26 tips for getting into yoga at A Fine Balance
Tips for starting yoga classes
Starting or getting back to yoga classes can feel both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this special time:
1. Seek medical guidance when needed: If you have specific health concerns or injuries, consult a healthcare professional or a physiotherapist before starting or continuing your yoga practice. We are not trained physiotherapists or medical practitioners so please seek appropriate advice. Practicing at A Fine Balance is done so at your own risk.
2. What time should I arrive? We ask you to arrive 5 minutes before the class starts (no earlier if possible, as you will have to wait outside the studio). We do not accept any latecomers out of respect to the teacher and students. The door is locked at the start of the class. Give yourself time to arrive a few minutes early: factor in where to park with extra time to find the studio. Arriving a few minutes early allows you time to set up your yoga mat and chat with the instructor if needed.
3. What if I am late? To respect everyone participating, please arrive on time, our doors open at least 5 minutes before the class starts and are locked at the start of the class. Late entry is not possible.
4. What to bring: Please bring some water. We have all of the equipment you need, but it is nice to have your own yoga mat, so feel free to bring one if you like. If you use our mats and props, please wipe down after use.
5. Wear comfortable clothing: Wear flexible, breathable, and comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.
6. Let the Instructor know you’re new: Don't be shy about informing the instructor that you're new to yoga. They can offer guidance, provide modifications, and offer adjustments as needed.
7. Listen to your body: During the class, pay close attention to how your body feels. If a pose feels uncomfortable or too challenging, please don't hesitate to modify or skip it. Yoga is about finding balance, ease and compassion, not pushing yourself to the limit.
8. Focus on your breath: The breath is a fundamental part of doing yoga. It helps you stay present and manage stress in the body. Learn to sync your breath with your movements. Deep, steady breathing helps you stay present and calm during practice.
9. Use Props: Don't hesitate to use props like blocks, straps, and bolsters to support your practice. They can help you maintain proper alignment and make poses more accessible.
10. Respect the silence: Many yoga classes begin and end with a few moments of silence or meditation. Respect this time for reflection and relaxation.
11. No leaving early / stay for Savasana: At the end of each yoga class, we lay in Savasana (Corpse Pose). We ask all students to stay for this, it is an essential part of your practice and a chance to fully relax and integrate the benefits of your hard work. To avoid disrupting others, we ask you to stay for the entire class especially Savasana. Please refrain from leaving before the class has finished. This may mean parking your car somewhere that allows you to stay for the full practice including the time needed to arrive and leave calmly.
12. Stay open-minded: Yoga is more than just a physical practice. It involves all 8-limbs of the practice including yogic philosophy, pranayama (breathwork), meditation, asana (movement) and so much more. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore these aspects of yoga.
13. Respect yoga’s cultural roots: Understand the philosophical and cultural roots of yoga. There are key texts that our yoga teachers can recommend you read to support your practice, such as Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Light on Yoga and The Bhagavad Gita to name only a few. While modern yoga is adapted, it's essential to respect yogas origins and traditions.
14. Practice Off the Mat: Yoga is about more than what happens on the mat. Try to apply the principles of mindfulness, compassion, and self-awareness in your daily life.
15. Enjoy the journey: Remember that yoga is a journey, not a destination. Don't expect to be perfect. Be patient and kind with yourself and enjoy the process of learning and self-discovery.
16. Stay consistent: Consistency is key to experiencing the full benefits of yoga. The practice of yoga needs to be integrated both on and off your yoga mat.
17. Have fun: Yoga should be enjoyable and fulfilling. Try not to take yourself too seriously and have fun exploring your body's capabilities and limitations.
18. No judgement: Lastly, remember that yoga is a personal practice, and there is no judgment in the yoga studio. Everyone is there to support their own journey, and you should feel comfortable and accepted just as you are. We hope our classes are the beginning of a positive and transformative experience.
19. When to eat: The timing of your meals in relation to your yoga classes is important for your comfort and well-being. Ideally, you should not eat 2 hours before your class other than a light snack. If you practice yoga immediately after eating a heavy meal, your body may struggle to digest the food efficiently, leading to discomfort. Eat a light snack 1 to 2 hours before yoga can provide you with a steady source of energy, such as a banana or handful of nuts. You'll have the necessary fuel to engage in your practice without feeling sluggish or fatigued.
20. Try different classes: We recommend trying a variety of different styles of classes and teachers to see what resonates with you. Find a class here.
21. Pregnant students: We want to make sure that your baby and you stay safe. You cannot join any services offered by A Fine Balance until you are in your second trimester / 13 weeks+. We recommend you participate in pregnancy yoga classes where possible. If you had a regular yoga practice before you got pregnant, you can join our timetable of classes from your second trimester, but must inform the teacher at the start of the class and do so at the risk of yourself and your unborn child. Please read our full terms and conditions here.
22. No mobile phones: To avoid disruption, we do not allow the use of mobile phones during our sessions. Give yourself a break from your phone and respect others.
23. Clean mats and props: For hygiene reasons and to respect the next person, please always clean mats and props with the sanitising wipes after use.
24. Shoe-free zone: A Fine Balance is a shoe free zone. All outdoor footwear is to be removed at the entrance to the Studio.
25. Glass-free zone: For safety reasons and because all customers are barefoot – no crockery, glass or anything breakable is permitted in any part of the Studio.
26. What is your cancellation policy for classes? Please note our 12 hours Cancellation Policy for classes. Courses and workshops cannot be cancelled or refunded - once purchased you have committed to the payment. You can read our cancellation policy here.