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| What NOT to Eat |
1. There will probably be some sort of chanting
Chanting is more common in "studio" type classes than at Gold's Gym. It may be that the instructor introduces a chant such as "Om" or "Ong Namo Guru Dav Namo." However, you're not required to participate. Do whatever makes you comfortable. Personally, until I have a fair understanding of what I'm saying and how the chant goes, I don't participate. Also, try to harmonize with people. It hurts everyone's ears equally if it's ridiculously out of tune.
2. You will probably be touched
As we've previously covered, you will probably be touched by your yoga teacher. They're not trying to get up on you or anything, they're just trying to make sure you don't hurt yourself and you are in the pose correctly. Some adjustments are more...involved...than others. It may look crazy, but it will more than likely be helpful. As a general rule, the more awkward the adjustment, the more impressive the results.
3. Bandhas
Your yoga instructor will tell you to focus on your bandhas. Of course, everyone who is new to yoga in the room thinks, "What's a bandha?" Trust me, the instructor will answer this. Usually the answer involves the words Kegel, perineum, anus, or sphincter. Yes, you can laugh when they say it, but try to keep it to a minimum. Many yoga instructors swear that by engaging the bandhas you will live a long healthy life...without crapping your pants.
4. Breathing
As guys, we are used to lifting the heavy thing and holding our breath until we can put it down. We face any challenge or pain by holding our breath. Resist this urge in yoga. You should breathe the entire time. And no wimpy breaths either. Deep, loud breaths through your nose. It seems simple, but it will make the class easier and more worthwhile.
5. It's more of a challenge than you think
I don't care if you do Crossfit 12 times a week, run marathons before breakfast, and think Everest is nice this time of the year. Yoga is harder than you think it is. By design, anyone can do it but it's still challenging for all. To get the most out of it, still push yourself hard throughout the entire class.
6. Studio Yoga vs. Gym Yoga
They're different. They each have their merits, but basically it's a choice. You can go to a studio and have a very intense yoga experience, or you can go to a gym and have a very accessible experience. I prefer studio yoga myself as I've had better experiences there, but it's worthwhile to eventually try each one. My wife is yelling at me to elaborate, but my goal here is to get you to try both.
7. Male Instructors
I take classes from more female instructors than male instructors, let me just state that off first. However, I find that most of my guy friends connect with male instructors faster than female instructors. Both Danielle and I seem to learn better from male teachers. I learn better from male teachers because they usually have the same kind of injuries that I do and naturally understand the male body and how it works (or in some cases, doesn't work). My wife learns better from male teachers mainly because she has female approval issues. DO NOT take this as me saying that female instructors are weak or too soft or anything else. Just go sit in my local yoga studio's Core Vinyasa class, I'm seriously scared to go.
8. What to Wear
No baggy clothes. No cotton. No boxers. Just like Edna Mode had a rule against capes, I have a rule against boxers. Now then, stretchy athletic undies are OK, but boxers are hell on earth.
9. Yoga Mats
In your first class, you'll probably need to borrow or rent a studio mat. They're clean, so make sure you clean yours when you leave. Don't go too far in a wide legged stance because you'll sometimes slip and could do something stupid like pull a groin muscle. Towels are your best friend with a gym mat. Place small towels where your feet and hands will be. Trust me, it will make all the difference.
Most importantly...
10. What to Eat (or Not Eat)
Two to three hours before, have a decent meal. Nothing huge, but eat something that's good for you and lightly spiced. No garlic, no beans, no onions. I cannot stress this enough! There is nothing worse than having a horribly rumbly tummy in yoga class, except for having the entire class smell that you had one of the aforementioned items for lunch. Yes, there's a story there. Yes, it was embarrassing. No, it was not the aforementioned guests, it was all me. Smoothies and protein shakes are always safe choices, but BE SURE to pee right before class. I realize this may be TMI, but it is an important detail to remember. Shoulder stands feel really weird when you have to pee. You'll be quite hungry when you leave, so be ready to go grab some food afterwards (bonus points for spicy-as-hell curry or fresh sushi).
Have fun, don't take it too seriously.
2. You will probably be touched
As we've previously covered, you will probably be touched by your yoga teacher. They're not trying to get up on you or anything, they're just trying to make sure you don't hurt yourself and you are in the pose correctly. Some adjustments are more...involved...than others. It may look crazy, but it will more than likely be helpful. As a general rule, the more awkward the adjustment, the more impressive the results.
3. Bandhas
Your yoga instructor will tell you to focus on your bandhas. Of course, everyone who is new to yoga in the room thinks, "What's a bandha?" Trust me, the instructor will answer this. Usually the answer involves the words Kegel, perineum, anus, or sphincter. Yes, you can laugh when they say it, but try to keep it to a minimum. Many yoga instructors swear that by engaging the bandhas you will live a long healthy life...without crapping your pants.
4. Breathing
As guys, we are used to lifting the heavy thing and holding our breath until we can put it down. We face any challenge or pain by holding our breath. Resist this urge in yoga. You should breathe the entire time. And no wimpy breaths either. Deep, loud breaths through your nose. It seems simple, but it will make the class easier and more worthwhile.
5. It's more of a challenge than you think
I don't care if you do Crossfit 12 times a week, run marathons before breakfast, and think Everest is nice this time of the year. Yoga is harder than you think it is. By design, anyone can do it but it's still challenging for all. To get the most out of it, still push yourself hard throughout the entire class.
6. Studio Yoga vs. Gym Yoga
They're different. They each have their merits, but basically it's a choice. You can go to a studio and have a very intense yoga experience, or you can go to a gym and have a very accessible experience. I prefer studio yoga myself as I've had better experiences there, but it's worthwhile to eventually try each one. My wife is yelling at me to elaborate, but my goal here is to get you to try both.
7. Male Instructors
I take classes from more female instructors than male instructors, let me just state that off first. However, I find that most of my guy friends connect with male instructors faster than female instructors. Both Danielle and I seem to learn better from male teachers. I learn better from male teachers because they usually have the same kind of injuries that I do and naturally understand the male body and how it works (or in some cases, doesn't work). My wife learns better from male teachers mainly because she has female approval issues. DO NOT take this as me saying that female instructors are weak or too soft or anything else. Just go sit in my local yoga studio's Core Vinyasa class, I'm seriously scared to go.
8. What to Wear
No baggy clothes. No cotton. No boxers. Just like Edna Mode had a rule against capes, I have a rule against boxers. Now then, stretchy athletic undies are OK, but boxers are hell on earth.
9. Yoga Mats
In your first class, you'll probably need to borrow or rent a studio mat. They're clean, so make sure you clean yours when you leave. Don't go too far in a wide legged stance because you'll sometimes slip and could do something stupid like pull a groin muscle. Towels are your best friend with a gym mat. Place small towels where your feet and hands will be. Trust me, it will make all the difference.
Most importantly...
10. What to Eat (or Not Eat)
Two to three hours before, have a decent meal. Nothing huge, but eat something that's good for you and lightly spiced. No garlic, no beans, no onions. I cannot stress this enough! There is nothing worse than having a horribly rumbly tummy in yoga class, except for having the entire class smell that you had one of the aforementioned items for lunch. Yes, there's a story there. Yes, it was embarrassing. No, it was not the aforementioned guests, it was all me. Smoothies and protein shakes are always safe choices, but BE SURE to pee right before class. I realize this may be TMI, but it is an important detail to remember. Shoulder stands feel really weird when you have to pee. You'll be quite hungry when you leave, so be ready to go grab some food afterwards (bonus points for spicy-as-hell curry or fresh sushi).
Have fun, don't take it too seriously.
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