Ace your yoga class

Get the most out of every session and ace your yoga class with our top tips

1. Arrive early

Giving yourself a bit more time to get to class, change and chill out for a minute to two will mean you get much more out of your session. ‘Transitioning from our busy day into a yoga class can be challenging,’ says yoga teacher Pippa Richardson. ‘Arriving to class slightly early gives us the opportunity to start to let go of our day and settle into the space – leaving us in a calmer place to begin our practice.’ So try to get away from work on time, or leave the house 10 minutes earlier than usual.

2. Watch what you eat

Stuffing yourself with a heavy meal just before a session of downward dogs is a definite no-no.

’A big meal is something I would always advise against,’ says Pippa. ‘As with all forms of exercise you never want to practice on a full tummy!’ Try to eat any meal at least two hours before your session. And remember to drink plenty of water before, during and after your class.

3. Switch off

Leave your phone in your bag. ‘I would suggest trying to switch off from your devices – mobile, iPad etc – at least 30 minutes before a class,’ advises Pippa. We spend a lot of our time engaged with digital platforms that constantly remind us of to-do lists and emails we need to respond to.’ If you’ve got your shopping list or work emails running through your mind for the whole class, there’s no way you’re going to relax. ‘If you’re engaged right up until the minute before a class begins you might find you start your practice distracted. Come back to the here and now of the moment and give yourself permission to have “me time”.’

4. Breathe deep

Working on your breath is really important to really get the most out of your yoga practice. ‘Simply drawing our attention to the breath, especially at the beginning of the class, can help us tune into our inner landscape and focus our attention,’ says Pippa. But don’t get stressed out if you can’t seem to connect with your breath, keep it simple. ‘Practice observing the inhalation and exhalation, without judgment. Notice how in just a few minutes you can feel very different energetically. Working with the breath is a powerful tool to help us relax and what’s great is that you can practice it anytime, anywhere.’

5. Go at your pace

Just because everyone else is binding themselves into ridiculous twists and throwing themselves into handstands doesn’t mean you have to.

If you’re finding the class difficult, or the next level is a bit tricky for you take a break and take a breath. ‘Pause. Ask yourself what is it that you’re finding challenging, is it because you’re tired and finding it too physically demanding, is it because it’s flaring up pain in an old injury? Most people think that advanced practice is being able to do handstands, of course this involves a lot of skill but truly authentic advanced practice is being able to remain in contact with ourselves throughout our practice,’ says Pippa.

‘That means listening to our body and then honouring what it’s asking from us, whether that’s to rest, to make an adjustment or even to leave the class. Find your edge and soften, there is no need to push through.’ Your yoga class isn’t a competition, it’s ‘you time’, so make sure you’re getting what you want out of it.

6. Stay focused on yourself

It can be hard to relax if it’s a busy class, but try to remember your intention and stay focused on your own practice. ‘Closing your eyes in seated postures can be a great way to disengage with sight, one of our most stimulating senses and bring you back to your own practice,’ says Pippa.

But also be grateful for being surrounded by others who share a similar interest. ‘The group energy that comes from practising with lots of people can be really uplifting so it’s nice to take a moment to pay gratitude for the opportunity to share your space and practice with others. Saying hello to your neighbour will help you feel more comfortable too!’ says Pippa.

7. Get comfy

Stylish, good quality gym wear doesn’t just look great, it can help boost your confidence and help you lose yourself in the session, too. ‘The most important factor with clothing for me is to feel completely comfortable in what you’re wearing. The last thing you want to worry about is your undies showing through your leggings or your top riding up when you go upside down!’ says Pippa.

So give them a trial run at home. ‘Put your clothes through the ‘downward dog’ test in the comfort of your own home. Whether you chose leggings, shorts or a tracksuit, you want to feel unrestricted and comfortable. It’s nice to bring a light sweater to put on during savasana too because the body temperature can drop very quickly at the end of a class.

8. Set your intention

Remembering why you signed up for the class and what you want to get out of it can lead to a more satisfying session. ‘Set a personal intention for your class. This could be something simple like, ‘today I am going to invite compassion into my practice’. Keep coming back to your intention; use it as your anchor for your class,’ says Pippa.

And use it as an opportunity to take five and appreciate what you have. ‘Taking a moment to pay gratitude before you begin your practice is a lovely habit to create, too. It’s my personal ritual to take a moment before each class to pay gratitude for my body, the opportunity to practice and my teachers.’