While yoga has been around for centuries, it has surged in popularity over the last two decades. There are currently 37 million people in the United States who practice yoga; and I’m sure that the number of people who practice worldwide is even higher! People practice yoga for a variety of reasons such as gaining physical strength and flexibility, recovering from an injury, or to relieve stress and have more inner peace. Yoga is a practice that’s intended to meet you where you are physically and spiritually; to create balance, harmony, and a sense of connection in your life.
 
What you see on social media can be misleading and can cause many people to think that yoga is primarily about creating a “perfect” picturesque pose (like on a beach), or contorting the body into extreme ranges of motion. While there are some that do place an emphasis on the aesthetics, it’s more important to find yoga classes that will focus on developing body intelligence and guiding students to cultivate a safe and sustainable practice to enhance your overall well-being and bring a lasting benefit to your life.

Below are some common questions and misconceptions to help prepare you for the practice of yoga.

Are there classes for beginners?  
There are definitely yoga classes that are open to all levels and abilities, including those that have never set foot on a yoga mat. It’s always best to do your own research to see what’s available in your area. Ideally you want a yoga teacher that is skilled at instructing those in the room, giving good cues as you move between poses. As a beginner, you shouldn’t have to buy yoga flashcards, memorize names of poses or understand Sanskrit before you go. A good yoga teacher and class should offer plenty of options to make the physical practice appropriate for you.

I’m not flexible! 
This is the most common remark a yoga teacher hears. If you happen to be someone who believes this, consider that maybe your “tightness” has nothing to do with not being able to get your hands to the ground or bend your body like you’ve seen other people do. A functional yoga practice can guide on you how to work with your body type. Your mat becomes not only the place to practice asanas (poses) but also a tool where you can acquire knowledge and make discoveries about YOUR body. A good yoga teacher will guide you toward a deeper understanding of your body thus allowing you greater understanding and joy for the practice.

How do I know what class is right for me?   

• Choosing a class or style of yoga can be a an experience in itself. As a beginner, it’s always best to choose from a wide variety of yoga styles/types that differ in their intention and focus. Here are some examples to steer you in the right direction:
• If you’ve had a long, stressful day, try a slow flow or an evening wind down class that can help relax your body and busy mind!
• Looking to incorporate strength and balance, and maintain or build up to a more physically challenging practice? Try a Vinyasa practice.
• Yin Yoga is ideal for stillness and going deeper in the body and mind. Yin is the perfect complement to a daily Vinyasa style practice or for those looking for a slower paced style of yoga.
• If you prefer a small group or one-on-one setting, check out private yoga (like what I offer) for 1-6 people. This is also a great way to get started especially if you’d like more one on one attention.

 
How should I prepare before class?

• Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out the consent form, meet the instructor, and make yourself comfortable.
• Try to go to class on a mostly empty stomach; if you do eat before class, make sure it’s at least 2 hours prior and avoid any greasy or fried foods.
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement. You will likely work up a sweat in classes that build strength and generate heat within the body, so take that into consideration when choosing your clothing. Yoga is practiced barefoot, so take off your shoes before going into class.
• Bring a water bottle and your yoga mat. If you do not own a mat, not to worry, most yoga studios and gyms have them available for use.
• Turn off your cell phone or just leave it locked in your car, this way you and your fellow students aren’t disturbed by any ringing phones or notifications.

 
Hopefully this guide has helped to answer any questions or concerns you may have and sets you up for an optimal experience for your journey into yoga. See you on the mat! 😊

Yoga is all about freeing the mind, enriching the soul, and working the body. But wearing the wrong clothing to your yoga practice can make you off balance, prone to injury, and downright clumsy. Even though there  isn't any  'official dress code' for stepping onto the yoga mat, when you wear the wrong outfit you will not be able to get the proper form out of your poses – and trust me when it comes to yoga, your form matters.
 
If you are new to yoga, here are some simple tips to make you “yoga ready” :
 
Jewelry
We all like to look our best, it's only natural. But when you are on a yoga mat, your beauty comes from inside. Sure you might look great wearing that stylish toe ring, but if it gets snagged on your yoga mat whenever you prep for  a downward dog then you might wind up toppling over in the middle of your class. The same thing goes for bracelets, necklaces, and big rings.
 
Same goes for you guys out there as well. Watches can tear into a yoga mat when you are flowing through your poses and they can also limit the flexibility of your wrists. So you may want to take them off before your practice.
 
Basically if it will dangle when  you're upside down or if it can get snagged on your mat while you are working out then it should come off. The good news is that wedding rings usually don't cause a problem.
 
Pants
If you know anything about yoga you probably know that jeans are not acceptable. After all they limit your mobility and make it nearly impossible to get into a nice deep stretch. But what you might not know is that it isn't just tight fitting pants that can get you into trouble on a yoga mat, when your pants are too lose they can also be a hazard.
 
Think about the different poses that you do in yoga, even a simple plank pose can get aggravating when your pants legs are hanging down onto the floor. And if you are taking a flow class, those baggy pants will be nothing short of a disaster, (every time you try to flow in those floor poses your pants legs will be extremely uncooperative).
 
They make yoga pants because these are the best pants for your yoga practice. But depending on how often you practice yoga, yoga pants can get a little pricey. If you are looking for some pants you can wear regularly, remember that you want pants that feel comfortable but don't feel tight. You also want pants that are snug enough that they hug your body but they should also be loose enough that you love being in them. 
 
Quick Tip: When you find the pants that fit right for you, you also want to check the length of the pants – the last thing you want is to have your feet tripped up by pants that are too long.
 
Shirt
The good news is that your yoga shirt is not as big of a deal as the yoga pants. In fact, you can use almost any shirt to practice yoga in as long as it meets a few simple rules.
 
A good rule of thumb when picking out a shirt for your yoga practice is to try the shirt on and get into a downward dog position while you are at home. Since this is a popular yoga pose and it also forces your body upside down, it is a great gauge to how your shirt will do during your yoga class. 
 
-Will others be able to see your stomach?
-Is the neckline so low that others can see your chest area?
-Are you comfortable in this shirt while you are in this pose?
 
These might seem like silly questions, but it is better to figure this stuff out while you are at home than when you are in a crowded yoga studio exposing everyone to your private parts..
 
Tip: If you choose to wear long sleeves you might want to make sure that the sleeves don't come down past your wrists – wrestling with the sleeves of your shirt will take you out of your yoga workout meditation and may even cause you to lose proper form during certain poses.
 
One of the greatest things about yoga is that you can come as you are. There is no dress code, there is no fitness level that you have to be at, and there is no one to compete with except yourself. Your yoga routine is all about meeting yourself where you are and taking yourself to the next level. When you dress for your yoga success, you will be unstoppable.