How to Choose the Best Yoga for You

The seasons are changing and with the holidays approaching, many people are deciding that it is time to become more regimented with their schedules, especially when it comes to fitness.  The press has been filled-to-the-brim lately, detailing the numerous mental and physical benefits that a Yoga Practice can bring to your life.

You may have been thinking about trying Yoga but you aren’t quite sure where to begin.  Perhaps you even tried a class in the past but it wasn’t a good fit.  With the ever-increasing variety of styles and instructors popping up all over the place it can be a somewhat daunting process.  There are a plethora of studios, gyms, and other locations that offer a wide variety of classes.  However, not all of these places employ instructors that are qualified to teach Yoga to you.

It takes an incredible amount of commitment and dedication to be able to accurately articulate a discipline that is thousands of years old.  Ask questions.  You shouldn’t be afraid to inquire with the instructor about their training, their experience, and their personal practice.  There are so many different styles of Yoga and as many different ways to instruct them.  If the first class doesn’t resonate with you, don’t assume that Yoga isn’t for you.  Don’t be afraid to try another type or a different instructor.

There are a number of reasons why you may want to consider pursuing your exploration in a private capacity.  Your schedule may not allow you to attend the group classes that are offered in your local area. You may have very specific issues that require you to be impeccable with your alignment and technique.  Perhaps you are recovering from an injury or surgery and your practice will require modifications for a variety of poses.  Athletes and other active individuals can increase performance and decrease chance of injury with the proper implementation of poses.  A qualified instructor can provide you with a regime specifically designed with those goals in mind.  Even if you are an experienced Yoga Practitioner, you may have very specific postures that you have questions about or would like to pursue further, one or two sessions with individualized attention could provide you with the answers you need and significant improvement with your practice.  Many instructors teach one-on-one or to smaller groups in a private setting.

Yoga is a journey.  As with any journey that is worth taking, it often requires research, investigation, and investment.  Not every practitioner will take the same route and some will require a guide or two.  Yoga can be and should be accessible to everyone.  Take your time, find the path that works best for you, and enjoy every step of the way!