Taking your first yoga class can feel intimidating. You might be wondering what to wear, whether you are flexible enough, what the class will be like, and whether you will be able to keep up. These are completely normal concerns, and every single person in the room had them before their first class too.
At Yoga Now Chicago, we have been welcoming beginners since we opened our doors in River North in 2003. We know what it feels like to walk into a yoga studio for the first time, and we have designed our classes, our space, and our onboarding process to make that experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
This guide covers everything you need to know before your first yoga class, from practical logistics to which class to choose to what happens during the class itself.
Before Your First Class
What to Wear
You do not need fancy or expensive yoga clothes. Wear something comfortable that you can move in freely. Leggings, shorts, or sweatpants with a t-shirt or tank top all work well. Avoid anything too baggy, as it can get in the way when you are bending forward or upside down.
You will practice barefoot, so no special footwear is needed. Just bring yourself and comfortable clothes.
What to Bring
A yoga mat if you have one. If you do not, we have mats available at the studio. A water bottle is a good idea. You do not need towels, blocks, straps, or any other equipment. We provide all the props you will need.
What to Eat (and Not Eat)
Try not to eat a heavy meal in the two hours before class. A light snack an hour before is fine if you need something. Practicing on a full stomach can be uncomfortable, especially during forward folds and twists.
Arriving at the Studio
Plan to arrive about ten to fifteen minutes before your class starts. This gives you time to check in, put your things away, use the restroom, and settle onto your mat without rushing. If it is your first visit, you will need a few extra minutes to fill out our new student form.
We are located at 742 N LaSalle Dr in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, near the Gold Coast. For parking information, visit our parking guide.
Choosing Your First Class
One of the most important decisions you will make is which class to take first. Not all yoga classes are appropriate for beginners, and starting in the right class makes a big difference in how you experience yoga.
At Yoga Now, we recommend these classes for first-time students:
Yoga Basics
This is exactly what it sounds like. Yoga Basics is designed for people who are new to yoga or who want to revisit the fundamentals. You will learn the basic poses, how to align your body safely, and how to connect movement with breath. The pace is slower than a typical class, and the teacher takes time to explain each pose and answer questions.
If you are brand new to yoga, this is the class we recommend most. It builds the foundation that makes every other class more accessible and enjoyable.
Gentle Yoga
Gentle Yoga is a slower, more accessible class that emphasizes stretching, breathing, and relaxation. The poses are simple, the transitions are gradual, and the teacher offers plenty of modifications for different bodies and ability levels. This class is excellent if you are dealing with stiffness, recovering from an injury, or simply want a calming practice.
Classes with Alisa Volpe are particularly welcoming for beginners. Alisa has a gift for creating a warm, supportive atmosphere where new students feel comfortable from the moment they walk in.
Community Yoga (Free)
We offer a free Community Yoga class that is open to everyone, including complete beginners. This is a low-pressure way to try yoga for the first time without any financial commitment. The class is taught at a level that is accessible to new students, and the vibe is friendly and inclusive.
You can view all of these classes on our weekly schedule.
What Happens During Your First Class
Knowing what to expect can take a lot of the anxiety out of your first class. Here is a general outline of what a typical beginner class looks like at Yoga Now:
Checking In
When you arrive, let the front desk know it is your first class. They will help you check in, show you where everything is, and answer any questions. If you have not already filled out the new student form, they will give you one to complete.
Setting Up Your Mat
Find a spot in the room that feels comfortable. Many beginners like to set up in the middle or back of the room so they can watch what other students are doing. This is a perfectly good strategy. Do not worry about being in the front row.
If you need props like blocks, a strap, or a blanket, grab them before class starts. The teacher or front desk can show you where they are.
The Class Itself
Most yoga classes follow a similar structure:
- Centering – The teacher guides you through a few minutes of quiet breathing to settle in and arrive on your mat.
- Warm-up – Gentle movements to warm the body and prepare for the practice.
- Main practice – A sequence of poses that may include standing poses, seated poses, balances, and gentle backbends.
- Cool-down – Slower, more restful poses to wind down the practice.
- Savasana – The final relaxation pose. You lie on your back and rest for several minutes. This is often the favorite part of class.
Throughout the class, the teacher will demonstrate poses, offer verbal cues, and sometimes provide hands-on adjustments. If you prefer not to be touched, you can let the teacher know before class.
If You Get Lost or Tired
This is important: if you get lost, confused, or tired during class, you can always rest in Child’s Pose or simply sit on your mat. No one will judge you. No one will think you are doing it wrong. Every experienced yogi in the room has done the same thing many times.
Vinay Vallabh is one of our teachers who is especially good with beginners. Vinay brings a patient, encouraging approach to teaching that helps new students feel at ease. His classes are a great option if you want a teacher who will take extra care to make sure you understand what is happening.
Common Concerns for First-Timers
“I am not flexible enough for yoga.”
This is the most common thing we hear from new students. Here is the thing: you do not need to be flexible to do yoga. Yoga is what makes you flexible. Every pose can be modified to accommodate your current range of motion. The teacher will show you how. Flexibility comes with practice, not beforehand.
“I will not be able to keep up.”
In a beginner-level class, the teacher sets a pace that is appropriate for new students. You will not be left behind. And if you need to rest, you rest. There is no performance aspect to yoga. You are on your own mat, doing your own practice, at your own level.
“I do not know the poses.”
No one expects you to know the poses before your first class. That is what the class is for. The teacher will demonstrate each pose, explain what to do, and offer modifications. In Yoga Basics, the teacher takes extra time to break down each pose and explain proper alignment.
“I will feel out of place.”
We understand this feeling, and we work hard to create a welcoming environment for every student who walks through our door. Hannah Olson, one of our teachers, is particularly known for her warm and inclusive approach. She went through our teacher training program and brings a genuine understanding of what it feels like to be new.
Your First Class Is Free
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to try yoga. Your first class at Yoga Now is on us. Visit our first class free page to learn more and claim your free class.
After your first class, you can talk to the teacher about which classes would be a good next step. Many of our students start with Yoga Basics or Gentle Yoga and then gradually explore other styles like Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa, or Mindful Vinyasa Flow.
Getting Started
Ready to take your first yoga class? Here is what to do:
- Fill out the new student form online before you come in.
- Browse our class schedule and pick a Yoga Basics or Gentle Yoga class.
- Claim your first class free if you have not already.
- Check our parking guide for directions and parking options.
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early so you have time to settle in.
If you have any questions before your first visit, call us at 312-280-9642 or email info@yoganowchicago.com. We are happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own yoga mat?
No. We have mats available at the studio for you to use. If you have your own mat, you are welcome to bring it.
What if I need to use the restroom during class?
You can step out at any time. No one will mind. Just quietly leave and come back when you are ready.
Should I tell the teacher it is my first class?
Yes. Let the teacher know before class starts that you are new. This helps them keep an eye on you, offer modifications, and make sure you have a positive experience.
Can I eat before class?
A light snack an hour or two before class is fine. Avoid heavy meals right before practicing, as it can be uncomfortable during forward bends and twists.
What if I have an injury or health condition?
Tell the teacher before class. They can offer modifications and help you avoid poses that might aggravate your condition. If you have a serious health condition, consult your doctor before starting yoga.
Take your first yoga class at Yoga Now in River North. Your first class is free, and we have beginner-friendly classes on our schedule every week. View the schedule and book your spot today. We look forward to meeting you.
Yoga Now Chicago | 742 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654 | 312-280-9642