Whole Yoga & Pilates
1202 Annapolis Road
Suite I - 2nd Floor
Odenton, MD 21113
More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
What Yoga Class Is Right For Me?
I receive near-daily inquiries from people who are interested in trying out the mind-body disciplines of yoga or pilates, but are unsure where to begin. Often students have heard about the many physical/mental benefits of these practices but are afraid of choosing the “wrong” class. If I could offer just one piece of advice it would be, “Don't let fear stop you!”
Yoga is an inward-focused, individualized practice, so there's truly no need to worry about looking foolish, being inflexible, or not having a certain amount of strength. You wouldn't avoid attending a French class because you don't speak French, would you?
So where to start? First, look for a class actually labeled “beginner,” “newbie,” or the like. Call or email the studio you're considering and ask what options they have for beginning students. Different studios and yoga styles tend to use different terminology, so don't be put off by unfamiliar class names.
In my own studio I shy away from assigning “levels” to classes because it gives the impression that yoga is a continuous progression of achievement; the point isn't to get into a complicated or “advanced,” pose, or in fact to achieve anything at all the value of a yoga practice is in the journey itself.
Most yoga classes will offer relaxation and stretching, and more active classes can provide “cardio” and strength-building benefits. If you enjoy physical exercise or have trouble being still, you might like a flow, or “vinyasa,” class; this style links breath with movement and is usually based on a series of postures known as a “sun salutation.” (I recommend that students have at least a basic familiarity with moving into and out of common yoga poses like standing forward fold, down dog, and warrior lunges before taking a flow class.)
Those who prefer quiet contemplation might gravitate more toward a “restorative” class or a group meditation. To receive the most benefits practice a variety of styles once you're comfortable, and remember that yoga, although extremely powerful over time, is not a quick fix; it works best when practiced consistently and regularly.
If you have a chronic medical condition or a specific physical limitation it may be best to begin with private sessions with a qualified instructor don't be afraid to ask for information about their training. You can also look for a small-group or therapeutic classes tailored for those with similar concerns.
For example, I offer a small-group yoga therapy course for people working with anxiety and depression. Other common offerings include workshops and series designed for chronic pain, arthritis, and pregnancy.
Perhaps most important for beginners is finding an instructor who resonates with them. Although you need not study exclusively with this teacher, they can serve as a guide to help you grow in your practice and identify routes for further exploration.
