You've been thinking about it for a long time and now you've made up your mind. You still don't understand how "namaste" seems to mean "hello", "goodbye", and "I bow to the diving in you" but you're over it and you've decided to give yoga a shot. Good for you. Here's 5 things that'll make that first session go as smooth as possible.
You will be intimidated and that's ok
Yoga is intimidating, especially for beginners and particularly for guys. You simply do not know what to do and that's ok. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. These types of Eastern philosophical sayings are now a part of your life. Know that the instructor will be fixing your posture while you're attempting your first asanas. Don't worry about it. Asana is Sanskrit and means "posture" or "to be seated in a position that is firm, yet relaxed".
Being corrected by the instructor is to be expected and appreciated. Just go with the flow and breathe. Yoga really isn't that complicated but you're just starting out and it may very well prove to be more difficult than you expect.
It will be more difficult than you expect
Maybe you're a UFC fighter or a football player who needs to recover. Maybe you Crossfit bro or play hockey. Or maybe you're looking to yoga as a nice little first foray into fitness. While yoga certainly isn't a contact sport it is still a very vigorous workout, even for people who weight-train or play sports on a regular basis. You'll become acquainted to muscles you didn't even know you had after your first yoga session.
You will be sore. You may be very sore. Just smile it off and know that's what's supposed to happen.
You will be sore. You may be very sore. Just smile it off and know that's what's supposed to happen. However, don't push yourself too hard right from the get go. People do indeed get injured when practicing yoga. Pay attention and listen to your body. Leave your ego at the door and everything will be just fine.
You may be the only guy in the class
It's actually pretty likely that there will be at least one other dude in there because the health benefits of yoga are universal and more and more men are practicing every day. But you might as well mentally prepare to be the only guy as a just in case. Maybe this isn't a worry for most guys but I was the only guy in the class when I finally manned up and went. Who woulda thunk it? It really isn't that big of a deal but the thought of "Wow! I'm the only guy in this room of hot chicks. I wonder if anyone else has noticed this" did indeed dance across my mind.
The good news is that no one really cares. Everyone is there to focus on their practice.
The good news is that no one really cares. Everyone is there to focus on their practice. By the way, people use the word "practice" slightly different in a yoga context. It's much more common to hear "I'm going to practice later" rather than "I'm going to go do yoga later". It's just how it is. Anyway, you might be the only guy practicing. It's pretty awesome actually.
It doesn't have to be expensive
Other than a mat, yoga doesn't really require any equipment. There's no sticks, clubs, rackets, or special shoes needed. In fact, you take off your shoes to practice. But that doesn't stop people spending a pile of cash on yoga. You don't need to rush out and drop a paycheck or four on the latest styles from lululemon in order to dip your toes in the yoga pool. It actually wouldn't be all to shocking if you already own some lululemon because the clothing is so stylish and functional. Athletic shorts or boardshorts and a lightweight shirt will work just fine. If you do hot yoga you'll probably end up shedding the shirt anyway.
You don't need to rush out and drop a paycheck or four on the latest styles from lululemon in order to dip your toes in the yoga pool.
Hot is not just a slick marketing word when it comes to hot yoga. It really is hot in there. Do yourself a favor and don't break the bank buying a bunch of yoga clothes until you know it will be part of your life and you find the right yoga studio.
Try out a number of yoga studios (at least 3)
One of the great things about yoga other than the physical well-being and mental clarity it brings is the fact that most yoga studios offer a free class or even a free week of classes so you can try it out with no commitments and you can see if you dig the vibes. You can go to our homepage or search our personal training page for yoga studios in your area or you can go the analog route and simply walk into the yoga studio closest to your apartment or house and see what deals they offer.
So there you have it. 5 things every guy needs to know about yoga. Namaste.