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Yoga has grown in popularity over the years and you can now find yoga studios and classes in most cities. With the number of options available, it may be difficult to decide which studio is the best for you. Find one that offers a class you'd like to take during a time which you're available. You can always visit the studio beforehand to make sure it feels like a good fit, too.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Clarifying Your Goals

Pick a beginner's class if you're new to yoga or want a gentler option. Look for words like "introduction," "gentle," "basics," and "all-levels" in the class names. These classes are great for someone who wants a basic introduction to yoga or for people who are interested in a less physically demanding class.^[1]
- Avoid classes that are for advanced yogis or require a high skill level.
- If you're unsure of what a class entails, call the studio and ask if it would be a good fit for you.
Select a new class if you're more experienced and are looking for a challenge. If you're interested in finding your new favorite class or in getting in a different type of workout, look for a class that pushes you out of your comfort limit. For example, if you normally do restorative yoga, you could try hot yoga for a totally new experience.^[2]
- No matter what class you choose, you're bound to experience something new, even if it's just because your new instructor does things differently from what you've seen before.
Decide what kind of yoga you're interested in practicing. As yoga has increased in popularity, the types of yoga you can choose from have grown and there is something for everybody. There are lots of different types of yoga to choose from:^[3]
- Bikram: also known as "hot" yoga; you'll be in a heated room and will sweat a lot.
- Hatha: focuses on physical poses and transitioning smoothly from one to the next.
- Restorative: relaxing and rejuvenating, focusing on gentle poses.
- Vinyasa: fluid movements from pose to pose, focusing on maintaining deep breathing throughout each movement.
- Any given studio may offer even more types of classes. Read the descriptions of each class to get more details about what they cover.
Choose a power yoga class if you're mainly interested in a workout. Some people love yoga because it's a great workout and they aren't concerned with the spiritual aspect of the practice. If you're more interested in getting in a good sweat, look for classes that are promoted that way.^[4]
- Classes that are offered at traditional gyms are often more focused on the physicality of yoga.
Opt for a traditional yoga studio for a mix of spiritual and physical exercise. Most yoga studios will incorporate a spiritual practice along with the physical practice of yoga. Check out the studio's website to read about their yoga philosophy to see if it aligns with what you want.^[5]
- Meditating, deep breathing, and connecting to the earth and to your body are some of the major ways yoga can become a spiritual practice.

[Edit]Selecting a Location and Teacher

Find a location that meets your needs for your personal schedule. Do you need early morning or late evening classes? Are you only available on the weekends? Find a studio that regularly offers classes when you need them.^[6]
Pick a studio with a certified teacher who has been properly trained. Certified teachers have to complete a teacher trainer course, register to be a teacher, and get enough continuing education hours every year to maintain their license. It generally takes about 500 hours to complete all the required training.^[7]
- Working with a certified teacher is really important for practicing safe yoga. There are many complicated moves that could potentially injure you if not done correctly.
Take a tour of the studio and meet the teacher(s) to get a feel for the place. Stop in during open hours or call ahead to see if there is a preferred time for prospective students to visit. Doing this will help you finalize your decision, plus you'll feel more comfortable when you head back for your first class.^[8]
- Look for a studio that is clean, peaceful, and roomy.
Ask about available packages, payment options, and deals. When you're just starting out at a new yoga studio, there may be packages available for 5 or 10 classes that you can purchase so that you don't have to make a long-term commitment right away. You may also be able to pay as you go, just depending on the studio's practices.^[9]
- Check out deals sites, too, like Groupon, to see if there are any special deals for your chosen yoga studio.

[Edit]Attending Your First Class

Buy a mat to bring with you to class. Lots of studios do offer mats for rent for a couple of dollars, but it's much more sanitary to invest in your own. Most mats are thick, but if you want one that is a little cushier, buy one that is thick. If you're taller than 5'6'', look for a mat that is longer than the standard .^[10]
- Yoga mats cost anywhere from $20 to $100, just depending on where you buy it from.
Wear loose, comfortable workout attire so you can move easily. A tank top and yoga pants or a T-shirt and athletic shorts are all appropriate outfits to wear to your yoga session. You want to be able to move fluidly from pose to pose, but you don't want your clothes to be so loose that they get caught on anything.^[11]
- Don't worry about shoes and socks! While you'll wear them to the studio, it's normal to have bare feet during class to keep you from slipping.
Bring your mat, a water bottle, a towel, and a long-sleeved shirt to class. You may not need a towel if you don't sweat easily, but if you do, it can help to have one so you can wipe off your mat and hands as needed. Yoga studios can get cool toward the end of class as you move less and less, and a long-sleeved shirt can help keep you from getting chilly.^[12]
- Leave your phone in your gym bag so it doesn't go off and distract anyone during class.
Line up your mat with your neighbor's and collect any props needed. If you're in a beginner's class, you may not need any props. Ask your teacher what you need or take a cue from everyone else. Most often, you might need a yoga block or straps, and your studio should provide these things for you.^[13]
- In general, try to leave at least between your mat at your neighbor's mat. For smaller classes, you may be able to have even more space. For bigger classes, you may have to get closer together.
Be attentive and listen to the teacher for instructions during class. If you went with a friend to yoga, now is not the time to chat. Your instructor will be giving verbal directions for how to position yourself for each movement, so listen closely.^[14]
- If you have trouble paying attention, try to position your mat as close to the front of the classroom as you can. This will minimize visual distractions between you and the teacher.
Follow along with everyone else as best you can and try to enjoy yourself. Your teacher will most likely walk around the class helping people with their poses. If you're uncertain of what you should be doing, try to imitate a neighbor or catch your teacher's eye to let them know you need a little extra help.^[15]
End the class with the savasana pose and saying "namasté." Almost every class will end with a savasana pose, which is also often called the corpse pose. You basically lay on the ground on your back and let your arms and legs "melt" into the floor. After your teacher releases you from the pose, rise to your feet, put your hand together in front of you, and say "namasté," which means "I bow to the divine in you."^[16]
- Don't forget to hydrate after class and grab a healthy snack before you move on with the rest of your day.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

If you try out a studio and decide it's not for you, that is okay! Keep trying new studios until you find one that's a good fit.
If you live somewhere where there aren't yoga studios around, try out an online yoga class.