Choosing a yoga class can be intimidating, especially if you are new to the practice. There are so many options that it’s difficult to know where to begin. But don’t worry! If you ask yourself these 7 questions before choosing a yoga class, you’ll have an easier time sorting through all of your options and finding one that’s right for you.
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Why Do I Want To Do Yoga?
Yoga is a great way to stay in shape and learn about your body. When you start yoga, it’s important that you know why you’re trying it out. If you don’t like the answer to this question, then maybe yoga isn’t for you!
- Are any of my friends doing yoga? Maybe I’ll try it with them or ask if they can recommend a good studio nearby where we could all meet up and go together!
- Do I want to lose weight? Yoga definitely helps – but only because most classes include some kind of stretching afterward – not only will these poses make me flexible, but they will also work on toning those stomach muscles at the same time!
- Am I looking for something spiritual? Yoga includes a lot of spiritual traditions – even if you don’t believe in any specific religion, yoga can still be the perfect fit for anyone looking to find peace within themselves.
- Do I want to learn how my body works? The best way to do that is by using it! With yoga, you’ll get an inside look at your muscles, bones, and ligaments as well as practice controlling them.
- Am I ready for something new? Some people are content with their workout routine day after day but there’s nothing wrong with having some variety! Maybe adding yoga into your life will make you excited about working out again!
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How Will I Know Which Type Of Yoga Is Right For Me?
What type of yoga is right for you depends on your goals and the time you have available. Every style brings its own benefits to mind, body, and soul — but before committing to a class, it’s important to know what those differences might be.
Different yoga styles have different benefits, so it is important to know which style of yoga you are interested in before beginning a class. Many people start with Hatha Yoga because it has been around the longest and doesn’t require much flexibility or strength. However, there are many other types of yoga that may be more suitable for your body type or goals.
For example, if you want something more intense than Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Yoga will give you this while still allowing some modifications if needed. Vinyasa Flow classes offer an athletic challenge for anyone who wants to improve their cardiovascular fitness while learning how to connect breath with movement through synchronized sequences on each pose during practice time. Bikram Yoga consists of practicing 26 specific postures in a heated room, which is good for those who want to sweat out toxins and improve flexibility.
Perhaps you are more interested in learning about yourself through yoga. If that sounds like you, Kundalini Yoga might be right for you because it focuses on spirituality as the foundation of practice.
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Do I Need To Consult My Doctor Before Choosing A Yoga Class?
Depending on what kind of yoga you do, it may or may not be appropriate for you to attend a class without talking to your doctor. For example, in Iyengar Yoga classes, poses are held for several minutes and isometric holds can put significant pressure on the joints which could exacerbate certain conditions such as arthritis.
- If you have any illness that requires medications (diabetes), please consult with your health care provider before doing yoga because some medications react poorly when combined with exercise.
- Be aware of allergies and sensitivities; know if there’s anything in the studio environment that might bother you (such as strong smells) so that they don’t cause an adverse reaction while you are practicing yoga – especially during pranayama (breath work).
- If you have a medical condition that requires regular monitoring and/or hospitalization, yoga may not be the best practice for you. Discuss this with your doctor before beginning yoga.
- Some practitioners also recommend people who are on blood thinners or medications which affect balance to do gentle forms of yoga such as restorative or yin in order to avoid injury from falling over during postures.
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Should I Join An All-Level Or Beginners Yoga Class?
If you’re new to yoga, it’s important to find the right class.
There are many options in yoga classes; some focus on beginners while others may be more challenging (all-levels).
You don’t need any prior experience before starting with a beginner-level class. Some people do have specific goals though and require trained assistance for this reason – if so, they might want to seek out an intermediate or advanced yoga class.
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How Long Is The Practice Session?
The length of time varies greatly between different types of classes but typically ranges from 60 minutes up to 120 minutes including set up and warm down periods at either end. If you’re looking for something shorter than that then most studios will offer a shorter class.
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What Is The Teacher’s Level Of Experience?
A good yoga teacher will have been practicing for quite some time and be able to teach from personal experience rather than just going through a list of poses they’ve learned in order. You can expect them to be familiar with yoga philosophy as well as the benefits that each pose brings, not forgetting how important it is that their own alignment is good so they are safe when guiding you through your practice too.
A new or inexperienced instructor may put you off trying another class again so if this isn’t something you feel confident about then ask around before committing yourself
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Where Do I Go To Research The Best Yoga Class For Me?
There are a number of resources online to look for yoga classes. A simple Google search will lead you in the right direction, but be sure to do research on multiple websites before making any decisions. It’s also helpful to ask around if anyone has gone or currently goes to that particular studio and what they think about it!
Yoga is a great way to improve your physical and mental health. However, for some people, it’s not the right fit because of their lifestyle or medical history. Before choosing which yoga class you want to take, ask yourself these seven questions so that you can find one that suits you best. If all this sounds overwhelming and if you just need help finding the perfect place to practice in order to get started on your yoga journey today, then call us!
Are You Looking for Yoga Classes That Are Perfect for You?
Yoga is a wonderful way to get in shape and learn about your body. It’s also great for relieving stress! Our Non-Heated Flow 1-2 classes provide the basics of vinyasa yoga, which are designed specifically for beginners or those who have just been practicing for years. These slower-paced classes break down poses so you can really explore them with all new challenges and modifications. If you feel yourself struggling during class don’t worry – keep working on what’s possible until such time as fatigue levels off enough that more challenging positions become possible again. If you’re looking to start practicing yoga but aren’t sure where to begin, our non-heated flow series will be right up your alley. Book your first class now at one of our San Francisco locations or our gorgeous location in downtown Walnut Creek!
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