Should I Take a Yoga Class? (TL;DR: Yes!)
Somehow all of my social media feeds have collided this week under one united topic:
Is yoga dead?
The answer is definitely no. Yoga is a centuries old practice that only recently has become popular in Western society.
That said, I think the discussion around yoga on social media raises a few good questions. What is yoga, anyway? What should you expect from a yoga class? And is yoga actually worth adding to your fitness routine?
So I wanted to throw some of my thoughts out there, and hopefully it helps you decide whether a yoga class might be a good fit for you 🙂
Spoiler alert: you don’t need to be flexible, athletic, or experienced to get started.
Ready to give yoga a try? Check out our yoga class schedule and find a class that sounds good to you!
What even is yoga?
Yoga is a mind-body-spirit system that is commonly classified into 8 different branches or “limbs.”
One of these limbs, asana, is what most people think of when they think about taking a yoga class. Asana refers to the physical poses or postures that we practice.
Other limbs of yoga include things like breathwork and meditation.
One of the reasons people end up falling in love with yoga, compared to other workout styles, is that it offers more than just physical benefits. You’re also creating space for your mind, your breath, and your emotional wellbeing. (Nervous system regulation, anyone?👋)
What should I expect in a yoga class?
A typical yoga class at our studio will focus primarily on asana, or practicing different yoga poses like sun salutations, downward dog, and child’s pose. Depending on the class, we may also include breathwork and meditation.
You’ll usually start with a few moments of centering to help you settle in and get in the right headspace for class. From there, we’ll warm up important muscle groups and joints before moving into the main portion of class.
Exactly what that looks like will depend on the style of yoga you’re taking.
Our Yin Yoga classes are slow, and you’ll hold each pose for several minutes at a time. Our other yoga classes are Hatha or Vinyasa style, meaning you’ll flow between poses more fluidly, often coordinating your movement with your breath.
And then there’s savasana, the final resting pose where you’ll be invited to lay on your mat for a few quiet moments. (And don’t be fooled: this is the best part of class!)
What benefits will I get from a yoga class?
So many! Yoga can support your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing in a variety of ways:
Physical:
Increased strength
Increased flexibility & mobility
Better balance
Supports bone density and muscle mass
Mental:
Reduced stress
Better sleep
More breath awareness & control
An improved mood (hello happiness hormones 😃)
Emotional and/or Spiritual:
Greater connection with yourself
Connection with others
Reduced emotional reactivity
Better resilience
And one of my favorite benefits of yoga is simply learning to be more at home in your own body.
What should I bring to a yoga class?
Not much!
We recommend bringing a water bottle, and your own yoga mat if you have one. We’ll provide any other props you need for class.
Don't have a mat yet? No problem. We have a few you can borrow, and we're happy to help you figure out what kind of mat might work best for you when you're ready to get your own.
The most important thing is showing up. You don’t need a fancy matching workout set, the most expensive yoga mat, or years of experience.
How often should I take yoga classes to see results?
There's no magic number, but consistency matters more than perfection.
For most people, 2–3 yoga classes per week is a great place to start if you're hoping to see meaningful improvements in strength, flexibility, mobility, or overall well-being.
That doesn't mean you need to practice every day, or even that you need to start with three classes a week.
If once a week is what makes sense for you right now, start there! A sustainable routine that you actually enjoy is much more useful than an ambitious routine you can't maintain.
And because yoga can be practiced at a variety of intensities, many people practice it daily, especially when alternating between different styles, like Yin and Vinyasa.
Do I need to be in shape or flexible before starting yoga?
Simply put, no.
Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:
Can you touch your toes?
Can you do the splits?
Can you do a handstand?
If you answered no to any of these questions, congratulations! Yoga is the perfect place for you 🙂
I know it can feel like you need to be capable before you start, but that’s backwards!
Taking class is actually where you gain the capabilities to do difficult things.
Meet yourself where you’re at, with gentleness, and give yourself time. If you practice consistently, you’ll be amazed at the results.
A few other things to consider before taking a yoga class:
There are some physical considerations that may affect which type of yoga is right for you.
For example:
Can you get up & down from the floor?
Can you kneel comfortably?
Do you have a health condition that makes certain positions or movements unsafe for you?
Many group yoga classes involve getting up and down from the floor, kneeling, and occasionally placing your head below your heart.
If any of those movements are uncomfortable or contraindicated for you, that doesn't necessarily mean yoga is off the table. A private yoga session may be a better option because your instructor can design a practice specifically around your needs and limitations.
Our yoga instructors offer private sessions, too! Book a private yoga session here.
If you have a medical condition or aren't sure whether a particular movement is appropriate for you, check with your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise program.
Ready to try yoga?
Hopefully this helps answer any questions you may have about starting yoga.
Remember, you don’t have to be good at yoga to take a yoga class. You just have to show up.
View our class calendar, including yoga classes, here: https://whitemountaindancestudio.punchpass.com/calendar
See you on the mat🧘♀️😘
