Yoga Tips From a Yoga Teacher

In today’s post I’m sharing some yoga tips from a yoga teacher. I hope they’re helpful!

When I first started practicing yoga regularly, it felt like there was so much to remember. The poses had names I couldn’t pronounce, and I was constantly second-guessing whether I was following the right studio etiquette. Looking back, there are so many little things I wish someone had told me early on—things that seem obvious now but definitely weren’t when I was just starting out. So today, I’m sharing a few yoga tips I wish I’d known as a beginner, in the hopes they’ll help you feel a little more comfortable and confident on your mat.

Arrive to class early

It’s always a good idea to give yourself a little extra time to get to class and get settled. So many things can make you run late – from traffic to not being able to find a parking spot. It’s well worth it to leave a bit earlier so that you have time to deal with those things without having to rush into class.

Walking into class just as the doors are being closed because you had to park a block to two away isn’t a great way to start class. I’ve always had a better yoga practice when I can take my time checking in, finding a favorite spot in class, and have a few minutes to just be and prepare myself.

Come to class in clean clothes

I promise you, you’ll feel better, and the people next to you in class will thank you for it! Depending on the yoga class, it can get pretty sweaty – even in non-heated classes. I’m looking at you ashtanga yoga!

It’s just gross working out in clothes that have already been through a workout without having been washed. It’s more hygienic and less gross to come to class in some freshly laundered leggings and a top.

Listen to your body

As amazing as your yoga teacher is (and there’s some truly amazing ones out there!), they can’t read your mind. You may have been a student of theirs for years, but there’s no way for them to know that your knee is acting up from that old injury or you slept weird last night and your left hip is feeling especially tight today.

You know your body and how poses feel when you’re in them. It’s important to honor where your at in that particular class. A pose that might have felt great last week before that hard leg workout might feel terrible today.

Modify poses

Along with the last tip, don’t be afraid to modify poses. Yoga is meant to fit your body, not your body fit yoga. Use all the props (blocks, blankets, straps, etc.) to make poses accessible to your body. Some ways I like to use props are:

• A block under my hand to bring the floor up to it.
• A thin block under my hip bones in seated forward folds to give my tight hamstrings some extra room to stretch.
• A blanket under my knees in kneeling poses for a little cushioning.

There are so many different ways to modify poses without props too. Simply opting to not go as deep into a pose is an option. So is turning a balancing pose into one you do against the wall instead so you can focus on form instead of stressing about staying upright and not falling over.

If you have a good yoga teacher, they’ll be able to give you lots of options for each pose. If you’re not sure about a pose, savasana or child’s pose are always options you can take at any time during a class.

Don’t eat a big meal right before class

It can be pretty uncomfortable to go through a yoga class after eating a big meal. A light snack before hand is never a bad idea. I wouldn’t sit down to a steak dinner an hour before class starts though. Honestly, I wouldn’t do that before any workout. Yoga isn’t any different.

Further Reading

If you’re looking for a gentle way to bring balance to your body and mind, I highly recommend giving this yin/yang yoga flow a try. It combines the stillness of yin poses with the movement of yang-style yoga, making it a great option when you want something grounding but still energizing. It’s beginner-friendly and perfect for days when you need a little bit of both.

I hope these yoga tips help you feel more confident and grounded in your practice—whether you’re just starting out or have been rolling out your mat for years. Remember, yoga isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up, listening to your body, and giving yourself grace along the way. If you’re looking for more inspiration, I share yoga and fitness content regularly over on Instagram. See you there!