Hello,
After allowing my physical health go badly during COVID, I recently started on a journey to reclaim and renew my body. In restarting my cardio/weight/resistance training I quickly recognized that my core and along with it my balance and flexibility had suffered. So I began exploring yoga. For about 6 week I was using app based and YouTube based aids at home, but have now decided that in person classes would be better for me. After a long discussion with a local studio, I felt like I was on the right track. For beginners they recommended a slow flow class.
Today I tried it, and it broke me. I felt lost, my muscles fatigued long before class was over, I was shaking, I was sweating profusely, I couldn't focus on my breath at all - it felt more like boot camp level pilates than anything I would consider slow or flowing. Afterwards, I did converse with the staff (not the instructor who was incredibly aloof and closed off) and I was told this instructor runs her flow class more Iike a power class, which I'm not sure I fully understand the meaning of.
So, a few questions.
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Since every instructor is different, and the class title is apparently not a perfect guide -what questions can I ask to make sure I'm in a truly appropriate class for me?
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The class opening involved a series of poses with arms extended, and that 5-10 minutes was enough to cause my biceps to start burning. What are some good ways to strengthen the arm muscles to alleviate this (curls are part of my gym sequence, but weight training doesn't necessarily improve stretch)?
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Similar issue with my quads (downward dog into lunges scratched them, but my hamstrings were fine)?
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What should I be looking for in terms of class type/style, as a complete beginner?