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| Yoga Classes: Finding a Class Near You |
Yoga Classes: Finding a Class Near You
One of the best ways to explore yoga is to take a class. Nothing beats the expert guidance and support of an experienced teacher. Yoga has become so popular that it should be easy to find a class in your area, whether you live in a major urban center or in a more remote city or town. Many health clubs now offer yoga classes as part of their overall fitness programs. Other good places to check are your local YMCA or YMHA and your town’s community center.
You can check for yoga classes in the yellow pages of your local telephone directory (usually listed under “Yoga”). You can also explore the bulletin boards of local health-food stores, massage therapy offices, and metaphysical bookstores—often, teachers of yoga post announcements about classes they offer at such sites. Your local adult education or learning exchange might also offer courses in yoga.
Finally, you can check with the national associations of the major yoga institutes and associations. Often, they maintain databases of certified yoga teachers that are available in your area. You can do much of your research on the Internet if you choose, as virtually every major institute and association now has a Website with helpful information, which often includes a searchable listing of teachers by state, city, and even zip code, as well as valuable links to other yoga resources. At the end of this chapter you will find sections on “Yoga Resources on the Internet,” which may be of additional assistance to you.
One of the best ways to explore yoga is to take a class. Nothing beats the expert guidance and support of an experienced teacher. Yoga has become so popular that it should be easy to find a class in your area, whether you live in a major urban center or in a more remote city or town. Many health clubs now offer yoga classes as part of their overall fitness programs. Other good places to check are your local YMCA or YMHA and your town’s community center.
You can check for yoga classes in the yellow pages of your local telephone directory (usually listed under “Yoga”). You can also explore the bulletin boards of local health-food stores, massage therapy offices, and metaphysical bookstores—often, teachers of yoga post announcements about classes they offer at such sites. Your local adult education or learning exchange might also offer courses in yoga.
Finally, you can check with the national associations of the major yoga institutes and associations. Often, they maintain databases of certified yoga teachers that are available in your area. You can do much of your research on the Internet if you choose, as virtually every major institute and association now has a Website with helpful information, which often includes a searchable listing of teachers by state, city, and even zip code, as well as valuable links to other yoga resources. At the end of this chapter you will find sections on “Yoga Resources on the Internet,” which may be of additional assistance to you.
When evaluating a potential yoga teacher, try to find out what the background and experience of the yoga teacher is, as well as what particular style or styles of yoga the teacher incorporates into the classes. It is becoming increasingly more common for yoga teachers to study more than one approach to yoga as they deepen their own practice. If a prospective teacher blends several styles together, ask what styles are being used. For further tips on choosing a yoga teacher and preparing for your yoga class, please see “Helpful Hints” on web site.
