What is the sign of a good Yoga class?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I’ve actually been having trouble finding classes I can afford right now. :confused: I’m supposed to be getting free classes at my Health Center but they haven’t called me yet and I’m a bit sad. I’m not sure if I should keep waiting for the Health Center to start classes or pay for classes. I get one free class with the nearest studio to me, then I have to pay for a package, but I won’t be able to afford it until November, when it’ll start being too cold for me to go anywhere very often since I don’t drive. I’ll be spending a lot of November writing for NaNoWriMo too! Augh! D: Maybe instead of the horror novel I was going to write, I can write a romance set around Yoga classes. XD

There are other Yoga centers here in town too, some that allow drop in classes for $10, so maybe I should try out a few places to find what fits me?

I don’t know if the Yoga Center nearest me is a good idea since I have to pay for it, but since the Health Center classes are free to clients and they haven’t had classes for a long time, I don’t know if I can rely on them.

Or I could try DVD lessons. Can you tell I’m confused?

At least one thing went right, well, a few, I got my new yoga mat, its a lovely green thing with printed koi fish and green lily pad design that I’ve been peeling at for weeks now every time I’ve gone to the store. I also got a book of poses, with tongue in cheek cartoons, called Yoga To The Rescue, so if I can’t get a regular practice at a center I can at least do some poses at home.

So advice. Which center would you go with? :confused:

#2

Do drop in classes. That will allow you to control how much you have to pay and you can experience different atmospheres of yoga. And when you can not go, relax, and practice what you have learned. Just do it. Because, if you want it, you have to do it.

#3

[QUOTE=strangeseraph;23855]I got my new yoga mat, its a lovely green thing with printed koi fish and green lily pad design[/QUOTE]

Can’t help smiling over your description of your mat. I have a hello kitty yoga towel mat, block and strap. A friend of mine has a mat showing hello kitty in various asanas!

Yoga teachers do make a world of difference too. I am with a centre and only do classes with a few teachers whom I have an affinity for. Some teachers just make my eyes roll others make me sorry for turning up and wasting my time. It is a case of one man’s meat another’s poison. Going for a trail class does not give you the whole picture.

The advantage of practising with few teachers is that it makes the practice of non-attachment less painful when they leave or are on vacation. I have other options to fill the void.

Visit a few centres and feel the vibe. Go with your gut feeling. :lol:

#4

Hello Jenny.

You outline two very important elements and each deserves its own reply.

The first is to become very clear about the role of yoga in your life. Sharpen your intention and place yoga on your list in a spot appropriate for you, both in your current life and in the life you aspire to. Once you are clear as to where yoga falls on your priority list it is far easier to manifest or manage the financial aspects.

Managing those aspects is the second element I mention above. If you can look through your expenses, base that looking on the true priorities in your living, and find places where you are spending for things that are not priorities, you may free up some money for yoga.

On the other hand if you have already done that and there’s no room there left to move into, then I’d advise speaking to the local studio and arranging to volunteer or work-study there in exchange for classes.

gordon

#5

So much depends on the individual and if you click but…

a good yoga class is measured by the actions of a teacher.

  • can they teach? Do they have a pedagogy? i.e. communicate at an appropriate level/style for the individual. (& not ignore the non-fit, old, overweight, beginners!!)
  • do they check you out at the beginning? Ask for a quick health background, previous experience, try and use your name etc.
  • when doing asana sequences do they check if its appropriate for everyone? i.e. knee problems, on period etc.
  • do they appear to know basic anatomy? - i.e. names of body bits.
  • do they show by example or show off? - doing what appears to be the impossible.
  • what qualifications do they have? - its ok to ask(privately). Be aware that while some qualifications can be gained on a two week course others take a minimum of 5 years(+5years personal practice) just to be a basic teacher!
  • do they go round the class and individually adjust people postures? Gently but firmly. A good teacher will notice specific bodily issues that need to be improved, remind you of them and praise you when you are showing effort/progress. Your practice at home can be a great way of complimenting such a good teacher as you will get feedback.

I like yourself cannot afford the most experienced ‘successful’ teachers. On the other had i have found many great teachers with a passion for their work who i have leant lots from. Keep an eye open for local adverts, people at work, health food shops, people travelling through etc, rather than the big yoga teaching centres. Trainee yoga teachers can be ok as long as they have loads of personal practice as well and a good teacher themselves.

The best classes i have had, were in a very poor area of town, in a beautiful old building run by a 60/70 year old lady(taught by mr Iyenga himself). The class was as diverse as you can get. It was refreshing to see overweight, senior and non middle class teenagers keeping up with me a young man, and often surpassing me in my postures!! Outstanding, inspiring and very cheap.

good luck in your search.

#6

What is the sign of a good yoga class ?
That you keep coming back for more.

#7

Do teachers feel that their classes are good if they have a regular pool of members and especially if turnout is overwhelming?

Is it common for students to feel that some of their teachers have ‘outrun their course’ so to speak and move on to practice with other teachers?

#8

Many studios offer a community or “donations only” class…that might be helpful to you.

#9

you like it

#10

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