I want to start.... but how?

When I would spend a lot of time at The Yoga Space in Bakersfield, CA I heard lots of questions and concerns about yoga.

1. What class should I start with?

 Check with the studio and see what classes are offered. Typically there are 

• Restorative, Typically slow paced class good for anyone with medical conditions and beginners
• Level 1- beginner, perfect class to start with. Standing poses, seated poses, and beginning inversions are taught.  
• Level 1/2, Typically you know shoulder stand, and looking to go deeper into your practice
• Level 2 - advanced, Not for beginners, typically at least 6 months of regular practice. Either can or preparing to do a headstand- against a wall. 
• All levels , this class is a generalized class with poses that are good for beginners, and includes poses that will begin to deepen your practice. Always good for a beginner. 

 Each class has a focus and a purpose. Don't go to a restorative class expecting to constantly be moving. You will often find yourself holding poses for a few minutes, and often with props to support the pose. 

2. How often should I come to classes?

• Commit to come once or twice a week. 
• Many studios offer class packages at an introductory rate to help you start your practice and enable you to try as many teachers as you can. 
• Other studios offer grouped sessions. Grouping the year into sessions allows the practitioner to get familiar with a teacher, see their progress from start to finish, and gives them a good idea what classes they are ready for next. 
• Set up a spot in your home for yoga. Keep your mat there and any props you use. 
• If you use the TV or Internet to practice classes make sure you have a hard surface to practice on and enough room so you can always see the instructor on the TV. 

3. How much are classes or packages?

• Depending on where you live, major urban area or smaller town yoga classes are typically $18-$25 per class. If you want privates you must ask the instructor what their rate is, and where they teach. 
• Studios often offer discounts for buying groups of classes in a bundle lowering the overall price of classes down from $25/ class to $20 or $15 per class. Some studios have greater discounts. 

4. I can't touch my toes... should I come?

• I love my students who tell me they can't touch their toes. Because it places the participant in a very humble position ready to learn and to accept what their body can or cannot do. If you cannot touch your toes you may emotionally feel best in a restorative class, but don't just stay there, when your willing and ready to progress in your practice go to a level 1 class. 

5. I have an injury, or condition can I do this safely?

• Yoga is very safe and wonderful for most conditions. Here are a few conditions that yoga has been proven to be effective for
• Aging​
• Amythrophic Lateral Sclerosis​
• Anxiety/ Depression/ Stress​
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Back Pain
• Bone Health
• Breast Cancer
• Cancer
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Diabetes
• General Health and Well Being
• Hypertension
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Menopause
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neck Pain
• Ovarian Cancer
• Pancreatitis
• Parkinson's Disease
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Spinal Cord Injury

• Focus more on the qualifications of your instructor to help decide if this class is right for you. Quality teachers typically have 
• an advanced certificate of training.
• many years of teaching and practicing, teacher training  in yoga
• an understanding of Eastern and Western anatomy 
• has training or experience in providing therapeutic yoga.