Hello all,
I’m relatively new to yoga, having practiced since mid 2010. My practice is primarily at studios and sometimes at home, but I find the studio environment much more influential on my practice. (Small studios, I don’t think I’ve ever seen more than 11 students in a class.)
I started my practice after becoming engaged to my fiance’, and moving from a city of 150k to one of 3k. Luckily, there are several larger cities within a 30-60 min drive that have excellent studios (Madison, WI; Monroe, WI; Janesville, WI and Rockford, IL).
While I have tried DVDs, there is nothing like having an experienced instructor to watch over you. There is much more to yoga than just putting yourself into a pose and living to tell about it. 
I have about 4 studios right now that I visit, and each instructor has their own style. (Who wants to eat at the same restaurant all the time?)
If there are any other yogis out there in my area, I’d love to chat and compare notes on studios, and maybe even share some visits.
Michelle
I totally hear you on the studio versus DVD thing!