Get ready for your class
Welcome to Inner Space Yoga with Diana! To ensure you have the most comfortable and fulfilling experience, we've put together some guidance on how to prepare for your class. From practical essentials to nurturing your mindset, we're here to help you begin your yoga journey with confidence.
Your questions answered
We understand you might have a few questions before your first class. Here, we've covered the most common queries to help you feel fully prepared and at ease for your yoga journey with Inner Space Yoga.
Please bring your own yoga mat and a water bottle (it's better to drink after the class). While I will provide some props, you're welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Wear comfortable light clothes so you can move freely. Wearing layers is helpful as you may become hot during practice. To ensure we all start together, please arrive 5-10 minutes before the class begins.
What should I bring or wear to your yoga class to feel comfy and ready?
Is there anything students should do or avoid before coming to class, like eating or arriving a bit early?
It's best not to eat for 2 hours before the class, and avoid a big meal at least 4 hours beforehand. After class, remember to drink plenty of fluids. During practice, your body uses a lot of energy and evaporates water, even if you don't feel like you're sweating. Yoga involves twists and compressions that massage your organs, encouraging the movement of metabolic waste. Water aids your kidneys and lymphatic system in processing and eliminating these products, helping to prevent muscle soreness, cramps, and post-class headaches.
What's your top tip for someone who's new to yoga or a bit nervous about their first class at Inner Space Yoga?
If you feel nervous before your first class, please know you are not alone – I've been there too. Stepping out of your comfort zone is a challenge, and feeling a bit nervous is a natural reaction. However, you're coming to a place where we focus on mindfulness, and with each breath, any anxiety will begin to dissolve. Yoga brings many gifts when practised consistently: the mind learns to calm, the body awakens, and self-esteem grows.
Yoga will invite you to find your edge which means to be mindful how much stress you apply to your body and mind. We need stress to grow, without stress our body and mind will atrophy but if there is too much stress and no rest, it will degenerate. If you have an injury, please inform your teacher but still be mindful, injured tissue still needs stress to repair but it's tolerance to stress will be reduced. Don't strive to get a perfect pose, learn to listen to your body. Don't push through the pain but allow some tension and some compression to strengthen and grow.
To truly connect with the 'Inner Space' and mindfulness theme, how can students best prepare their mind and body before joining your class?
The most important thing is to bring your willingness to meet yourself where you are and start from there. Yoga does not discriminate; yoga is for everyone, regardless of experience or physical ability. Just bring an open mind and a gentle heart. If you have any questions, please send me a message or ask before or after the class.
Ready to find your inner space?
We're excited for you to join us on the mat at Inner Space Yoga with Diana. With these tips, you're all set for a nourishing and mindful experience. Let's begin your journey to a calmer mind and a stronger body.