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Welcome to Nanaquaket Yoga Studio (NYS)!
We are honored to be part of your journey.
Below is a list of things to know before arriving to your first yoga class.
Pre-Class Etiquette
You have the option of bringing your own yoga mat with you to class as well as a bottle of water and if you tend to sweat a lot you can also bring a small towel. Out of respect for the other participants, skip putting on perfume before class (or even on the day of class). While you may love it, the scent can be irritating and distracting to others.
10 Things to Know Before Your First Yoga Class
1. Don't take class on a full stomach: Trying to do yoga right after mealtime will hinder your practice. In order for your body to twist and move into poses, the stomach can't be digesting something heavy. If you're starving and really need to eat try to fuel your body with a health snack at least 20 minutes prior to class (almonds, banana, etc.)
2. Arrive early: Head to the studio at least 10 minutes before the scheduled class. Arriving early also gives you a chance to set up your mat in the studio, become familiar with the environment and perhaps even connect with the teacher or students before the class begins. Be sure to let the teacher know it's your first class!
3. Grab all the props: NYS offers yoga mats free of charge if you haven't bought your own yet. When entering the studio, the yoga mats are located directly behind the studio door, the blocks and Staps are located to the right, in the "prop" closet. Grab two (2) blocks and one (1) strap and a bolster or blanket to make yourself comfortable. A strap, blanket, block, or bolster will help your body get into a deeper version of a pose. Straps and blocks give you a little extra room to twist, while a blanket will make all the seated postures — plus the final relaxation — even more enjoyable.
4. Breath is everything: Pay attention to how shallow your breath is at the beginning of class and if it's deeper and more relaxed at the end of class. When you feel your mind wander, think about lengthening your inhales and exhales. It's the best way to calm down and dive back into your practice with a fresh outlook. In most yoga classes you will hear the term: Ujjayi Breath or Ocean breath meaning Victorious.
How to do it... Take a slow and deeply inhale through the nose, pause with breath at the top - slight retention - then, exhale back through the nose but from the back of the throat creating an ocean like sound...think of the muscles you use in the back of your throat when fogging up a mirror with your breath - now close your mouth and breath that same breath through you nose..this is Ujjayi breath!). Learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.yogaoutlet.com/guides/how-to-practice-ujjayi-breath-in-yoga
5. Child's Pose is always an option: There might be yogis of all levels practicing in class, so if there's a pose you don't understand or aren't ready to try, don't be afraid to take rest in a gentle Child's Pose. This posture is always an option if you lose your connection to your breath during class. It will help you zen out and tune into your body's needs.
What is Child's pose? Click here: http://www.yogajournal.com/pose/child-s-pose/
6. Trust the teacher: Moving at your teacher's pace might be difficult. Regardless of whether it's feeling too fast or too slow, trust their choices for sequencing and do your best to stay on track with the rest of the class - knowing you can always move into Child's pose to take a rest. Also know that some teachers will be more hands on than others. If you're not comfortable with touching or adjustments, there's nothing wrong with telling your instructor it isn't working for you. Be authentic to your breath and your practice. Leave your ego outside the studio and listen to your intuition. Remember, yoga is a healing practice.
7. Release the tension: Clenching your fingers, toes, or even your jaw is very common when you're first starting out. The more you let go and release this stress from your body, the easier every pose will feel. Keeping things loose and comfortable will allow for a better experience, and once you've chilled out, you'll find that you're able to hold poses for longer.
8. Be a beginner: In a few months, you might be taking every yoga push-up (Chaturanga) possible, but let yourself have the opportunity to be a real beginner! Revered in a yoga practice, the idea of a "beginner's mind" means heading to your mat with no preconceived notions about what you can or can't accomplish or poses you can or can't do. Keeping this positive outlook and leaving expectations at the door will result in the best experience possible. Our motto at NYS is "Progress not Perfection".
9. Most likely you will experience an "OM" in class. This sound is the sound and vibration of the universe. Learn more by clicking on the link: http://www.spiritsound.com/aum.html
If you're not comfortable with this, there's no pressure to take part. Simply relax, breathe, and keep an open mind. If you're interested in participating, great but honestly no one will notice or mind if you decide not to.
10. Most importantly, have fun, be mindful and ask questions. We hope this list of "things to know" is helpful in creating a more comfortable, and relaxed experience.
We are honored to be part of your journey.
Below is a list of things to know before arriving to your first yoga class.
Pre-Class Etiquette
You have the option of bringing your own yoga mat with you to class as well as a bottle of water and if you tend to sweat a lot you can also bring a small towel. Out of respect for the other participants, skip putting on perfume before class (or even on the day of class). While you may love it, the scent can be irritating and distracting to others.
10 Things to Know Before Your First Yoga Class
1. Don't take class on a full stomach: Trying to do yoga right after mealtime will hinder your practice. In order for your body to twist and move into poses, the stomach can't be digesting something heavy. If you're starving and really need to eat try to fuel your body with a health snack at least 20 minutes prior to class (almonds, banana, etc.)
2. Arrive early: Head to the studio at least 10 minutes before the scheduled class. Arriving early also gives you a chance to set up your mat in the studio, become familiar with the environment and perhaps even connect with the teacher or students before the class begins. Be sure to let the teacher know it's your first class!
3. Grab all the props: NYS offers yoga mats free of charge if you haven't bought your own yet. When entering the studio, the yoga mats are located directly behind the studio door, the blocks and Staps are located to the right, in the "prop" closet. Grab two (2) blocks and one (1) strap and a bolster or blanket to make yourself comfortable. A strap, blanket, block, or bolster will help your body get into a deeper version of a pose. Straps and blocks give you a little extra room to twist, while a blanket will make all the seated postures — plus the final relaxation — even more enjoyable.
4. Breath is everything: Pay attention to how shallow your breath is at the beginning of class and if it's deeper and more relaxed at the end of class. When you feel your mind wander, think about lengthening your inhales and exhales. It's the best way to calm down and dive back into your practice with a fresh outlook. In most yoga classes you will hear the term: Ujjayi Breath or Ocean breath meaning Victorious.
How to do it... Take a slow and deeply inhale through the nose, pause with breath at the top - slight retention - then, exhale back through the nose but from the back of the throat creating an ocean like sound...think of the muscles you use in the back of your throat when fogging up a mirror with your breath - now close your mouth and breath that same breath through you nose..this is Ujjayi breath!). Learn more by clicking on this link: https://www.yogaoutlet.com/guides/how-to-practice-ujjayi-breath-in-yoga
5. Child's Pose is always an option: There might be yogis of all levels practicing in class, so if there's a pose you don't understand or aren't ready to try, don't be afraid to take rest in a gentle Child's Pose. This posture is always an option if you lose your connection to your breath during class. It will help you zen out and tune into your body's needs.
What is Child's pose? Click here: http://www.yogajournal.com/pose/child-s-pose/
6. Trust the teacher: Moving at your teacher's pace might be difficult. Regardless of whether it's feeling too fast or too slow, trust their choices for sequencing and do your best to stay on track with the rest of the class - knowing you can always move into Child's pose to take a rest. Also know that some teachers will be more hands on than others. If you're not comfortable with touching or adjustments, there's nothing wrong with telling your instructor it isn't working for you. Be authentic to your breath and your practice. Leave your ego outside the studio and listen to your intuition. Remember, yoga is a healing practice.
7. Release the tension: Clenching your fingers, toes, or even your jaw is very common when you're first starting out. The more you let go and release this stress from your body, the easier every pose will feel. Keeping things loose and comfortable will allow for a better experience, and once you've chilled out, you'll find that you're able to hold poses for longer.
8. Be a beginner: In a few months, you might be taking every yoga push-up (Chaturanga) possible, but let yourself have the opportunity to be a real beginner! Revered in a yoga practice, the idea of a "beginner's mind" means heading to your mat with no preconceived notions about what you can or can't accomplish or poses you can or can't do. Keeping this positive outlook and leaving expectations at the door will result in the best experience possible. Our motto at NYS is "Progress not Perfection".
9. Most likely you will experience an "OM" in class. This sound is the sound and vibration of the universe. Learn more by clicking on the link: http://www.spiritsound.com/aum.html
If you're not comfortable with this, there's no pressure to take part. Simply relax, breathe, and keep an open mind. If you're interested in participating, great but honestly no one will notice or mind if you decide not to.
10. Most importantly, have fun, be mindful and ask questions. We hope this list of "things to know" is helpful in creating a more comfortable, and relaxed experience.
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