How do I survive my first yoga class?

Are you going to your first yoga class soon? Here are a few helpful tips to prepare and make sure you have a pleasant experience.

What to Bring

Most studios provide mats and cleaning spray. Check the studio website to confirm. If mats are provided, wipe yours down after class, which is important for hygiene.
Bring water if the class is vinyasa, power yoga, or hot yoga. Gentler styles like hatha or yin rarely require it. Many studios offer tea afterward. Blankets are often available in the studio and you can use them during class, especially in the final relaxation known as savasana. You can also bring a cardigan or sweater to keep yourself warm. It is always fine to bring your own blanket or towel if you prefer.
You do not need your own blanket or props. Studios provide these. If you run cold, bring a sweatshirt or cardigan for the final relaxation.

What to Wear

Comfortable clothing that lets you move freely. Yoga pants, soft sweatpants, leggings, or a jumpsuit all work. Your top should stay in place during forward folds and inversions.
Avoid anything restrictive at the waist or shoulders.
You will likely sweat in active classes. Wear fabrics that breathe. Bring a layer for savasana, when your body temperature drops.
Skip the socks unless the studio requires them. Yoga is practiced barefoot for stability.

What Happens in Class

Turn off your phone. Do not check it during class, even in savasana.

Arrive five minutes early. Teachers often ask if anyone is new. Mention it. They will offer modifications and keep an eye on your form.
Place your mat where you can see the teacher. Avoid the back corner if you need visual cues. If the room is crowded, give yourself enough space to extend your arms without hitting anyone.

Classes follow a three-part structure:
The warm-up prepares your body with gentle movement and breath work. This usually lasts 10-15 minutes.

The peak involves the most active or challenging postures. In a flow class, this means faster-paced sequences. In a slower class, this means longer holds. This section takes up the middle 30-40 minutes.

The cool-down transitions into savasana, the final resting pose. You lie on your back with arms and legs relaxed, eyes closed. The goal is complete stillness. Your body integrates the work. Your nervous system shifts into rest mode. Savasana lasts 5-10 minutes. Stay for the full duration. Leaving early disrupts others and shortcuts your own practice.

Basic Poses You Will Encounter

Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) is the most common pose in yoga. You form an inverted V-shape with your body. Hands press into the mat shoulder-width apart, hips lift toward the ceiling, heels reach toward the floor. Your teacher will say "press through your hands" or "lengthen your spine." This means actively push the floor away and create space between your vertebrae.

Child's Pose (Balasana) is a resting position. Kneel with knees wide, fold forward, extend arms in front or rest them alongside your body. Forehead touches the mat. Teachers offer this as an option when you need a break. Take it whenever you need it.

Mountain Pose (Tadasana) looks like standing still but involves active engagement. Feet are hip-width apart, weight distributed evenly, shoulders relaxed, arms at your sides. Teachers will cue "ground through your feet" or "lift through the crown of your head."

Savasana is the final resting pose covered earlier. You will hear "corpse pose" used interchangeably.

Common cues you will hear: "breathe into the stretch" means deepen your breath rather than holding it, "engage your core" means gently draw your navel toward your spine, "soften your gaze" means relax your eye muscles and look downward.

You Are Ready

First classes feel awkward. You will not know the pose names. You will look around to see what others are doing. This is normal. Teachers expect it.
Focus on your own breath and movement, not on matching everyone else. Yoga is not a performance. It is a practice. Show up, follow along, and let the rest sort itself out.
Look for a trial class near you and enjoy your first yoga session. With these tips in mind you will step into your first class calm and prepared. Namaste.