Arrive early
Try to be on time for class, poses are done in a particular sequence. You may want to arrive early to pick out a spot, and warm up before class.
Basic poses
Try to learn the basic poses first, then move on to more complicated ones.
Be friendly
Most people who do yoga are pretty warm and friendly. Before class, introduce yourself to the people on the mats on either side of you.
Be here now
Stay present - try to keep your attention and focus on your body and the movements inside the class. This will enhance your experience.
Big heart. Small ego
The most important things you'll need for yoga are a big heart, and a small ego.
Breathe deep
When doing yoga, concentrate on taking long, deep breaths, coordinated with your poses. It's the most important part of your practice.
Go before you go
Try to go to the restroom before the yoga class begins.
Instruct the instructor
Tell your instructor if you have any injuries or pain.
It's NOT a competition
Yoga is not competitive. Move at your own pace and STOP doing a pose if you feel pain.
Lotion free
Don't put lotion or moisturizer on before class. This may make your hands and feet slip.
Master, then move on
Make sure you're comfortable with the easy poses before moving on to the harder ones.
Nose breathing
During yoga, you should keep your mouth closed and breathe in and out through your nose and the back of your throat.
Opposing pairs
Almost every pose has an opposite, to help make sure your body gets a balanced stretch. Try to do poses in opposing pairs.
Pick your level
There's nothing wrong with taking it easy, most instructors will give you variations to choose from - pick the one that's right for you.
Savasana
Each practice ends with Savasana, or corpse pose, where you lie still and let your body absorb the benefit of the practice. Try not to miss this.
Silence is golden
Turn your mobile phone off before class - don't be that guy/girl.
Staying balanced
Pick a point on the wall or floor to focus on during balancing poses.
Sun Salutation
One of the most common sequences, Sun Salutation is a series of 12 postures performed in a single, graceful flow, coordinated with the breath.
When to eat
Try not to do yoga right after a big meal.
Yoga at home
If you can't make it to class, it's helpful to even do a few basic sequences (like Sun Salutation) at home everyday.
Yoga at the office
Put your hands behind your back and interlock your fingers, stretching your shoulders back and opening your chest. Look straight forward.
Yoga at your desk
Do yoga at your desk. Sit up tall and stretch your arms overhead, interlocking your fingers with your palms to the ceiling. Breathe deeply.
Yoga at your desk
Inhale. Lift your shoulders up to our ears and then exhale as you let them drop. Repeat 3 times.
Yoga at your desk
Put your palms on your desk in front of you with your fingers pointing back toward your body. Gently stretch your wrists and lower arms.
Yoga at your desk
Sit upright, relax your shoulders, face, jaw and tongue. Make 8 circles with your eyes, clockwise, then counter-clockwise. Breathe deeply.
Yoga by DVD
You can do yoga at home by buying a yoga DVD and following along at home. Get yourself a sticky mat and a quiet place.
You know best
Don't try to do exactly what the instructor does, do the best you can given your level of flexibility (they do this all day, every day).
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