Take-it-from-Tara tips for finding the right place to lay your mat
There are so many different teachers and styles of yoga now that it can be hard to decide which is best for you without test-driving a bunch. Certification requirements run the gamut from a weekend course to multiple years. Most teachers list in their bios where they studied, with whom, for how long, and what certificates they hold. Many teachers are listed with an association called the Yoga Alliance. It's tricky, though, because all schools of yoga are different, and even if someone has many years of training, you still may not like their style. It's also worth noting, especially if you hope yoga will help resolve a health problem, that most yoga teachers aren't medical professionals. If you need a health diagnosis, turn to a medical professional.
You might need to studio-hop for a couple of months until you find a style, studio, and teacher that you vibe with. It may be as simple as finding the studio closest to your job that has class at a time that works for you. Or you may find yourself schlepping across town to a class with a teacher you can't get enough of. Here are my insider tips for finding instruction you'll want to stick with.
Google it up. There are whole studios dedicated to pre- and postnatal, meditation, athletic, or gentle yoga, and more. Some emphasize the spiritual aspects of yoga more than others. Look for that information on the studio or teacher's website. Google the studio and your teacher's name for testimonials, mentions in blogs, and reviews on Web sites.
Ask around. Some teachers lead the class in chanting. Some emphasize pose perfection. Some pick favorite students. One of the best ways to get details on a teacher's style is through word of mouth. Ask friends and people who have similar interests and goals to yours, and you'll probably get sent in the right direction. Bottom line: Your yoga teacher should be kind, knowledgeable, and excited to teach yoga.
Look next door. Just for the sake of convenience, check out the nearest yoga studio to your home or job. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to roll out your mat just a few blocks away from where you are right now?
Consider your schedule. Most yoga classes are between an hour and an hour and a half in length. Times are usually listed on studios' websites. Think about how much time you have to devote to yoga, since travel time can add up.
Look for yoga in unexpected places. Although yoga studios are almost as prevalent as Starbucks in major cities, they are still just trickling into suburbs and smaller towns. Check your local gym and other community spaces for classes. The small town where I grew up (Morris, Illinois) offers yoga classes at the local hospital and library. Still no yoga? iTunes has some useful video and audio classes, which are a great way to bring your favorite big-name teacher right to your living room. DVDs are also a great tool when you find a teacher you really like. (And of course, my book is packed with a ton of routines and tips!)
There are so many different teachers and styles of yoga now that it can be hard to decide which is best for you without test-driving a bunch. Certification requirements run the gamut from a weekend course to multiple years. Most teachers list in their bios where they studied, with whom, for how long, and what certificates they hold. Many teachers are listed with an association called the Yoga Alliance. It's tricky, though, because all schools of yoga are different, and even if someone has many years of training, you still may not like their style. It's also worth noting, especially if you hope yoga will help resolve a health problem, that most yoga teachers aren't medical professionals. If you need a health diagnosis, turn to a medical professional.
