Top 5 Tips for Your First Yoga Class

Excited for that first class but don’t know quite what to expect when it comes to etiquette? Check out our list of do’s and don’ts below to get in the know!

Yoga Class

1. Try to get there about 10-15 minutes early (and don’t be late if you can help it!), and once you’re there, stay for the whole time. It’s disruptive to others to get up and go before you’ve gotten your Savasana in.

Cake

2. Don’t eat for 2-3 hours before class! This is an important one, even more so than the old “wait an hour after eating to go swimming”. If you eat too soon or too much before class, it’s possible you’ll experience nausea, cramps, or even vomiting (especially in a pose like prayer twist!)

Intention

3. Create an intention. Creating an intention before class and holding it during can help keep you centered and focused. Your intention can be anything from aiming to be more compassionate or kind to simply intending to be in the moment and not let your mind wander to what the next days holds. After class, reflect on both what you learned and how you feel. Awareness and reflection is key, in both expanding your practice and your mind.

Class Props

4. Treat studio props with care and respect. After class, pick up and neatly put them away for the next yogi to use.

Savasana Cat

5. Be kind and gentle to yourself; don’t push it. Listen to what your body tells you and don’t strive for that perfect warrior pose if you’re body says no. It’s also helpful to let your teacher know about any injuries so they can help you find what works for you.

Need to stock up on some props before that first class? Come visit us at BarefootYoga.com to find everything you need!

Posted under Health and Fitness, Yoga Studios, Yoga Supplies

This post was written by Carolina on July 17, 2014

Yoga Studio of the Month:
Yoga Yoga

The name ‘Yoga Yoga’ came about from teaching two forms of yoga at the same time in a newly leased studio for owners Mehtab and his wife. This was in the year 1997, after sporadic practice before that of almost 20 years. A life crisis motivated them to delve into their beloved Kundalini practice and discover their passion for Ashtanga and Hatha yoga.

Yoga YogaToday, they welcome their students to 4 studios in Texas to continue on their journey of self-discovery. They aspire to ‘make it for more people, for all people, to do yoga’. Their experiences with different forms of yoga gave them an appreciation of the benefits and beauty of each type of practice, and the people they attract. They embrace and strive for diversity in their teaching forms, focusing on their students. Teachers are encouraged to teach from their hearts and connect with their students in the spirit of yoga.

Yoga Yoga believes in yoga of action, elevating oneself so one may elevate others. They are active in the Austin community with free yoga classes for non-profit organizations, helping families in need and fund-raising for cancer, AIDS and other research. Their teachers volunteer their time to train and pass on the tradition of teaching to aspiring candidates.

Yoga Yoga offers Kundalini, Hatha, Flow-Based Hatha, Family, Relaxation, post and pre-natal, private and business classes. You can also enjoy their spa services at their Westlake branch.

Yoga Yoga has been Barefoot Yoga’s loyal client since 2003. We applaud and encourage them for spreading yoga. See our mats, rugs, blankets, bags, eye pillows and zafus in use at their studios.

Posted under Styles of Yoga, Yoga Studios, Yoga Supplies, Yoga Teachers

This post was written by Barefoot Yoga on June 26, 2014

Barefoot Yoga’s Inspiring Teacher of the Month:
Stan Woodman

Stan Woodman

Our teacher of the month for June is Stan Woodman, co-owner of Kaia Yoga in Connecticut. Stan took his first yoga class in 1991, and eventually completed his 1,000 hour certification with Beryl Bender Birch. Stan’s practice is rooted strongly in traditional Ashtanga Yoga, but he sings the praises of various styles of meditation and yoga, including Restorative Yoga: “Targeted breath work—particularly that connection between the inhale and exhale—creates a rhythm in our nervous system, in our wiring, that settles the organs, increases blood flow, and re-energizes us.” (source)

Stan and his wife, Gina Norman, founded Kaia Yoga with an eye towards a holistic way of living, incorporating meditation, spa treatments, a café offering whole foods and juices, and yoga for people of every age, including prenatal and kids’ yoga.

In a mission to relieve suffering, they are also deeply involved with charitable work through the Kaia Foundation, which currently supports four charities directed mainly towards benefiting women and children.

Kaia Yoga has been a long-time customer of Barefoot Yoga, and offers a number of our yoga props, mat bags and eye pillows for customers in their boutique. Stop by one of Kaia Yoga’s three locations in Westport and Greenwich to enjoy the beautiful space that they have created, and flow through one of Stan’s amazing classes to develop your strength, flexibility and mindfulness.

Posted under Styles of Yoga, Yoga Studios, Yoga Teachers

This post was written by Barefoot Yoga on June 13, 2014