First Class..........................
When you first enter a class, look for the teacher, probably dressed in white and trying their best to look relaxed...
The teacher will take your name and contact details and if it is your first class, $17. Take this opportunity to inform the instructor of any physical difficulties you may have, such as back or neck problems. The teacher will then give you an 'Information sheet for new students'.
Bring something to lie on to class, whether it is an exercise mat, a sleeping bag or a couple of blankets.
Classes are normally laid out in rows. Find a place somewhere and rest on your mat.
The class begins with the instructor talking you through a check-in "feel your body lying on the floor... " etc. Click here to listen to a 90 second excerpt from the beginning of a class...
If you are unable to hear the teacher clearly or do not understand the instructions, raise your hand and let them know (we really do want to know!).
When inviting you to move your body, the instructor will give options such as "if this feels too easy for you, then you could...." and give stronger options.
For the first week or two, stay with the easy options unless you are already pretty fit. Always listen to your own body - if your body says no to a particular movement, then miss that one out and rest for a moment. Just lying there doing nothing is actually more beneficial than you can imagine, especially if you stay present in the class and not drift off.
Your breath is also a great guide. If you notice that you are not breathing, then come back to resting until your breath rebalances itself. Try not to force your body in any way. (Are you getting this message?) Although in our culture we are taught that maximum effort is required for maximum change, it is simply not the case with YogaHealth. We recommend that you NOT push yourself in class. Your body can become flexible, toned and relaxed far more quickly if you take it easy. You'll even be able to walk the next morning!:)
The first few classes will be mostly on your back as we use gravity to support the spine while making adjustments to balance mind and body. Most students have their eyes closed for much of the class. Nobody is looking at anybody because everyone is lying down. We like to think of YogaHealth as 'moving meditation' ...
The classes are gentle, especially at the beginning of term, but you will certainly notice changes, in both mind and body. In fact, if you are not amazed at how you feel and the changes in your body and mind after your very first class, we recommend that you not waste your money!
We also recommend that you only take one class a week, for your first term anyway. If you take two after that, one is half-price.
HAVE A PEEK AT A CLASS IN ACTION...
Although we are based in WA, we also hold classes in Nepal, India, Canada and Indonesia. Added to this we have a morning TV show in the wings! (That doesn't mean you should wait for the morning show and miss out on experiencing a class!:)
SO WELCOME TO YOGAHEALTH!
