Ways to Practice Yoga

Group Classes: Probably the most common way to practice yoga, you can attend group classes with live yoga teachers. You’ll have the advantage of a trained teacher (though skill levels can vary. Find someone who instructs well and inspires you), and the support of your classmates. You’d be surprised how much observing others can help your own practice and the experience of a whole class in flow is indescribable.

Most teachers are very helpful and might correct you if you aren’t doing a pose properly, especially if you let them know you’re open to correction before class. You can also ask them questions after class, up to and including “This pose feels… weird. Am I doing it right?” The disadvantage of this method of practice is that finding a studio with a convenient location, a good teacher, and with classes at the right times can be challenging. It is also somewhat expensive, with individual classes in the range of $10-20 and unlimited monthly class passes costing as much as gym memberships. To combat this, many people practice at home, and go to class a few times a month as a refresher. Whatever works.

A Few Things to Know About Group Classes:

“Foundations” is probably the first class you’ll want to try. It is an introduction to basic poses, with beginner tips and lots of peers at your level so you won’t be tempted to push beyond your ability (see above re: “Don’t be dumb”).

“Hot Yoga” is any type of yoga done in a very hot, humid room (generally 40 C / 105 F and 40% humidity, or “balmy afternoon in India”). The theory is that it relaxes your muscles to promote stretching, encourages sweating to eliminate toxins, requires focus under extreme conditions to build discipline, and prevents you from pushing hard to remain conscious (if you get dizzy, go intoChilds Pose until the room stops spinning. It happens to all of us. Hopefully just once). You’ll love it…or not love it.

“Restorative Yoga” is very easy on the body, with mostly long stretches and nurturing poses. If you thrashed yourself in a workout the day before and DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) is bringing you creakily to your knees, you MUST try one of these.

You will need a mat for group classes. If you don’t have one, you can usually rent one for a few dollars.

Get to the studio about 15 minutes early. It’s polite to get set up and either quietly warm up with a few stretches, or sit/lay down and prepare your mind for the class.

Most studios are awesome places filled with good, gentle people. I almost never hear of any problems, but I’ve had something stolen once, and once is enough. Keep your valuables in your car, or in a bag against the wall or at the base of your mat.

Join Yoga Classes in Gurgaon & Gyms in Gurgaon today at best offer. Go for annual and get maximum discount. Use all features in the GYM for all membership option you will go.