The person on the mat next to you may be able to tuck their feet behind their head or may not able able to touch their toes. Don't worry what others are doing; your practice is your own and the challenge is to remember that each body is built differently. Leave ego at the door, turn the attention to yourself.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your yoga practice.
Wear comfortable clothes with bare feet
Clothes which allow for free movement are best; leggings, tracksuit bottoms, a vest or t-shirt.
It's a good idea to bring your own mat
Investing in your own mat is a great way to bring yoga into your life outside of lessons. Your mat is your own space so you become familiar with the way that it feels and it can feel quite comforting to roll the mat out at home. I do have some mats available to borrow, but please do let me know in plenty of time if you need one. (Please be assured that my mats are regularly cleaned!)
Feel free to bring water to sip
It's not a good a idea to practice on a full stomach, but please make sure you aren't extremely hungry.
Arrive in plenty of time to get settled
You'll need a couple of minutes to set out your mat and remove any socks or jumpers.
A quiet start to bring a sense of focus
Mobile devices should be switched off or onto silent mode. Feel free to wait for the beginning on the class seated cross-legged or laying on your back.
Introduction and a focus for the practice
This is the opportunity to advise of any injuries or issues that may affect your practice. Only you know your body and what you can or cannot do. I don't want you to feel pain. Please ensure you have completed a health declaration and inform of any difficulties at the beginning of every session.
Respect & listen to your body
If you have had cause to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin, please do not practice. These medications will prevent you from feeling pain, and may cause you to stretch beyond your body's natural comfort. Nobody wants an injury!
Be respectful of others practice and of your own
Yoga is non-competitive. Please don't push your body any further than is comfortable.
Savasana
Each practice finishes with a short period of relaxation to allow your body to absorb your practice. You're very welcome to bring something warm to put on for this. Some people bring a pair of socks, a jumper or a blanket. After savasana, we may take a one or two minutes in meditation.