Yoga?

[Serielda]

I am very interested in starting Yoga, and I have a few questions.

1) When finding a good studio, what are some of the things I should watch for so I know I am not going to a crapy place to practice getting my calm on.

2) Finding a good mat? I have shopped around at some places like Dicks sporting goods, and online but some of the mats look very thin and I want something that when I am not at the Yoga place I won't be feeling the discomfort from a hardwood floor.

3) Is there any other pluses to hot Yoga over  other styles? Or should a newbie take  hot yoga off the bat?

4) Finding good clothing for the place that won't fall a part in the washing machine and dryer or fade to badly. I love some of the fun bright colors but as I've learned in other things those pretty colors can fade badly over a short time , or over extend periods.

 

Thanks for advice in advance,

 

Serielda

[kareng]

I got this mat on line.  The "pro" is very heavy (weight to carry around).  The Lites are very thin.  A good yoga studio will have a wood floor

 

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If you have never done yoga before, you might just want to start with a cheap mat from Target ($20).  And wear any exercise clothes.

 

Around here, many studios offer specials for newbies.  Usually $25-40 for an unlimited month.  That allows you to try different classes.  Check and see what times they have classes to see if those meet your needs.  Also, look for beginner, basic or gentle yoga.  Hot is fine - if you go for a beginner/gentle or basic class.  A good studio can help you pick classes that might be good for you.

 

Many Parks and Recs, City community Centers and gyms have yoga classes.  A class might be cheaper at the Parks & Rec and would give you an idea if you like yoga before investing a lot of money.

 

Hope that was helpful.

[WinterSong]

I'm a yoga teacher. Happy to give you my opinion!

 

If you have sensitive knees I'd say look for a thicker yoga mat, but honestly the ones you find at Target are just fine and they're easy to carry around. I have two of them. 

 

I'll second the idea of getting an unlimited pass at a studio. It's important to try out different teachers because everyone has their own style, and you're bound to find some that you like more than others. 

 

I will never suggest that anyone does hot yoga. I think it is dangerous and unhealthy. It tricks your body into thinking that it can stretch farther than it should, and you become more apt to injury, especially if you're a beginner and don't have as much experience or bodily awareness as others. Also, you don't release toxins through your skin, as they say. You can only release toxins by going to the bathroom. You only lose sweat (electrolytes, vitamin C, and water). Some studios tell you to replenish all three, some only say to drink water. In the later situation you end up losing nutrients that your body needs.

 

That being said, my favorite style of yoga is Anusara. It focuses a lot on alignment and overall positivity.

[kareng]

I'm a yoga teacher. Happy to give you my opinion!

If you have sensitive knees I'd say look for a thicker yoga mat, but honestly the ones you find at Target are just fine and they're easy to carry around. I have two of them.

I'll second the idea of getting an unlimited pass at a studio. It's important to try out different teachers because everyone has their own style, and you're bound to find some that you like more than others.

I will never suggest that anyone does hot yoga. I think it is dangerous and unhealthy. It tricks your body into thinking that it can stretch farther than it should, and you become more apt to injury, especially if you're a beginner and don't have as much experience or bodily awareness as others. Also, you don't release toxins through your skin, as they say. You can only release toxins by going to the bathroom. You only lose sweat (electrolytes, vitamin C, and water). Some studios tell you to replenish all three, some only say to drink water. In the later situation you end up losing nutrients that your body needs.

That being said, my favorite style of yoga is Anusara. It focuses a lot on alignment and overall positivity.

I hate being hot. But my friend is a yoga teacher. And around here the hot yoga is about 90 degrees - tops. She teaches basic or gentle hot yoga. Not usually the serious hard core ones. A newbie might be Okay with that if they like the heat. I think it depends on what is popular where you live.

[WinterSong]

I hate being hot, too. I never have a good hair day in the summer, haha. 

 

Every studio is different, hot yoga or not. Some places the teachers will correct you, other places the teachers will be doing the entire class with you. Some places tell you not to stretch too far, other places push you pass your body's normal limit. I have heard of horrible hot yoga studios and others that take more responsibility for the health of their students. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult for beginners to tell the difference. 

 

I have very specific feelings about it, and personally I will stick with my stance of not suggesting hot yoga. That's just my two cents

[JesikaBeth]

Great replies to your questions! I just want to add that yoga is pretty amazing! Enjoy! Namaste

[loveofasparrow]

The best mat out there in my opinion is manduka's black mat pro. i know people who have had it for 10+ years in the heat and freezing cold and it still looks brand new. I got mine last christmas and I love it!

 

As far as clothing, I like to wear Onezie leggings and luluemon leggings with any tank top. 

 

I am actually trying a piyo class this week. something new for me. i have only ever done yoga. i am a yoga instructor now so i feel i need to branch out and see whats out there.

 

good luck with everything.

[justasking]

hi I Just Heard That Yoga Poses Especialy The Ones That Stimulate The Flow Of Blood To The Head Can Make Your Hair Grow Faster.Is That True? And Second One I Am Afraid Cause If The Blood To Your Head Can Make Your Hair Grow Faster Then Can It Make The Same For Your Nose Or Ears? Thank You ! i know that may sounds stupid but it realy bothers me.thank you! and sorry for my english

[kareng]

hi I Just Heard That Yoga Poses Especialy The Ones That Stimulate The Flow Of Blood To The Head Can Make Your Hair Grow Faster.Is That True? And Second One I Am Afraid Cause If The Blood To Your Head Can Make Your Hair Grow Faster Then Can It Make The Same For Your Nose Or Ears? Thank You ! i know that may sounds stupid but it realy bothers me.thank you! and sorry for my english

Welcome. Perhaps that is a question for a yoga site?

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