The Benefits Of Taking Yoga Classes

Taking yoga classes is a very good form of exercise. Yoga provides help with flexibility and building strength in the core of your body. They can also help reduce stress.  Before taking yoga classes, it is a good idea to do some research into the classes offered, the instructor and their training, and what the requirements might be for each class.

Many instructors will be trained to teach several different types of yoga and will have certificates to teach each of these yoga disciplines.  However there is more to being a good yoga instructor than just having a certificate in teaching a yoga discipline.  There are other quality to look for when selecting a yoga teacher and a yoga class .

First, ask you friends and acquaintances if they can recommend a teacher, school or studio.  Also, even if you think you are in really good shape, sign up for a beginner’s yoga class.  Yoga works on very different muscle groups, so it is a good idea to start with the basics.  It is also a good idea to research the different yoga methods before signing up for a class.  Each yoga method is different and some are much more intense than others.  For example, Kripalu is pretty gentle, while Ashtanga is very intense.  There is also Iyengar yoga .

Get all the details of the class before unrolling your mat and getting started.  Know the cost, length of the class and what to wear.  Heated classes such as Power Yoga or Bikram require lighter clothing that allow your body to breathe while other yoga methods are okay with regular exercise clothing.  Should you bring your own mat (recommended) and how large is the class.

Some very popular instructors will often have very crowded classes which severely limits one-on-one time which is not good if you are a beginner.  It may be better to go with a newer instructor, who may not be as experienced, but who may have more time to work with you individually.    Check out the yoga class room or studio.  There should be plenty of room for the number of students in class which means allowing at least a foot or a foot and a half between mats.  There should also be a mirrored wall so students can see their poses.  It also good if the room is quiet and soothing which helps with the meditative part of yoga.  It is nice if the yoga studio or class has extra bolsters or blocks available for the students’ use.

Yoga will be challenging and may initially cause some pain, but it should not be intensely painful. You should never perform or hold a position that is causing intense pain, especially if the pain is in the back, knees, or neck.  If this happens, ask your yoga instructor  for a modified pose or take a rest position.  Never let an instructor talk you into working through the pain, this is a bad idea.  Additionally, a good instructor will walk around the room, helping students with their poses.

Choosing the right instructor and a good class is important to learning how to do yoga.  Yoga classes are a great way to stay in shape and reduce stress and can be done throughout your lifetime.

Read about Yoga classes in Melbourne at Yogahari