How Do I Find the Right Yoga For Me?
Finding the right yoga for you involves a bit of research, exploration, and trial and error. Perhaps you have already visited a few studios and gyms in your area. It can be a little nerve-wracking attending a new venue for the first time. Yoga can be a very personal experience, rather like food or art, where one person’s delight can be quite the opposite for the next. Here are some steps you can take to help you find the right yoga practice for your needs:
Determine your goals: Before you start looking for a yoga practice, determine what you want to get out of it. Do you want to reduce stress, increase flexibility, build strength, or improve your overall health and wellbeing?
Research different types of yoga: There are many different types of yoga, each with its own unique benefits and focus. Some popular styles include Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, Restorative, and Kundalini yoga. Read about the different styles to find one that aligns with your goals and interests.
Try a variety of classes: Once you have identified the styles that interest you, try attending different classes or online sessions to get a feel for each one. Many studios offer introductory deals or drop-in rates, so you can try out different classes without committing to a full series.
Listen to your body: As you try different styles of yoga, pay attention to how your body feels during and after each session. Some styles may feel more challenging or beneficial to you than others, and that’s okay. Don’t push yourself too hard or try to force yourself into a particular practice that doesn’t feel right for you.
Seek guidance from a teacher: If you’re unsure about which style of yoga is best for you, or if you have any health concerns or injuries, consider seeking guidance from a qualified yoga teacher. They can help you identify the best practice for your needs and offer modifications or adjustments to help you practice safely and effectively.
One size does not fit all
As with shoes, so with yoga! Yoga takes you on a journey, through the body, the breath and to the soul if you wish it to. Being able to engage with a teacher and be inspired by them is an important part of the experience. Teachers, whilst they may teach a particular style of yoga, can still bring their own flavour and personality to the proceedings and it is quite natural for this to either gel with you, or not.
As the Founder of Mount Martha Yoga I have tried all sorts of yoga, in a variety of countries with many teachers over the years. Some have been hugely influential on me, personally and professionally, whilst others I’ve not stayed with for more than a few sessions, because it simply didn’t resonate with me. And that’s just fine. As a student, you are under no obligation to remain if you do not wish to. We are all on our own journeys and the paths for us each are different.
You may find that you lean towards very big studios with lots of people and a large number of teachers, offering a wide variety of styles, with plenty of classes to choose from at various times throughout the week. The buzz of people coming and going and mix of influences may be very appealing. There may even be the chance to make new acquaintances, with a social scene of students catching up for coffee after some classes. All these aspects may draw in some, whilst for others it might be a complete put off.
If you prefer a quieter scene with less people, a more intimate setting and just a few teachers then a smaller studio might be just the thing. If the numbers are limited by the size of the room and there are only a couple of teachers that take the classes, you will get to know everyone relatively quickly, if you wish to. It may well be a quieter and lower key environment, which some might prefer.
Looking for more help?
Contact Mount Martha Yoga today to see how we can help you find the next level to your yoga practice. We specialise in one to one teaching to enable you to reach your full yogic potential. Go at your own speed with a teacher who can get to know your preferences and goals, and structure a class around any injuries you might have. Attending private yoga sessions near me can really accelerate your yoga journey. Speak with Mount Martha Yoga to find out how yoga classes near me can create the space and time for you to blossom at your own pace.
