Depending on money)
  • yoginimary
    yoginimary Posts: 6,789 Member
    I have a plan to go to the same instructor twice a week for a month, then try a different one to do a little comparison. I do have another question tho.... how do I get my house to smell like the yoga studio? It was wonderful not that sweaty, funky smell I was expecting from a gym. It was wonderful.

    Ellen

    Ellen,

    Many studios use a mat cleaner that is quite nice - usually it's a mix of tea tree oil and lavender (some recipes add peppermint or other oils). Is that what you are smelling?
    Some studios use incense, but the smell of incense gives me a headache.:sick: so I walk out of those studios.
  • yoginimary
    yoginimary Posts: 6,789 Member
    I really wish this group was more active. :(

    I agree, but I have much to say.
  • verptwerp
    verptwerp Posts: 3,628 Member
    Hello everyone! I am new to the group as well. I have been doing yoga off and on since high school. I used to be quit flexible and hope to gain that back. Right now i have been practicing in the AM but when i start running again that may switch to the PM. I hope to join a class by November (Depending on money)

    ^
    Hi & welcome ..... and I hear you about the money .... it's always a consideration ..... good luck with the running, too :drinker:

    Mary Ann
  • odonogc
    odonogc Posts: 223 Member
    Hi Everyone!

    I'm so glad I found this group, I'd love some more Yogi friends on here.

    I practice yoga 5 days a week and Pilates 2 days a week, all at home using DVDs. I'll be coming up on my one year anniversary for this in December, and think I've only missed 3 days. :)

    I'm done losing weight, but sill like using MFP to keep me honest about my eating and exercise.

    Namaste!
  • cpa8198
    cpa8198 Posts: 154 Member
    I practice yoga 5 days a week and Pilates 2 days a week, all at home using DVDs.

    Hi... what DVDs would you recommend? Our gym has cancelled its yoga classes. I really love it and would like to start practicing at home.

    Thanks for your help :flowerforyou:
  • Sammybunny711
    Sammybunny711 Posts: 92 Member
    I've been doing yoga on and off for the last five years or so. I love it so much! I do my practice at home, mostly, and prefer to do it either in early morning or late at night.
  • asugar
    asugar Posts: 178 Member
    I would recommend anything by Rodney Yee or Patricia Walden.
  • asugar
    asugar Posts: 178 Member
    I DO NOT KNOW If I am responding to the messages in the group thread that I am trying to respond to. I try to stay active on this site but sometimes forget about it since it doesn't show up in the general news feed. I would definitely say you should get a yoga mat. You can get a decent one for 10 bucks some stores these days. As for fancy yoga clothes of course you don't need them. Just something that won't get in the way or fall over your head when you go upside down! Good luck.
  • mrseholley
    mrseholley Posts: 24 Member
    I practice yoga 5 days a week and Pilates 2 days a week, all at home using DVDs.

    Hi... what DVDs would you recommend? Our gym has cancelled its yoga classes. I really love it and would like to start practicing at home.

    Thanks for your help :flowerforyou:



    I've used DVD's in the past but I'm finding that I'm less distracted in the class setting. It's "MY" time and I know the phone won't ring and the dog won't bark.
  • odonogc
    odonogc Posts: 223 Member
    I practice yoga 5 days a week and Pilates 2 days a week, all at home using DVDs.

    Hi... what DVDs would you recommend? Our gym has cancelled its yoga classes. I really love it and would like to start practicing at home.

    Thanks for your help :flowerforyou:

    Sure! This is my schedule -

    Monday
    Bryan Kest Power yoga
    http://www.amazon.com/Bryan-Kest-Power-Complete-Collection/dp/B0001WTWYC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341541144&sr=8-1&keywords=bryan+kest+power+yoga


    Tuesday
    Baron Baptiste Soul of Strength
    http://www.amazon.com/Baron-Baptiste-Live-Soul-Strength/dp/B00019U9U6/ref=sr_1_9?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1341541204&sr=1-9&keywords=baron+baptiste

    Wednesday
    Bryan Baptiste Power yoga

    Thursday
    Kristen McGee Weight Loss Pilates (This is AWESOME)
    http://www.amazon.com/Weight-Loss-Pilates-Kristin-McGee/dp/B001HZ4K7G/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1341541270&sr=1-1&keywords=kristen+mcgee+pilates

    Friday
    Kristen McGee Power Yoga
    http://www.amazon.com/Kristin-McGee-Power-Yoga-Mcgee/dp/B000HBKZ52/ref=sr_1_7?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1341541270&sr=1-7&keywords=kristen+mcgee+pilates

    Saturday
    Bob Harper Yoga for the Warrior
    http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Harper-Warrior-Darren-Capik/dp/B00429C1VQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1341541337&sr=1-1&keywords=bob+harper+yoga

    Sunday
    Kristen McGee Weight Loss Pilates

    For the two Bryan Kest days, I just rotate through the 3 workouts on his dvd.
  • odonogc
    odonogc Posts: 223 Member
    I practice yoga 5 days a week and Pilates 2 days a week, all at home using DVDs.

    Hi... what DVDs would you recommend? Our gym has cancelled its yoga classes. I really love it and would like to start practicing at home.

    Thanks for your help :flowerforyou:



    I've used DVD's in the past but I'm finding that I'm less distracted in the class setting. It's "MY" time and I know the phone won't ring and the dog won't bark.

    I know what you mean. Mon - Fri I get up so early that nobody bothers me, but often on the weekend, I have a 6 year old babbling at me or practicing with me. It's cute, but not exactly the same. Luckily, I know all my routines so well, I usually don't miss anything.

    I'm so used to practicing at home now though, I'm not sure I could go back to a studio. First of all, it would be a lot more expensive, and second, I'm so used to not interacting with anyone at this point. I close my eyes a lot, which would make me self conscious in a studio, and even just the regular pleasantries you have with people surrounding you seem out of line with the "ME" time I feel during my practice.
  • mrseholley
    mrseholley Posts: 24 Member
    I know what you mean about the timing. There were times in my last class that I wanted to hold the postures a bit longer and noticed that everyone else was looking at me.
  • astargirlpower
    astargirlpower Posts: 8
    hi. I have been practicing on and off for 7 years. I now practice at a studio 4 times a week. I usually practice hatha or sradha yoga. I sort of like the traditional feeling of hatha. trouble poses for me? Handstand, L-pose, forearm balance. I know as i get stronger all these will come in time. I am in no hurry.
  • EleMeleUkulele
    EleMeleUkulele Posts: 59 Member
    Hello! (or should I say "namaste"? :)) I'm new here in the group and on MFP too. I started practising yoga well, four years ago, but with so many ups and downs I'm still a beginner now (albeit pretty flexible, I went to many dance classes). It's great to find a group where you can (and do) talk about everything related to yoga.

    I started frequenting classes again in October, twice a week, in a great school - can't really recommend it to you, though, it's in Poland. ;) Today I've got a cold, but maybe I'll go, if I don't cough and wheeze too much. ;p

    Welp, sorry about the long post. I hope I can learn a lot from you guys! :)
  • EleMeleUkulele
    EleMeleUkulele Posts: 59 Member
    Gah! Double post! Sorry about that.

    (Great, I'm new and already making a mess...)
  • verptwerp
    verptwerp Posts: 3,628 Member
    Gah! Double post! Sorry about that.

    (Great, I'm new and already making a mess...)

    ^

    Hi, honey ...... you're not making a mess ...... you are LEARNING !

    I've only been taking yoga classes off & on for about a year ...... but last month decided to begin each morning with 10-20 minutes of yoga to work out the kinks ......

    And I go to the gym 5-6 days each week for cardio & weights ....... and to as many yoga classes as my work schedule permits ...... some classes are harder than others & I used to feel badly if I couldn't keep up ...... but now I realize that success is just being there & participating :drinker:

    Peace !

    Mary Ann in NY
  • Yogi_Carl
    Yogi_Carl Posts: 1,906 Member
    Hi - I'm new here. Just come in from the general battlefield of trying to get heavy lifters to accept yoga as an alternative path to building a fine physique. Largely - they are not biting!
    I am an Anusara student but when home practising I like to mix it up a bit with sessions I find on You Tube: Rodney Yee and Onese1f are favourites.
    Namaste.
  • AlissaFL
    AlissaFL Posts: 80 Member
    Hi All! I joined this group, but I never introduced myself. My name is Alissa and I have been doing Vinyasa Yoga since June, once a week and Pilates two days a week. Eventually I want to do yoga 3 days a week, but I need to get stronger and have more stamina. I tried yoga, once, about 5 years ago, and didn't think it was for me. I couldn't get into many positions and I certainly couldn't hold them. My wrists hurt and I had no core strength or upper body strength and plantar fasciitis . I am surprised how strong I am, I can feel muscles everywhere and all the balancing has strengthened my arches, so I have less pain. I also have a really great teacher and a really great group in class. And savasana is by far my favorite part...it rejuvenates me for an entire week. Namaste.
  • ilovemaisy
    ilovemaisy Posts: 54
    I would start a new topic but I don't know how!

    What kinds of yoga do you do?

    I learned yoga with an Ashtanga teacher (I think) through a community center class. She was very focused on correct alignment and perfection in the poses. The class went verrry slowly, and she would not move on unless we were all getting the pose right and using a modification if we were not.

    I'm glad this was my introduction, but I wanted more of a workout, and not a 90 minute class comprised of 45 minutes of yoga and 45 of warmup stretching and cool down.

    After the 8 weeks were over I found a studio nearby offering a Groupon (10 classes for $45!). Turned out to be Power/Vinyasa and it goes soooo fast. I had a lot of difficulty at first even keeping up and figuring out what pose we were moving to (sanskrit names most of the time) but now I get it easily and can just focus on what I started -- proper alignment, strength,and grace in my transitions.

    I have an unlimited membership and I go about 5 times a week. I've done as much as 6 but I definitely need at least one day off.

    I love leaving everything on the mat. I love that I can't think about anything else while I'm there.
  • ilovemaisy
    ilovemaisy Posts: 54
    :tongue:

    I really wish this group was more active. :(

    Me too. I have a million ideas for topics but I don't know how to start one.
  • yoginimary
    yoginimary Posts: 6,789 Member
    :tongue:

    I really wish this group was more active. :(

    Me too. I have a million ideas for topics but I don't know how to start one.

    Go to the group's main page, scroll past the topic list, there will be a green button called "new topic"

    Here's a topic that you were looking for, but there are many more people in this group now, so you could post a new one:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/456102-what-s-your-favorite-type-of-yoga-practice-and-why
  • AlissaFL
    AlissaFL Posts: 80 Member
    I think a new topic would be great! I like the one asking what kind of yoga we do.

    Answer: Vinyasa yoga. I started with this one because that is what my teacher taught and I'm glad I did. This is so much fun and so challenging. I love when she comes by to stretch us further or help us get aligned, but mainly that she is so encouraging! I like how the flows build and all I can do is just try to get to the correct pose while sweating non stop. Such a fantastic workout!
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