How to Choose a Yoga Class

Last Updated: March 12, 2023 References

Yoga is an exciting, challenging, and beautiful form of exercise and meditation. While it’s great to do yoga on your own, study after study has demonstrated that the social benefits of doing yoga with others in a class setting are dramatic.^{[1]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} Whether you are new or experienced, it is important to find a class that both fits your experience level and helps you achieve your physical or spiritual goals. Read on for some tips on finding a yoga class that will fit best with your skill level, personality, and fitness goals.^{[2]
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Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Exploring Different Types of Yoga

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Try out Iyengar yoga for an introduction to yoga. This type of yoga focuses on precise alignment in postures, and as such is suitable for beginners who are learning the basics of yoga positions. You can also search for classes titled "Hatha yoga" or "gentle yoga".^{[3]
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Expert Source

Susana Jones, C-IAYT
Certified Yoga Therapist & Educator
Expert Interview. 4 March 2020.} For a more challenging alternative, Anusara yoga is also focused on alignment, but uses props to help find proper alignment in poses.
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Burn calories with Vinyasa yoga. There is a reason this is one of the most popular forms of yoga in the US. Especially if you enjoy running and other high-intensity exercise activities, you will enjoy its fast-paced and rhythmic atmosphere. Classes can vary from instructor to region, and often incorporate music and chanting, so it's a creative, interesting way to enjoy yoga-- and get a workout.^{[4]
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Try Bikram yoga if you have mastered the basics. This is an extremely popular form of hot yoga. Bikram yoga classes are based on a set, 26 pose routine, and are taught in temperatures of 105 °F (41 °C) ^{[5]
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Research source}. This is a good option for you have tried more conventional forms of yoga and are looking to take on the next challenge. The combination of heat and routine difficulty can be very strenuous, so make sure to hydrate.
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Deepen your spirituality with Kundalini yoga. If you are looking to explore the spiritual side of the ancient art of yoga, Kundalini yoga is focused on meditation and spiritual energy, and emphasizes breathing and chanting over exercising.
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Test your limits with Ashtanga yoga. This is one of the most vigorous of yoga classes. It builds stamina, strength and flexibility. ^{[6]
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Research source} Ashtanga yoga classes run through a predetermined series of poses so if you like both challenge and routine, Ashtanga might be the style for you.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Finding a Studio

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Research yoga studios. Use online communities, internet searches, or apps like Limber or MindBody to find yoga studios near your home or work that teach a style of yoga you are interested in. Finding a studio that is easy to access, affordable, and welcoming will help ease your transition into your new yoga class.
- Though most studios will offer basic beginner's courses, you may find that some studios will focus on meditation and philosophy, while others will focus on physical benefits of yoga, like calorie-burning and muscle toning. ^{[7]
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  Research source} Keep your goals in mind as you search.
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Walk around the studio. Ideally, it should be large, airy, clean, and quiet, in order to minimize distractions and increase your focus. You should feel welcomed, comfortable and at ease in the studio space.
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Inquire about trial classes. Many studios offer trial classes or periods in which you can join a class at little or no cost, so take advantage of these offers to try out the studio in a class setting, as well as to observe and speak with instructors. If you feel pressured or rushed at any time, or if the room is crowded or unsanitary, then it might be time to move on with your search. ^{[8]
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Speak with instructors. A good studio will take care to employ qualified and passionate yoga instructors. Ask questions about the studio instructors' qualifications. How long have they been practicing? Where were they certified? How long were there certification programs?
- If professional certification is especially important to you, particularly if you are searching to take your practice and knowledge to the next level, you may search for studios that employ instructors that are Registered Yoga Teachers (RYTs). ^{[9]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Choosing a Class

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Choose a class that matches your skill level. If you are a beginner, many studios have promotions for beginner workshops or classes. These provide helpful introductions to yoga poses, vocabulary, and background.
- It is especially important for beginners to be in a small class where the instructor can see you and make sure you are practicing safely.
- Beginners start with gentle and basic techniques that will ease their way into yoga, rather than getting straight into vigorous and intense exercises.^{[10]
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  Expert Source
  
  Susana Jones, C-IAYT
  Certified Yoga Therapist & Educator
  Expert Interview. 4 March 2020.}
- Studios label their class levels in different ways. A beginner's class in one studio may be a Level 1 class at another. Make sure you read level and class descriptions carefully and follow the advice given before attending a class.
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Be open to diverse yoga experiences. If you are more advanced, don't be afraid to try a type of yoga you haven't before. Experiment with a meditative or heat form of yoga, or go back to the basics with a beginner's class to brush up on your form, deep breathing, and posture.
- Aerial yoga, for example, has students practice poses using a sling that is hung from the ceiling. This type of yoga can help you reach poses that are difficult without the extra support; plus, some find it helps deepen stretches and further open up the back.^{[11]
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Try out different instructors. Some people prefer a teacher who helps them move into poses with hands-on adjustments. Other people enjoy taking classes with a teacher who observes and only gives verbal instructions. Everyone has different tastes, but to maximize your learning experience, your instructor should be approachable, inspiring, and radiate positive energy. ^{[12]
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How Can I Prepare For My First Yoga Class?

Expert Q&A

Question

What yoga is good for beginners?

Susana Jones, C-IAYT
Certified Yoga Therapist & Educator
Based in San Diego, Susana Jones is a Yoga Therapist and Educator with 12 years of experience serving groups, individuals and organizations. She is certified with the International Association of Yoga Therapists, registered as an E-RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado. Susana offers therapeutic yoga to private clients through Shakti Urbana and mentors students of the internationally accredited Soul of Yoga. Susana dedicates her work to peaceful living on a healthy planet.

Susana Jones, C-IAYT

Certified Yoga Therapist & Educator

Expert Answer

To begin with the postural aspect of yoga, I generally recommend Hatha yoga.

Warnings

Check with a health provider if you have serious medical conditions that might require you to modify your yoga practice. For example, people with high blood pressure or uncontrolled diabetes may be advised to avoid inversions, so as not to spike their blood pressure.^{[13]
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