This is a really exciting time for yoga!  The practice is becoming more widely understood by the general public and it isn’t looked upon as being quite so “out there” as it used to be.  Kids, seniors, and everyone in between are achieving health and balance through yoga.

There are so many choices now for classes, instructors and studios that yoga students can feel like a kid in a candy store.  But it can also be daunting to make just the right choice among all the options.  Following are some suggestions for choosing the right class for you.

(1) Location, Location, Location – Consistency is very important for a successful yoga practice.  Make sure the studio you choose is close to your home, school or workplace; and has hours that work for you.  If it isn’t convenient, you won’t stick with it. Then you will end up feeling guilty and frustrated, which is the exact opposite of what yoga is meant to do for you.
(2) Try Before You Buy – If you are fairly new to yoga, drop in on at least 3 different classes by 3 different instructors before you decide.  Instructor style can make or break your understanding and enjoyment of a class.  Find someone you can relate to, someone who listens to your concerns, and someone who does a good job of explaining and demonstrating.
(3) Size Matters – Check out the student-to-teacher ratio of the classes you are considering.  If you are relatively new to yoga, a lower ratio is best so that the teacher can observe you, help you get the maximum benefit from the poses, and keep you practicing safely.  As you advance in your practice, class size becomes a matter of preference.
(4) Taking Stock – One of the keys to a successful yoga practice is noticing and respecting our limits.  Don’t take a class that is hard, exhausting or scary for you.  Yoga should be challenging, but it does not need to be uncomfortable or painful in order to work.  Also – know that you will have different levels of energy and ability on different days, and that’s ok.  Never push yourself too hard.
(5) You Get What You Pay For – Many beginning yogis try to save money by learning yoga from a DVD.  This might seem like a great idea, but it is not safe.  Although you may think you are following the instructions, you probably don’t have the level of understanding required to do it correctly. A live instructor will watch you and remind you of the many small adjustments you need to make to do each pose correctly and safely.

Finally, remember that yoga is a practice, not a race.  Wherever you are is ok, and you will get to where you need to be, when you need to be there.  If you work to your personal point of challenge, without pushing yourself too far, you will respect your limits and build a strong foundation that will nourish your body, mind and spirit.

Namaste!