7 Essential Tips for Your First Yoga Class – Yoga for Beginners

If you’re thinking about trying yoga for the first time? Welcome — you’re in the right place.

It’s completely normal to feel unsure before your first class, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. Whether you’re coming for gentle movement, some peace and quiet, or a way to reconnect with yourself, yoga has something to offer you. In this post, I’ll share seven essential tips to help you feel prepared and relaxed before stepping onto your mat — especially if you’re joining us for a beginner yoga class here in Blackwood and surrounding areas.

1. Check What Classes Are Available

Take a look at what’s on offer locally or online. Choose a class that resonates with you and meets your needs — for example:

• Is it beginner-friendly or an introductory class?
• Are the day and time convenient?
• What’s the location and is there parking?
• Is equipment provided?
• Is the class accessible?
• What is the class size, cost, and payment method?
• What do you need to wear or bring?

Knowing the answers to these questions ahead of time helps you feel more relaxed and ready.

2. Consider the Style of Yoga You Want to Practice

There are a wide variety of yoga styles to choose from. Some are more active, while others are gentle and restorative. Here’s a quick overview:

Ashtanga Yoga – involves energetic, flowing sequences of yoga poses, synchronised with specific breathwork, a focused gaze and energetic locks (bandhas).

Hatha Yoga – a slower paced style of yoga, focusing on a wide variety of yoga poses, breathing exercises, mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

Hot or Bikram Yoga – yoga poses practised in hot and humid conditions to encourage the body to move more easily and sweating helps to remove impurities.

Iyengar Yoga – founded by B.K.S. Iyengar where yoga poses are practiced with precision, structural alignment of the body, using sequences and props e.g. blocks, belts, wall bars, chairs, etc.

Sivananda Yoga – rooted in the teachings of the Indian yoga master, Swami Sivananda, focusing on mainly 12 yoga poses, a variety of breathing exercises, proper relaxation, healthy diet, meditation and positive thinking.

Vinyasa Yoga – offers a mix of yoga poses connected in a continuous flow, co-ordinating breath with movement, often dynamic and can be physically challenging, increasing heart rate and body temperature.

Yin Yoga – a mix of Taoist principles, yoga and traditional chinese medicine, offering a variety of yoga poses that are held for a duration of 3-5 minutes, while breathing deeply and easily, allowing the connective tissue and body to truly relax. The emphasis is on supporting the body using various props to allow participants to let go and relax.

Restorative Yoga – a slow, mindful practice of gentle yoga poses, often supported by a variety of props for optimum comfort, staying in the same position for up to 10 minutes or more, using breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques to induce deep relaxation.

You might find that one style suits you more than another — and that’s completely okay.

3. Look for Inclusive Teachers

A good yoga teacher will offer modifications and create a welcoming space where you can move at your own pace. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask how they support beginners or those with specific needs.

4. Complete the Health Questionnaire Honestly

Most classes will ask you to fill in a short health questionnaire before you attend or at the time of booking. Use this as a chance to mention anything that might affect your practice — physically, mentally, or emotionally.

5. Let the Instructor Know Your Needs

If you have any particular needs — for example, if you are hearing or visually impaired, or if you’re feeling unsure or anxious — speak to your teacher beforehand. A quick chat can help make the class feel more accessible and supportive.

6. Read Reviews

Reviews from others can give you a good sense of what to expect. They often highlight things like the teacher’s style, class atmosphere and how beginners are supported.

7. Relax and Enjoy the Experience

Come as you are, and be open to the experience. You don’t need to get everything right. Just being on your mat is a great start. Approach the session with curiosity, kindness and a sense of playful self-discovery.

A Note from Geri

I’ve been practising yoga for over 50 years and have learned from many teachers and traditions. My own classes blend different styles and are always open to newcomers. If a class doesn’t feel like a good fit, that’s okay. There’s always another style or teacher to explore. The most important thing is finding something that feels good for you. There’s something out there for everyone.

In my own teaching, I offer a blend of styles and make sure every class is suitable for newcomers as well as experienced practitioners. I also run themed classes and events. Here are some of the classes and events I currently offer:

• Introduction to Yoga
• Yoga for Improved Sleep
• Yoga for Anxiety and Overwhelm
• Yoga for Pregnancy
• Postnatal Yoga
• Menopause Yoga
• Yoga for Children and Families

Please check out my classes page or social media for more details about upcoming classes and events.

What Beginners Are Saying

“I enjoy Geri’s Yoga for Beginners because yoga poses are broken down into sections and explained before putting it all together. This builds understanding of what you’re doing as well as confidence. It isn’t all easy – you’re stretched in more ways than one! But Geri encourages everyone to find their level and never feel out of place or uncomfortable. I really enjoy the sessions and appreciate the sense of relaxation I’m left with at the end.”

– Kath H

“I joined Geri’s Yoga for Beginners class on a Thursday 7.30–8.30pm initially. Classes are always welcoming. Geri makes everyone relaxed. The yoga process is explained, alternatives given if too difficult. It’s a fun class and we always have a few laughs. I enjoy the classes and this has helped my flexibility and also my upper back.”

– M.T.