What to Expect from a Challenging Yoga Class

Are you a yoga beginner looking for a physical challenge? Yoga classes typically follow a specific structure, beginning with a calming breathing exercise and ending with a relaxing Savasana. Before joining your first class, it's important to understand why you're doing yoga and to research the teacher and their style. You should also consider the type of mat you'll need and the rules and etiquette of the yoga studio. When you arrive at the yoga studio, it's likely that you'll be asked to remove your shoes and leave them at the door.

You may also want to call ahead and ask if they have mats for you to borrow or rent. Depending on the type of class you're attending, you'll want to wear clothes that absorb sweat, such as what you would wear for running. Yoga classes can vary in intensity, from gentle yin yoga to more dynamic Ashtanga yoga. If you're looking for a physical challenge, power yoga or bikram (hot) classes are great options.

In these classes, you'll be expected to move quickly between poses and sweat more than usual. No matter what type of class you attend, it's important to remember that yoga is about more than just physical exercise. It's also about finding balance in your life and connecting with your body and mind. With this in mind, it's important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed.