Dresstoimpress - you have nothing to worry about! Yoga is about learning to be aware of your body and taking things at your own pace! There's no competition - everyone has different degrees of flexibility, balance, and strength. There will be really flexible/weak people, and really strong/stiff people and everything in between!

Your own flexibility and strength changes from day to day, which is why yoga emphasizes working with what you bring to the table on that particular day. Forget what you could do 5 years ago, 5 months ago or even 5 days ago.

Not sure what yoga dvds you have done, but you should be fine for a beginner class. Beginner classes are designed for people completely new to yoga or who have a little experience. It's basically an introductory to fundamental yoga asanas (poses) and how to connect your breathing with the postures. The class probably will be slower paced and the instructor will be there to give you hints on how to make a pose work for you or how you can modify it for your own capabilities. A beginner class probably won't have any inversions such as shoulderstands, headstands, or even backbends - so don't worry about those. And if you continue with yoga and never get to the point where you can do those - that's OKAY! The beauty of yoga is that it's a personal journey designed to help you increase your own flexibility and strength and self-awareness at your own pace.

Dress in comfy clothes that aren't too baggy - you want the instructor to be able to see your alignment so she can correct your posture/placement if needed. I personally like capris and a tank top with a light sportsbra underneath while other people in my classes wear shorts and tanks or even long bootcut pants with a fitted t-shirt. You can wear whatever makes you feel comfortable - the goal is to be comfortable so that you can really concentrate on what you're doing and not on "does my butt look big when I bend like this".

Go have fun at yoga!

Congrats on taking the step to go to a studio. Try not to be intimidated. Yogaforlife gave great advice in regards to this not being a competition. Some studios do have participants that try to go to that place but at the heart of all yoga traditions that is not the goal. You'll learn your own lessons and truths on the mat with time, just be open. And if you have good instructors you'll find that space to explore pretty easily.

When folks ask me about starting yoga I generally recommend they go to a studio first before doing DVDs at home. My reasoning is that you are going to get a certified professional that can help you better understand your alignment. As a beginner with great alignment you'll body do amazing things just in tadasana, the virbhadrasanas, etc.

Don't put pressure on yourself about getting to headstand. All poses are not for everyone, and if it is something your body can do you'll get there with grace and effort in time. When I did my level I teacher training I had two classmates that were told to stay away from headstands (due to a weak siratus and one that had an issue with her optic nerve). They are yoga instructors now in studios and even they have to be cautious when demonstrating those asanas. You'll learn what your body can do.

As for clothes number one you have to be comfortable. Ideally something so that the instructor can see your alignment (especially your knees and ankles first, and your torso second). Also try not to wear anything that will keep riding up in weird places or that is so baggy it flops over you when you do a forward bend. Lycra shorts and a tank are ideal, but find your comfort zone.

My last piece of advice is know what the studio expects of its clients. How early they want you to be there for your first class, where to park, what they expect you to bring, etc. This will just take away from the stress of your first day if you are prepped.

Have fun.

I wouldn't want to join a class cause I'm worried about about releasing a fart in front of everyone while doing those relaxing moves ...lol. I tried out a few moves and I notice that happens.

carbssmarbs, LOL! It happens. I suppose many less flatulent yogis and yoginis I know eat very nutrient-dense diets and don't go to asana practice with full bellies, but it still happens from time to time. and yes, I sometimes giggle when someone cuts one and I am not teaching.

Everyone farts occassionally in class. All that bending and twisting of your core, it's bound to happen!

I farted once as my teacher was assisting me to bend deeper. She was right there pushing on my lower back as I farted four small quick farts on her. It was awful and embarrassing but she ignored it because I imagine it happens quite a bit.

Try not to eat within an hour or so before class, and I usually try and pass a bowel movement before I go to class. That's helped quite a bit.

Wear comfortable clothes that you can bend and stuff in. I do Yoga at my gym every now and then. It's really a great stress reliver for me. I was pretty nervous my first class, but after we started the moves, my nerves went away. Everyone is in their own vibe during class. Have fun!

I highly recommend a Yogitoes towel for your mat! I feel more comfortable and cleaner with something between me and the mat that everyone uses. It's also more convenient to bring the towel to class than to carry your own yoga mat. I found a great deal on Amazon. Have fun in class!

Thanks for all of your input! I ordered a mat from Amazon and I am thinking about getting the Yogitoes towel once I see if yoga is something I want to stick with.

I just started taking yoga classes too. I found myself focusing on my body and just doing the best that I can. However be warned that the day after your first class your whole body might feel sore. This happened to me, especially because I'm not someone who's very fit. My friends and I are beginners and we all found yoga to be a great workout.

I agree with the other comments. Exactly like what Yogaforlife commented, its not a competition and take it at your own pace.