Okay, you’ve heard all of the talk. Your cool friends are doing it… (And by cool I mean the ones who bathe regularly.) And now you’re ready to try yoga AT LAST.
Now what?
First, decide on which studio you’d like to try out. Preferably one that you’ll keep going to if all goes well. A lot of studios have a new customer special so no commitment necessary at this time. Perhaps go with a friend to his regular studio.
Second, decide which beginner’s class to take. Talk to the people who run the studio. They can match you up with a class and instructor who will fit your needs and your schedule.
Third, show up.
Well, okay. Here’s a bit more information:
- Wear clothing that isn’t too baggy. It’ll be important for the instructor to see your form and make sure you’re aligned to prevent injury.
- Bring a mat, a towel and a bottle of water. Most studios have mats you can borrow if you don’t have one.
- Arrive early. Give yourself time to let the instructor know that you are new. Let him know of any injuries you may have so that he can show you options.
- Clear your mind. Focus on the moment. And throw out any ideas that other people in the room are judging you. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.
There are plenty of types of yoga out there and each instructor has his own style. Don’t try one and then give up. Try a few different classes. You’ll find your home soon enough.
If you have a yoga studio/instructor you would like to recommend, please feel free to drop it into the comments section. I would love to be able to share it with others and not just in the DC area.
Yogitastic 
I really like Down Dog Yoga in Herndon (also in Georgetown and Bethesda, I think). Studio is very modern, clean, and the instructors are awesome and friendly.
Duly noted. If you’re a member of one of their locations, do you have access to all of them? Because that would be a super bonus!
Hmm I think if you bought a block of passes you could use them across all the studios – they let you register online.
My favorite teacher is my YTT instructor, Judy. I love her classes and the way she teaches YTT. In her classes she incoporates the sutras or ideas from them. She always has a theme and always comes prepared with a well thought out sequence. In YTT she is the sutra ans sanskrit master! She has such insight and a strong perspective about the theory and teaching. I am very lucky to be taught by her! I live in Boston and if you are ever in the area you should come to Charlestown Yoga to take one of her classes!
You are a lucky girl! I’ll have to check her out the next time I’m in Boston! Thank you for sharing!
Great info Samantha! This is just what a novice would wonder. I had my first yoga class a year ago – hot yoga – and have only gone two more times. I need to make it more of priority!
You started with hot yoga? You’re hard core, Suzanne! Any chance you’ll try other forms of yoga any time soon?