Different classes - beginner

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

My background; I took a yoga class in Botswana for about a year (04) and found it really helpful with tension and posture. I think it was Hatha type - the teacher said it was general and most of us were complete beginners to start with.
I then moved countries (Tanzania for two years and now back in London in the UK)
I’m 5"7, 34, female, suffer from depression (clinically diagnosed and currently on treatment).

In January (08), I started doing a Iyengar class which is very different in style but which I also find really helpful and enjoyable - although hard work. I also notice the difference when I miss the class for the rest of the week in terms of tension and mood/ ability to handle pressure. In addition to yoga, I also started running (partly for social, partly because it gets me outside) which I try to do 2/3 times a week.

Unfortunately practicing at home is not an option as my flat is too small so I want to do some more classes each week. My gym is Virgin Active (at the moment I can’t afford to do other classes) and the other classes on offer are Astanga, Hatha, Dynamic Hatha and power yoga.

People seem to be very fixed on the type of yoga they do - does it matter if I mix the classes up or should I try something else like Pilates?

Thanks for advice

#2

I’m confused. How small is your flat? If your have enough room for a mat (or even less) you have enough room for yoga. Maybe move some furniture a bit. I’d HIGHLY recommend a home practice.

Also, I don’t think you need to be fixed on the type of yoga, If your new to it, it’s probably nice to sample different yoga styles.

Good luck! :slight_smile:

#3

Thanks for your reply. In answer to your question, yes my flat is really small and I share with someone else. I live in London and its fairly common not to be able to work out at home as we have one room for living which is currently has sofas/ dinning table - also used as a desk/ coffee table and a small section as the kitchen.

Trying to practice yoga would involve a lot of bruises - I originally tried working out at home and got fed up at hitting something/ constraining the movement every time I tried so ended up going to a gym.

#4

Hi RJS,

What will happen if you have a night out and you start to drink beer, then wine, then brandy, some g&t’s another beer and to round it off a few liquers? Simple, you will be as sick as a dog. (I don’t say you drink, it is by example) My advise about different styles, don’t mix, by all means go to the different styles initially, but find one eventually and stick to it. But to do Ashtanga on Tuesday, Iyengar on Wednesday and say Kundalini Yoga on Thursday, that is not going to do you any good. Also remember the true value of yoga is only realised after much and consistent practice and discipline.

In terms of you flat and space, perhaps you can try a park near you? That is weather permitting in London.

#5

Hi RJS,

very odd but i also lived in Botswana in 2004 and also took yoga classes- who was your teacher? I’m curious because the yoga community in Bots was so small that i feel like we should have bumped into each other at least once!

i now practice Ashtanga, but i would agree with Pandara. If you are practicing Iyengar now and are seeing a benefit- why change? any yoga style will be as difficult, challenging, or easy as you make it for yourself.

i also agree with bridgette, developing a self practice is very important and possible even in a small flat (i practice in my tiny hotel rooms when traveling). however, attending classes will allow you to grow in your practice and interact with others who share your interests. the trick is finding the balance.

good luck!
sarah

#6

Diversity is incredibly important in yoga. However it must be tempered with sense. Try other classes freely. No problem. But you may find confusing or conflicting information and that will make it problematic to sort out should you need to consult a teacher down the line. But it is your choice.

For me it is to find something that resonates deeply within me and then pour myself into it. Some other method may work for you. Please note some practitioners are dogmatic and hold their yoga views just as tightly as those in the non-yoga world. I find such things to be both disquieting and contradictory to yoga itself.

Relative to pilates, please, please, it does not get into the same bushel as yoga. Yoga and pilates are not synonyms nor are they alike in any way any more than a bible is like a comic book. Comic books serve a purpose, they are “good” and “fine” and “helpful” but they are not evolutionary systems. Yoga addresses your relationships not your core.

Others may have the same space issue you have and perhaps a small coalition of you folks could get a small space. Or perhaps you find someone who has a space and wants a practice pal.

#7

hallelujah!

#8

Sarahy - I lived in Gaborone and took classes at the Energise Gym in Broadhurst - I can’t remember my teachers name but took classes on Mon and Fri evenings. It was a really nice and friendly class.

Thanks for all your advice - I will try some other classes but will try to focus on finding other Iyengar classes

#9

I second that Hallelujah! The two practices get confused so much so don’t worry about it to much but none the less, they are two different forms. I think IA’s metaphor says it all.