What to Wear

For your first few classes, wear items you already have on hand, and keep things as simple as possible. Here are a few tips:

• Shoes: Yoga is most often done barefoot. You will occasionally see people with some kind of sock or shoe, but that’s often due to an injury or medical condition. If you feel completely uncomfortable taking off your shoes in front of strangers, compromise by wearing yoga socks, which can be purchased at the front desk. These special socks have non-slip grips on the bottom that “grab” the mat and prevent your feet from slipping around.
• Pants: There are many different styles of yoga pants, but you don’t have to run out and buy a special pair before your very first class. Any comfortable exercise pants or shorts will do, just make sure you avoid pants that don’t stretch, NO JEANS After a few classes, you may decide you need pants that are shorter, longer, looser, higher waisted, or not falling down every time you stretch up. That’s a good time to go shopping. You can stick to big box stores like Target or Walmart, both of which have athletic apparel lines, or you can seek out specialty retailers geared specifically to the yoga market.
• Tops: A shirt that’s a little bit fitted works best for yoga. Big baggy t-shirts, or even loose-fitting workout shirts, aren’t great since they’ll slide down every time you bend over and you’re going to be doing a lot of bending over. Sleeveless tops are popular since they allow freedom of movement in the arms and shoulders. Wear whatever kind of bra you prefer for exercising.

What to Bring

Generally speaking, the only thing you need to bring with you for your first class is a positive attitude and an open mind. Of course, there are lots of fun accessories you can add to your yoga arsenal over time, but start small and keep things simple.

• Mat: If you’re headed to your very first class, don’t worry about bringing a mat if you don’t have one. We have mats for rent for $2 As you keep going to class you may want to invest in your own mat., If you rent a mat please remember to clean your mat after your practice to ensure everyone who rents a mat will have a clean mat.
• Water bottles:  Unless you are doing hot yoga, water bottles are not necessary. There is a  water cooler in the back lounge area
• Props: Evolve Yoga & Fitness provide blocks, blankets, and straps. Your teacher will tell you which props are needed for each class, but if she doesn’t, grab a block and a strap anyway, just in case you need an assist to get into a pose.

How to Prepare

The beauty of yoga is that it requires very little other than your own body. Preparation is simple, but if you’re new, it’s always a good idea to get to class a little early to help acclimate yourself to the environment and introduce yourself to the instructor. Here are a few other tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid Heavy Meals Prior to Class: Don’t eat a heavy meal right before you do yoga. When you start moving, everything gets churned up and you may start to feel sick if your stomach is too full. You can have a light snack an hour or two before class.
• Touch Base With the Instructor: If you’re completely new to yoga, do let the instructor know before class starts. The instructor will then know to keep an eye on you throughout the class and to offer additional cueing for poses as needed.
• It’s also important to let your instructor know if you have any injuries or are pregnant, and how you feel about receiving hands-on corrections. All of this information gives the instructor the opportunity to make your first class as comfortable and accessible as possible.

• Come Early: While there’s no need to warm up on your own before your yoga class starts. Coming in early allows you to speak to the instructor about any special assistance you need, rent a mat, and even get the spot in the class you want.

Trust Your Judgement: Remember that your practice is personal. No one else is inside your body, so defer to your own judgment about what you can and cannot do. Over time, you’ll learn to discern the difference between something you may be afraid of or think you can’t do and something that is actually painful or possibly dangerous for you.
There is no hurry to get into any particular pose. Listen to your body and respect what it tells you about how to practice.

Ask Questions: Perhaps the most important tip is to always ask questions when you don’t understand something. If it’s about yoga culture, more experienced students are almost always happy to share their expertise. Questions about specific physical postures are best directed toward your teacher, either during or after class.

Class Etiquette

• Respect
  Common sense and common courtesy are the cornerstones of good etiquette in any situation. Add in a healthy dose of respect for the people and places around you and a smidge of kindness and that about covers it. But if you’re nervous about starting yoga, there are a few etiquette considerations that are specific to yoga classes and studios.
• Silence Your Cell Phone: Make a habit of doing this as soon as you get to class.  All our lockers have built-in phone chargers, and locks to secure your belongs while your phone is charging. If your phone rings during class, and it’s a major distraction for the instructor and other students. Never answer the phone or send texts during class.
• Arrive on Time: Arrive at least 10 minutes before the class is scheduled to start so you have time to check in, put down your mat, and go to the bathroom if necessary. If you do arrive late, don’t enter a class more than 10 minutes after it has started. Wait for the next class or another day.
• Respect Others’ Mat Space: When we asked yoga students what their biggest pet peeves were, “people stepping on my mat” was the top answer. Yes, it seems like a small issue, and sometimes it’s difficult in a really crowded room, but do your best to avoid stepping on other students’ mats as you make your way through the room. Also, if you attend a class that’s usually crowded, place your mat fairly close to the person next to you so that there’s enough space for everyone. Always be willing to move your mat to make room for another student.
• Respect the Teacher: When you enter a yoga class, you sign on to respect the teacher for the next hour or so. You may discover halfway through the class that you don’t care for this teacher, playlist, or style of yoga, but you should continue with the class, follow the teacher’s instructions, take your savasana, and learn from the experience. Walking out mid-class is rarely considered okay.
• Go to the Bathroom During Resting Poses: It’s fine to leave class for a few minutes to go to the bathroom. There’s no need to ask the teacher’s permission. The best time to go is when there’s a period of rest, either in child’s pose or downward dog.
• Don’t Skip Savasana: Your final relaxation in savasana is an important part of your practice. Don’t leave class early. If you must, tell the teacher prior to the class’ start and take a short savasana before you go. Just don’t make a habit of this.

Keep it Consistent

• Sometimes the hardest part is making it to the studio in the first place! Once you’ve crossed the threshold, remember that the practice only truly becomes effective once you’ve made it a routine. You wouldn’t go to the gym only once and expect results, would you?
• At first, you can aim to go yoga class twice a week and see how you feel. You will likely notice an increase in strength, flexibility, calmness, and better sleep as a result. And don’t forget to relish the feeling of accomplishment for doing something new and good for yourself. You deserve it!