How to Get to Know Everyone in Your Yoga Class

Contributed from Christina Richter

It might sound strange to hear that you need a support system when you exercise but building a strong support system is essential if you want to achieve your fitness goals.

MedicineNet.com states that having an accountability partner and/or a support group will help you stay on track when you work out, and provide you with encouragement that you need to push forward even when the going gets tough. If you’re just starting yoga, what better support system can you get than your classmates? In a previous post here on Dallas Yoga Magazine we discussed that finding like-minded people and local groups can help you feel the support of the community. Your classmates know what you’re going through, because they have experienced the same thing as you, so they are in a good position to help you out if you’re struggling in class.

The question is, what can you do to get to know the people in your class? This article takes a look at some simple tools you can use to introduce yourself to them.

Smile

Simple as it may be, never underestimate the power of a smile. It carries a universal meaning, one that transmits friendliness and approachability. By smiling in class instead of frowning, you have a better chance of striking up conversations with your peers. This is a good tool for naturally shy people who have trouble initiating conversations with others.

Confidence

Similar to other social situations, you need to summon confidence to introduce yourself to the other members of your yoga class. Foxy Bingo teamed up with yoga enthusiast Heather Graham to offer tips on being confident whatever scenario you find yourself in. The article ‘How Can You Be as Cunning as a Fox?’ gives tips on how you can make yourself more likeable to others. It also advises keeping your body and hands open to give a nonverbal message that you are confident and approachable. If you’re not that confident about approaching someone from the get-go, you can always observe the people first to see which ones seem friendly and start with them.

An Open Mind

Yoga in itself already creates a welcoming environment, with each class ending with a feeling of connection and togetherness between you and your classmates. Yoga Swole recommends that you keep an open mind to remove any negativity that you may have in your mind, heart, or body. This will allow you to have a better, deeper connection with your classmates. Admittedly, it can be difficult at first to put yourself in a position of vulnerability and openness, especially to strangers. However, one thing you can remind yourself is that you already have something in common with your peers: yoga.

De-brief

Instead of making a beeline to the showers or to your car once your yoga class ends, you can actually chat with your classmates to see how they found the session. Wellness Today suggests that debriefing post-workout can serve as a good icebreaker, allowing you to initiate conversation with your peers.

Plan an activity outside of yoga class

If you’ve already established a sense of acquaintanceship with at least some of your classmates, why not schedule a meet-up outside of yoga class? A good activity to consider would be something that is related to yoga. For instance, you can plan a hiking day trip, or schedule a meditation class for you and your classmates.

Punctuality

If you’re new to yoga class, your best bet to make new friends is to get there early. That way, you will have some time to chat with your classmates, even if your conversation is only about getting some information on what usually transpires during class.