Alright, I'm a yoga teacher, what kind of yoga teacher/blogger combo would I be if I didn't suggest a yoga class?

This week I want you to set aside some time for yoga. I'll give you a few options of types of classes and where to get this yoga in. Don't worry, there is so many great options to make it easy to fit this in.

First I want to talk about the hurdle of trying yoga. Many people are a bit shy about taking yoga class because "I'm not flexible enough", "yogis are skinny and I'm not", "I'm worried it will be all religious." Well.......... that's why you go to yoga, any body is a yoga body and it's not religious and you NEVER have to do something you don't want to. Okay I cleared that up let's move on.

There is I'm sure a million different types of classes really but here is some basics:

Flow - Usually a faster paced style, you'll likely get a bit of sweat going on. Syncing of breath and moving so you are focusings on each inhale and exhale as you move.
Hatha - Usually a bit slower, holding poses a bit longer. Also here will likely get a sweat going, because of holding poses a bit longer. Typically there is a focus on holding a posture on one side, then the other before moving on to the next pose.
Yin - Holding poses for extended periods of time, but with props and backed off versions. Can be a bit tough but also relaxing. I personally find this one can also be difficult, since the you are holding poses so long your monkey mind starts to wander and it's hard to bring it back in.
Restorative - Holding poses for extended periods of time, completely supported. Your body is doing no work to hold you in a posture. This one is about relaxing and calming the body. As with Yin, can be a bit to train the brain to stay on the breath and in the room.

Now we know a little bit of the style we are looking for, where do we find a class?

Studios/gyms - The first obvious answer. Check your local area for a studio. Many of them offer introductory rates for unlimited passes in a week. It's good to try out a few different styles and get an idea of what you like. The gym you have a membership to, may also host classes.
Community halls - May yoga teachers rent out halls in their communities to run classes. If you are a newbie these are wonderful because you are meeting the people of your community and the setting is a little less intimidating. Check with your local hall or neighbourhoods close by.
Online - It's wonderful to live in a world where we can find just about anything online and usually for free or inexpensive. You can just google "online yoga class" and tons will show up. You can check out Gaia.com for some great online videos, DoYogaWithMe.com has a great beginners section and you can also check out Youtube, I'm personally a fan of Empowered Yoga of course. The great thing about online is you can even searched based off what you are looking for. Finding things such as yoga for hips, shoulders, breathing, anxiety and so on.

And finally the basics of what you might need:

Water bottle
Athletic wear
Yoga Mat
Open heart/mind ready for self love

So tell me, what kind of yoga are you going to do this week?

Love,

Jen