If you live in a city, finding a yoga class is easy. Finding one that suits you takes a little more thought. Studios, gyms, community centers and adult education programs all offer classes, and they vary widely in pace, style and quality. The best way to begin is to learn the basic postures with a teacher who can correct you and show you how to use props. This guide lists what to look for.
Why start with a class?
A teacher can watch your alignment and adjust a pose before a bad habit forms. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that yoga is generally safe for healthy people when done properly, and that learning it alone without supervision has been associated with a higher risk of injury. Sprains and strains are the most common injuries. So a class, even a single introductory one, is a sensible first step. Many studios offer a free trial or a discounted first week. If you cannot get to a class, our guide to learning yoga online explains how to pick a reliable video or website.
What do you want from yoga?
Start by defining your goals. If you want a gentle approach with attention to alignment, look for a class that uses props such as blocks, straps and blankets. Iyengar-based classes are known for this focus. If you want to reduce stress, look for a class that includes breathing and meditation. If you want a more demanding workout, a flowing style such as Ashtanga or Vinyasa may suit you better, though these are harder for beginners. Our overview of yoga postures and styles describes the main styles, and the post on yoga as a lifestyle looks at why so many people take it up.
How do you judge the teacher?
Ask about the instructor’s training and experience. In the United States there is no single national license for yoga teachers, although a number of yoga schools and traditions run their own teacher training programs. Many studios list the credentials of their teachers. Ask how long they have taught, whether they have taught beginners, and whether they are comfortable adapting poses for injuries. A good teacher will ask about your health before the first class and will welcome questions. If you are pregnant, older or have a medical condition, NCCIH recommends talking with your health care provider and telling the instructor so that poses can be changed.
How do you judge the space?
Look for a room that is clean, roomy and well ventilated. Props, sticky mats, straps, blocks and blankets are a good sign. Ideally the room is quiet, but that may not be the case in a gym, where classes may compete with music and weights. Think also about practical points: how many people are in the class, so that the teacher can see everyone, and how far you have to travel. A class that is easy to reach is one you will keep going to.
Which classes should beginners avoid?
NCCIH advises newcomers to avoid extreme practices such as headstands, shoulder stands, the lotus position and forceful breathing. It also warns that hot yoga has special risks related to overheating and dehydration. Look for a class marked beginner, basic or gentle. Before your first session, read our notes on warming up and listening to your body, and keep the basic yoga postures page open for reference.
What if you do not like the first class?
Try another. Teachers differ a great deal, and the first class you take is a sample, not a verdict. After two or three visits you will know whether the style, the teacher and the room suit you. For more background on the evidence and on safety, see the NCCIH page on yoga effectiveness and safety.