Written By: Lily Goodman

It's the first month of the year and many of you are looking to embark on a journey with yoga this year. It can be a bit daunting to start a new activity, so here are some tips to help you begin yoga with ease.​

Types of Classes​

When I first started yoga, my muscles had very little strength. I was especially weak in my upper body and found poses like chaturanga, which are commonly included in vinyasa classes, to be inaccessible for me at that time. It became clear to me that when yoga studios include "beginner-friendly" in their class descriptions, it can be misleading because we all come from different fitness backgrounds and have different levels of mobility. What is "beginner-friendly" for one person could be a class to work towards for another.​

The classification of "beginner-friendly" depends on the person and the goals that they have for their blossoming yoga practice. So let's dive into some suggestions!​

Vinyasa yoga is a popular style of yoga that is offered at most yoga studios. Many beginners flock to this style since these classes are regularly available. However, these types of classes can be very intense, depending on the teacher. Vinyasa classes incorporate a lot of movements that require a foundation of strength that not all people have developed yet. I'd recommend a vinyasa-style class to a regular gym-goer who is looking to add yoga to their regimen. ​

If that doesn't describe you, then starting with vinyasa could create a distaste for the method of movement altogether. If you are a yoga beginner looking to start incorporating some additional movement into your life, then I would advise trying a style other than vinyasa to start. Many studios offer a slow-flow class, and that is the type of class I would recommend for a beginner. This type of class incorporates poses that are like those in vinyasa-style classes but at a slower pace. When poses are held for longer, it provides more time for the teacher to share details about alignment and allows your brain ample time to understand the movements associated with each pose.​

If you are a beginner looking to add yoga to your routine as a means to build your sense of inner calm, then I would recommend restorative. Restorative classes usually only incorporate around 8 poses in a class which are held for a longer period. These classes foster a deep sense of relaxation and allow you to come into a meditative state.​

Many studios offer specialty classes that include a combination of yoga styles. I would recommend checking these out! Studio staff are always happy to tell you their favorite class or help you find a class that would be aligned with what you are looking to gain from your practice. ​

Where to Take Classes?​

Check Out Online Classes
Trying yoga for the first time can be intimidating when you find yourself in a class full of people that already know the basics. It's part of our primal instincts to yearn for belonging, so the pressure of putting yourself in a situation where you may feel embarrassed can be daunting. Thankfully, there are hundreds of free yoga classes recorded on YouTube and amazing instructors that have free or low-cost recordings available on their websites. This is an amazing way to dip your toes into the practice of yoga and learn some of the basics on your own.

However, if you find it hard to hold yourself accountable to doing a class at home, attending classes in-person could be a better option for you.​

Gym Yoga
If you are a member of a gym that offers yoga with your membership, taking those classes can be a great way to start. This is a low-risk option since you will not be paying for the individual classes. Sign up for a few different types of yoga to learn what you like best. The downside with gym yoga is that many gyms lack the range of offerings that studios have and tend to lean more towards fast-paced styles of yoga.

Private Yoga Classes
If you have specific goals you are looking to get out of beginning a yoga practice and you are motivated to get started, private classes could be a great route for you. Private classes allow you to have the teacher's full attention, which makes it much easier to correct alignment and offer modifications that are personalized to your body. This is a great option for a dedicated beginner who is ready to invest in their yoga practice.

Find an Inclusive Studio
Research your local studios and find one that has the right vibe for you. Ask your friends, family, and co-workers first to see if they have any recommendations. Then, use Google to locate studios nearby and then look at their website and social media pages. Use these resources to feel out which studio feels most like home to you.

How Crystal Chakra Yogi can help!​

Private Yoga
We offer private yoga sessions that are fully customizable to your needs.

Restorative in Richmond, VA
I teach a restorative class at 3S Yoga in Richmond, VA on Tuesday nights which is great for beginners.

Free Online Yoga
I teach a free slow-flow class once a month over Zoom to make yoga more accessible.

Resource for Questions
Feel free to reach out to me at crystalchakrayogi@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram with any questions to help you get started with your yoga practice

Visit the "offerings" page to learn more or book a session