Just as there are many different styles of yoga, there are also several ways to learn and experience yoga. Its important that you find the right medium and the right teacher because that relationship will directly affect the likelihood that you will adopt yoga as a regular part of your life.
Attending public classes is the most common way for first-timers to experience yoga. Studios are popping up on every corner across the city so theres no shortage of choices Hatha, hot, Yin, to name just a few. Public classes are widely available and the powerful feeling that comes over you when youre part of a group with a single focus is beneficial.
Depending on the size of the class and the teacher, you may get corrective cues while practicing.
Private yoga sessions are another option either one-on-one or with a couple of friends.
While this option is more costly, you can book the sessions to fit your schedule, learn in the comfort of your own home and have classes customized to fit your personal fitness level and goals.
The most inexpensive and schedule-accommodating choice is a yoga DVD. This gives you the freedom to squeeze in a session in a moments notice. And video classes are less intimidating especially for beginners.
There is a downside, however: a video instructor is not going to offer any corrective cues and the repetitiveness of the sessions will eventually cause boredom.
Now, of course, regardless of which option you choose, its going to be equally important to find the right teacher to deliver the sessions.
Yoga instructors set the tone and ambiance of a session, so you need to find someone whose space you feel is conducive to creating your preferred overall experience.
Jamie Schaab for
