If you've signed up for a yoga class, you may be unsure of what to expect. If you've never been to a yoga class before, you may not know what you will be doing, how you will feel or even what you should wear. Here's a quick rundown on what to expect from your first class so you feel fully prepared and relaxed.

What will you be expected to do?

You should expect to be asked to do a series of poses, some breathing exercises and relaxation. Some classes will include meditation. The instructor will guide you through each step and with your permission may help you adjust your position to help you get more out of the pose.

The class will include movement and stretching, so wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement. No, you don't have to wear lycra - wear whatever you feel comfortable in that gives you freedom of movement.  Depending on the outside temperature, you may wish to consider wearing layers and perhaps bring a blanket along for relaxation.

It is recommended that you avoid a heavy meal before class.

How will you feel during a yoga class?

You may feel a bit lost and awkward in the beginning. You might not know what to do, or how to breathe, or what pose comes next. But don't worry! You'll get used to it quickly - and then you'll feel calm and relaxed as the class moves along.

If you're new to yoga, there may be times when you feel a little uncomfortable That's normal! Don't worry about it too much; just relax into the stretch and try again next time. You should never feel any pain or discomfort.

Eventually though...you'll have an amazing sense of achievement at having completed your first yoga class!

What your first class with me will be like?

You will be welcomed by me, the teacher and the rest of the class. We warmly welcome everyone to our class, regardless of age or ability.

I will offer you personal encouragement and support as you go through your first class with me. I will also tailor each class so that everyone can participate safely and feel comfortable in their own body making it is possible for beginners to practise along side those with experience.

Each class is different depending on what's happening in my life at the time (or yours!), the time of year, what poses we're practicing and how much time we have available for our session together. So there are no set routines; every class is unique! There are however similarities:  we'll work through some warmup and gentle preparation towards more challenging postures together – the peak pose (s), work with some breathing exercises and we always finish with relaxation.

Hopefully, this has made you feel comfortable and confident about what to expect from your first yoga class. If you're looking for something new, or a new yoga class, or just want to try out a different form of exercise, yoga is an excellent choice.

Please get in touch with me at Charlotte Huggins Yoga for information about yoga classes in Surrey. A warm, friendly welcome awaits you!