Instructor Credentials

Be sure to inquire about the training and certifications of your yoga instructor. Many different groups provide training classes and certifications that range from a few hours to a much longer duration. Find out if your instructor was required to intern or teach under the supervision of an experienced yoga teacher.

Once you know the educational and experience levels of your instructor, you can determine if the class is appropriate for you. For example, if you have had previous injuries and need warnings about how the exercises will affect your injuries, or how to adapt the positions, an experienced yoga instructor is essential.

Beginners

Ease into it. You may want to view a video or DVD before you take a class so that you can better understand what you will be experiencing. If you have a flexible schedule, investigate the various class offerings to determine which class will best fit your interests and learning style.

Pay attention to your body, and work at your own level. Some yoga moves will remain goals for a long time, as they take lots of practice to master. Don’t push too hard or hold positions that are painful. Part of the learning is to work within your abilities, which includes acknowledging your limitations and avoiding injuries.

In addition to it being a form of exercise, yoga practice often integrates breathing and meditation. Be prepared for times of inactivity and quiet, in which you are sitting or lying still, relaxing and clearing your mind. Even though yoga practice can be calming and relaxing, it is still physically challenging. If you are not accustomed to performing slow, deliberate movements and holding poses, this may be an excellent addition to your workout program.

Think about your schedule for practicing yoga outside of your class instruction, especially if you take a class only once or twice a week. Practicing will help maintain your strength and flexibility between classes and will reduce muscle soreness.

Experts

If you are already practicing one form of yoga, you may want to develop your skills further and try other classes. There are a number of offerings in Marin that may fit into your schedule (and budget!).