Saturday, March 24, 2007

How to Find a Good Yoga Studio?

The Word “Yoga means union between Jivatma and Paramatma (Individual Soul and Supreme Soul). Yoga is an ancient form of mental, physical, and spiritual exercises designed to bring the body, mind, and spirit into unity. The main components of yoga are the asanas (physical postures), the pranayamas (breathing exercises), and dhyana (meditation). Unlike some other forms of exercise, yoga does not require a lot of expensive equipment. A sticky mat and a balance ball are often all that is needed. But what about the place where you practice yoga; your yoga studio?

Chances are you will actually practice yoga in two places, the place where you take classes with others, and in your own home. The yoga studio in your own home need not be elaborate- it need not even by a separate room. Anywhere relatively free from distraction and clutter will do. If you work out using DVDs, you will want to have a television set and DVD player available. Request your children and spouse not to bother you while you are exercising or meditating.

How to find a Yoga Studio

It is a big challenge to find a good yoga studio where you will attend lessons. First, you need to find out if there are any yoga studios in your area. Check the phone book, or try yogafinder.com.The studio must be very close to your home or workplace. Or else, the trouble it takes to get to the yoga studio will become an excuse not to exercise.

When you visit the yoga studio for the very first time, pay attention to your instincts - Is your first impression favorable or not? Does the room make you feel peaceful or frantic? Is the temperature of the room comfortable? (Be aware that Power yoga involves working out in a heated room to increase flexibility and encourage the release of toxins.)

Is the staff friendly? If you don’t like your instructor, or if you don’t feel a rapport with him or her, ask if there is someone else you can work with. If not, move on to the next studio. You won’t get far with someone you don’t like or trust.

Next take a look at the other students. Do the other students seem to be at about your level of training, or are they far more or less advanced? Talk with them and see what they have to say about the yoga studio. Finding a yoga studio where you feel comfortable can be a challenge, but with these simple guidelines, you’ll soon find the right place and start learning yoga with confidence.