As you embark on your practice of yoga and meditation, you may be wondering if you should enroll in classes, or if the practice can be carried out effectively in the comfort of your own home.
The answer truly depends on you, as either approach can be effective. A combination of the two might be your answer, learning some of the basic building blocks of asanas (poses) and pranayama (breathing techniques) in the structured format of a class, with the intention of instituting your regular practice at home.
Finding and Registering for Yoga and Meditation Classes
Surveying your local options for yoga or meditation classes, you are likely to find a wide assortment of options, which may be somewhat confusing in their variety and nomenclature. The various types of yoga are explained and described later in this guide, so you can use that break-down to help “translate” the names of classes offered in your area. Some of the points you’ll want to take into consideration as you select a class include the following:
- Select a style of yoga class that suits your purposes. Whether you’re signing up for basic instruction, or to achieve a particular health goal, the different styles of yoga focus on different practices and purposes. Use the “types of yoga” guide included in this book, and don’t feel shy about calling to make inquiries about a specific class.
- Find a teacher who suits your learning style and comfort level. Even within different classes of the same yoga system, individual teachers have different styles of communication in guiding you through the practice, and different styles of practice themselves. Consider “sampling” several different classes before committing to a long-term class registration, and see which teacher you most enjoy.
- Environment can make a difference, so check out the yoga studio or classroom before registering for classes. You may find yourself more inclined toward the practice of meditation in a quiet space with peaceful decor than in a multipurpose gymnasium.
- Take note of the class size before you sign up. You’ll get more personalized attention from your instructor if the class is a manageable size, and particularly as a beginner, you may want that individualized attention to help you learn and correct your poses and breathing.
- Some places offer different levels of classes, in which case a “Beginners” class is a great place to start. You won’t feel intimidated by classmates who are clearly more “expert,” you won’t have to worry about holding up the pace of the class for additional instruction, and the instructor will be focuses on providing instruction specifically intended for those who are new to the practice of yoga and meditation.
Yoga classes might be offered anywhere from gyms and health clubs to your local YMCA, or specific yoga studios offering a wide selection of yoga styles. Depending on availability where you live, a dedicated yoga studio may offer more experienced instructors and more options than a health club, but you can get a great start on your yoga practice at either type of establishment.
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