As a compete beginner, picking the right Yoga class for you can be a challenge. There is so much choice with a lot of unusual terminology and can be confusing. The result of this is that you might go to a class which is not aligned with your goals which could then put you off for life! This would be a real shame as an appropriate yoga practice could change your life.
Picking a class is also further complicated because even within different styles of Yoga the teaching experience and method can vary massively.
Before attending your first Yoga class ask yourself the following questions
- What it is you want from a Yoga practice e.g strength, flexibility, stress management, spirituality, community?
- Can you get up and down off the floor and can you kneel?
- Are you physically fit or do you have any injuries?
The answers to these questions will help you pick the class which is right for you. If you cannot kneel or get up and down off the floor then you may want to consider a chair based or restorative class.
If you have an injury you want to make sure the class is not too big and the teacher is trained appropriately to be able to support you in this practice as the majority of basic Yoga training does not equip Yoga Teachers to manage people with health conditions or injuries.
If you are looking for Yoga for strength and conditioning then a stronger style such as Power Yoga or Hot Yoga might be more appropriate. If you are looking for Yoga for mental health then you want to make sure there is enough time dedicated in the class for the breathing, relaxation and meditation.
If you don’t want any of the ‘spiritual stuff’ and just want to be more flexible, then you might be better off at a stretch or body balance class in a gym. That’s not to say you won’t experience improved flexibility from any yoga class as it is a byproduct of a regular practice, but there will generally be elements of its origins in the majority of classes.
Once you have answered these then do your research, talk to the Yoga Studios, see who teaches in your village hall and gym, ask in your local Facebook groups and speak to the teachers before booking. Don’t be afraid to ask them about where they qualified, when they qualified, what other qualifications they have, tell them your concerns about joining if you have any.
And most importantly, try a few different styles of Yoga and also a more than one teacher of that style before committing financially. Having rapport with a teacher is vital to really be receptive to their message.
And finally when you’re in your first class:-
- Speak up if you have questions
- Tell the teacher BEFORE the class if you have injuries; a good teacher will be able to adapt everything they are teaching for your individual needs or will tell you if the class might not meet your goals.
- Listen to your body – work within your pain limits and stop if it hurts or feels wrong.
- Do your practice and forget about what other people are doing, their body is different to yours. YOGA IS NOT A COMPETITION, (especially with yourself).
- It’s normal at the end of the class to lie down or sit in meditation, you can take something warm to put on or a blanket. This is sometimes the hardest part.
And remember… have fun taking time for you!
Yoga descriptions
To help here is my interpretation of some of the more common physical Yoga styles (there are many more).
Hatha
UMBRELLA TERM – ALL PHYSICAL YOGA IS HATHA YOGA.
Although on a timetable it is generally used to describe a more traditional approach,
Slower classes with a good focus on breathing and a meditation part at the end.
This is generally a good option for a beginner.
Scaravelli
Vanda Scaravelli was a woman.
Not a posture focused practice more a mindful movement practice
Freeing and awakening the spine
A lovely healing nourishing practice and might not resemble your perception of what Yoga should be.
Try this one if you haven’t it’s amazing.
Astanga
Only do this if you are strong and un-injured. Not for a beginner unless you are confident in your strength and mobility. Think burpees and push ups.
Same sequence of postures repeated every time.
If it has the word Mysore attached to the class title then it would be expected that you already know the sequence.
Iyengar
BKS Iyengar was a man; he liked things precise and in alignment
Postures are static and methodical.
Props are used to help achieve his interpretation of the ‘proper’ alignment
Yin
Each pose is held for a long time
Based on meridians of Chinese philosophy
Restorative
The lovely sleepy one with blankets, bolsters, cushions and pillows
DO THIS ONE .. A LOT especially if you’re stressed, or have been ill recently or have children, or are about to have children. In fact everyone should do this.
Good for a beginner or anyone really
Power
Hard physically demanding poses
For strong and uninjured people
Vinyasa / Flow
Sequencing of postures flowing from one to another seamlessly using the breath, class pace and intensity will vary.
May require more strength and higher fitness level from the start
Check with the teacher prior to attending that it is what you want
Kundalini
The ‘energetic’ one and by this we are talking PRANA
Sometimes involves lots of movement and noise.
May include mantra, chanting, strong breath work, ecstatic dancing and shaking.
Hot / Bikram
Bikram is a man (who is currently a fugitive from the US government in Mexico)
He created the hot sweaty Yoga.
Practiced in a heated room
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