So you want to try yoga...

Just. Go. Some studios and gyms offer somewhere around 40 types of yoga. You could spend an entire afternoon, or more, researching which style might suit you best and asking around about the best teacher. But while you're doing this, you're not actually at yoga. You have the rest of your life to figure this out. Use your judgment, of course, Advanced Human Pretzel Thermodynamics might not be the best place for you at first, but any beginner-friendly class is a great start. Bonus points if it's a convenient time, location, and price for you to work into your regular schedule.
Yup, that means you don't have to read the rest of this article. But I know that first class can be a little daunting, and some people like to be armed with more information before they walk in the door, so I assembled a few tips that might be helpful.

Tell the teacher, if you want. Many teachers will ask if anyone is new as class begins, but not all of them. I suggest you introduce yourself at the beginning. Most will be pretty good about keeping an eye on you to make sure you have an enjoyable and safe experience- it's in both of our best interest that you walk out in one piece and want to come back! That said, if you're not comfortable outing yourself, then don't. The yoga police won't knock down your door, I promise.

Find a good spot in the back/middle. True, you're supposed to feel your way into the posture from the inside out, but ask anyone who tells you that if they didn't start learning yoga visually. Putting yourself in a place in the room where you can see other people practicing without straining your neck will make life easier.

Breathe. It's tempting to hold your breath when things get tough. Just don't. Most styles of yoga use ujayyi breathing throughout class. Try making an audible breath like you would if you were trying to fog up a window in the wintertime. Now close your mouth and do that through your nose. It should feel like you're contracting the back of your throat. This breath helps you keep your breathing steady and even, and encourages circulation so carbon dioxide is carried out of the muscles. Good stuff.

Back off. You have the rest of your life to get that split or backbend- and the day you slip effortlessly into that advanced pose, it won't necessarily mean you're a better person. But if you injure yourself today, you're a lot less likely to ever get there. As you progress in yoga, you'll learn to work your "edge" mindfully and understand what your body is resisting and why. But for now, just showing up to that first class might be as far out of your comfort zone as you need to venture. I encourage my students, new and old, to take child's pose whenever something doesn't feel quite right. It's a great "reboot" for the body, mind, and breath. Your teacher might have another idea about how you might want to rest, but a good teacher will understand and encourage taking breaks when you need to.

After class, let it go. You probably came in with a certain set of expectations about the class or how you would perform. You may be elated, or you may be frustrated with yourself. Let it go. It's over. If you didn't feel comfortable at all with the class or teacher, consider another time/teacher/studio. If you're disappointed in yourself, congratulations- you've found a challenge, and will soon learn how valuable that opportunity is.

Drink some water and rest up. You're going to be sore tomorrow, trust me. Having an extra glass or two of water will encourage that lactic acid to move. The sooner you're healed up, the sooner you can get back on the yoga mat. But give it time- it's during rest that muscles actually repair themselves and get stronger.

Namaste, and may the force be with you!