The other day I was chatting with a cousin who lives abroad. He asked how to choose a yoga class for himself. When he did a Google search for yoga classes close to home, he got a few options; some of them being highly recommended by students too. But how do I know which yoga class is right for me, he asked. When I do start to attend a class, what do I look for in a yoga class or yoga instructor? I think this is a question that occurs to a lot of people.
Keep in mind your own experience
Rather than looking at online ratings for a class or even word of mouth recommendations of people around you, I suggest asking yourself a few questions. The answers to these questions will help you decide whether your yoga class is the right one for you.
The question to ask yourself is, does it work for me? The thing is, a yoga class could be a very subjective matter. What works for one person may not work for another. Some instructors just manage to put their students at ease, while some could be more strict and demanding. I’m not saying that one approach is better than another, just that what appeals to each individual could be very different.
So you have to ask yourself this: how do you feel at the end of your class? Do you feel peaceful and calm and relaxed? Ideally, you should be feeling both calm and uplifted after your class. The yoga postures should leave you feeling physically good, limber, and in a positive frame of mind. If you find that your class leaves you in a better mental and physical state, it is most likely the right place for you.
Your involvement level and physical wellbeing
When you’re in class, how involved are you in the whole process of doing yoga, and concentrating on the process? Are you able to focus fully and commit to the class and to that moment, or are you thinking of the hundred other things that need doing? When you’re in class, your attention should be on your breathing, the position of your body and your limbs, and the sequence of movements. Rather than being distracted by the past and future, you should be able to commit to the here and now. If you find that you’re able to concentrate your mind within yourself, if you can prevent your mind from deviating and becoming distracted, you are probably in the right place.
The third question to ask yourself is, how you are feeling after attending your class for a few months. Is your organ-health better? For instance is digestion better? If you had constipation, is that resolved? Are you getting better sleep? Are you more flexible than before? Do you find your posture and balance have improved? Maybe your perspective has also changed and you’re able to look at situations more positively?
Very importantly, have these positive changes occurred in a natural and effortless manner; without you feeling as though you were forcing yourself? Your yoga class should be a place where you find peace and rejuvenation. It should be something that you look forward to each day.
And finally, one last tip – give it time. Don’t jump from one to another yoga class. Give your instructor time to get to know you and your specific needs so they can guide you in ways that work for you. Also, give it your 100% – when you decide to learn yoga, commit to it fully and give it your best shot. To get the best out of your yoga class, you also have to give it your best!