Welcome to Your First Class!
First, let me applaud you for taking a step towards making your health a priority! It’s no easy task but every single step of the way will be WORTH it.
Your first class can be intimidating so I’ve included some tips and tricks for you that will make things a little less stressful.
The 3 Principles of Gravity Yoga®
Wet Noodle: Muscles stretch best when relaxed
Breathe to Relax: Inhale for a count of 4 and exhale out of the mouth for a count of 8 to relax the body
Meet or Beat your hold time: At minimum a 2 minute hold is needed to relax the body
Just Breathe…
We use a couple of breathing techniques to release tension and stay in a calm state of stillness.
Use the videos below as a refresher on the breathwork we use during and after class.
What about Props?
We LOVE to use props but you don’t need to spend a ton of money on any of the fancy stuff.
You can use pretty much anything you have in the house as a prop!
Here’s what we typically use during every class:
2+ yoga blocks (can use books instead)
Yoga strap (dishtowel, belt from pants/robes work well!)
Yoga blanket (or regular fleece blankets)
Wall space
Timer (if you’re practicing on your own)
Optional props that can be handy:
Stool/chair
Couch cushions
Coffee table
Pillows
…get creative! Use what you’ve got!
Feel free to reach out to me if you need any help/ideas.
Make a Zen Den
Let’s be real: holding these poses for 5min can be really hard sometimes! Life can throw us all sorts of hard balls creating distraction and making it difficult to be still.
Making a Zen Den will help you find a bit of peace & motivation to do your practice:
Designate a space just for your practice. ONLY do your practice here and nothing else
Keep your favorite mat laid out at all times with your props nearby
Light some candles/incense
Music is encouraged! Play gentle music with happy lyrics or no lyrics at all. Need inspiration? Check out my playlists.
Practice in your pjs…trust me you’ll be ready to fall into bed right after your stretches.
REMEMBER
These stretches are BEST practiced AFTER your exercises!
We spend a long time stretching out the muscles. It makes you feel “loosey goosey” afterwards and is very unstable for the joints.
If you choose to practice first thing in the morning, wait at least TWO HOURS before engaging in any other form of exercise!
Ready for Class?
Practice with me Online
Gravity Yoga Express
Join me for live 30min sessions on Zoom! We will work through 4 different poses holding each for 5min.
Classes are free but will be recorded for future use (don’t worry you will NOT be in the video!)
Spots are limited
Registration is required
YouTube
Visit my YouTube channel for tutorials and recorded stretching sessions!
You will find 15min and 30min sessions to help keep you inspired and motivated to stick with your stretching practice.