3 Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing a Yoga Class

Choosing a yoga class can feel a lot like shopping for clothes - some may seem really alluring and perfect from afar, but might not be the best fit for you. And some, appealing ones, you impulsively buy just to find out, later, that you may have made a mistake. This is how most people end up paying for class packages but not showing up after a session or two. Here's 3 things to consider before enrolling yourself into a yoga class, so that you don't end up the same:

1) LOOK FOR CLASSES THAT OFFER TRIALS!

Stepping into the world of yoga can seem intimidating at first because there is so much to choose from, and it only keeps growing. With so many options available, you want to be able to get a taste of each, and narrow down on what works best for you and your body. There are so many styles of yoga, and not each one may be for you. Look for several classes that offer demo sessions, so that you can make an informed choice about which style you wish to take up.

NOTE: If you have health issues, or injuries, or are healing from any surgery, always check with your doctor before enrolling yourself into a demo class. And even if you get a go-ahead from your doc, make sure to inform the teacher about your issues so they can guide you through the dos and don'ts and offer as safe an experience as possible.

2) CHOOSING THE TEACHER

With yoga taking over the world, more and more people are choosing the path of teaching it. Each teacher or guru brings a little bit of who they are, into the class. This is what you want to look for. As you take demo sessions, you will also notice how differently each teacher may deliver the same sequence. While some may try to make class more creative and diverse, some like to stick with the absolute traditional. Some help with body alignments in postures, while some may believe in letting you figure the poses out and correct yourself over time. See what method seems more sustainable to you in the long run. You always have the chance to keep exploring!

NOTE: If you are looking to add yoga to your life from a medical or corrective perspective for an existing health problem, consider approaching teachers specializing in therapy yoga particularly, who can suggest if you need a 1-on-1 class or if you can join a group session that is designed for similar requirements as your own. Yes, I know this seems like a no-brainer, but as yoga teachers we see so many people with very specific health issues approach us to join a regular group yoga class.

3) YOUR REQUIREMENTS

Always list down what you are looking for in a yoga studio or a yoga school. This will help you ask the right questions and make narrowing down of options a lot quicker. Here are some examples of the various factors one may consider while deciding upon a studio:

• Proximity - How close do you want the class to be from your house or place of work?

• Amenities - Do you need a changing room? Do you need a studio that provides yoga accessories and equipment that you can borrow for each class? Do you need a space with air-conditioning? Do you need a space with available parking?

• Budget - How much are you willing to spend on classes? Are there travel costs involved?

• Flexibility of batches - Does the studio offer various batches to choose from? Do they offer flexibility of days and timings? How many days a week are you looking to enroll for? Do they allow drop-in sessions? Do they offer monthly, quarterly, or yearly packages? Do they offer online sessions?

Here's a free, downloadable Yoga Class Checklist for you!