Five Simple Ways to Get Into Yoga
November 17, 2015
According to our 2015 Wakefield survey, 56 percent of American adults are interested in yoga, but do not currently practice it. With the countless different yoga styles and schools out there, it can be daunting to know how or where to start developing a yoga practice.
You may be wondering which class is for you, where to find a teacher or how to get into certain poses. We’ve created these simple tips for the “yoga-curious” to help you kick start your yoga practice:
Start online with the YA Directory.
We suggest looking for a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT®) or Registered Yoga School (RYS®) in your area. Contact schools to learn more about their class offerings and what to bring to class (e.g., a mat or towel). Many schools offer foundational or beginner yoga classes to help you understand the practice better. If you’re looking for a more one-on-one approach, consider reaching out to a RYT for a private class.
Try out different styles and teachers.
Just as you need to try on different shoes before finding the right fit, it’s a good idea to try out different yoga styles to see what best meets your needs and goals. A physically challenging power yoga class is a vastly different experience from a relaxing restorative class. If you find yourself in a class you don’t particularly like, identify the components of the class you could live without. Is it too loud? Too slow? Too physical? There are hundreds of yoga styles in the world; you just need to find the right one for you!
Look into video resources.
Videos are a great way to develop your home practice or test out other styles of yoga that appeal to you. Many yoga teachers share free meditations or yoga classes on YouTube. Additionally, there are some apps and online subscription services that share yoga classes for a small fee.
Attend free community yoga classes and events.
Special classes and events offer beginners an opportunity to see studio spaces, view demonstrations and meet other practitioners and teachers outside of class. It’s a great way to learn more about the yoga community in your hometown.
Connect with other yogis.
Chat with other yoga students in your classes and on social media about how they began practicing. An encouraging voice can often be the extra push needed to try something new.