Notes for Beginners

Intro to Level 1 is the appropriate level for all new yoga students or students new to the Iyengar style of yoga. In these classes the foundation of Level 1 poses are methodically taught and time is taken to assure that each student develops an understanding of the poses. Some may choose to repeat the intro class before moving on to drop-in Level 1 classes.

Wear comfortable clothing: for women, footless tights and a close fitting tee shirt and for men, a tee shirt and yoga shorts or biking shorts.

Practicing yoga on a full stomach can make you nauseous. Finish your meal two hours before class. A very light snack before class is o.k.

If you have any injuries, let your teacher know. If your injury persists, remind your teacher each week. Most instructors teach several classes and it helps to refresh their memory about your personal situation.

Learn the shape of the poses. There are 30 or so beginner's poses and they will be repeated as the weeks go by. Begin to connect the name with the pose from the first lesson.

Adjust the pose to fit your body; don't force yourself into the pose. Your teacher should be able to help you with modifications. Be sure to ask for clarity if needed.

Give yourself four or five weeks to build confidence. Just as with any new physical skill, repetition is needed to develop ability.

Buy your own mat. It is more sanitary and you will have it to use at home.

Recommended texts are Yoga in Action: A Preliminary Course by Geeta Iyengar and Yoga: The Iyengar Way and How to Use Yoga by Mira Mehta. These can easily be found and are excellent if you want to have a reference for exactly what we do in class. For more recommended books, see Linda's recommended reading list.

The style of yoga we will learn is named after B.K.S. Iyengar and is called Iyengar style hatha (physical) yoga. It is vigorous and uses meticulous alignment of the body and concentration on subtle aspects of the breath to center the mind.

Pay attention but stay relaxed with the learning process. If this is new for you, have a sense of humor and be patient. Take time to think about what you did in class in order to retain the information. Practice what you remember from the lesson at least three times during the week. Cultivate a daily practice. Learn the name of one new pose each week. Soon you will have a body of information to deepen your yoga experience.

"Namaste" is an Indian greeting that offers respect, honor and unity of spirit.