Bristol YogaSpace

I'm regularly asked to help people choose a Yoga class that will suit them. There are lots of styles, and flavours on offer in Bristol, so here are a few pointers and guidelines to help get you started:

1) What do you want to achieve?
Different styles of yoga offer different degrees of either physical or mental challenge and disclipline. What are you interested in initiially? Do you want to get fit, lose weight, become more grounded and centred, reduce stress and tension, aches and pains, relax more, have a physical or emotional injury, explore something personal beyond everyday life? Your personal goal will help direct which class would be most suitable. See the styles of yoga below to see where you might want to start.

2) Try the class
There isn't really any substitute for trying the class to see if you enjoy it as it is such a personal experience. Even if your friend loves the class, it just  might not suit you.  Try a few classes if you have the time, different types and different teachers. Most teachers are happy for you to come along and try their class and see if it is right for you. You are much more likely to stick with it if you find a class and a teacher you are happy with.

3) Enjoy the class!
The class should leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed, energised, calm, settled and more positive. An overall good feeling that should speak for itself. If you start to feel unwell or are in pain, feel frustrated, unsettled, uncomfortable, competitive, agitated, then perhaps the class doesn't suit you or try talking to your teacher. 

4) Feel comfortable and confident in the teacher
You should feel comfortable in the class, and confident  in the teacher so you can immerse yourself in the class. You should feel able to ask your teacher questions (before or after class usually or get his/her attention during the class) to help support you.  As a beginner, or as you begin to deepen your practice and potentially encounter obstacles, a supportive and experienced teacher will help you work through these.

5) Challenging or relaxing yoga class?
Should you take a more challenging, intense or difficult class or a more gentle yoga class? This is where classes vary the most and finding something that suits you and suits your lifestyle is really important...

If you are relatively healthy and fit, then a more physically demanding, vigorous class would be fine for you. However if you have a really busy, full-on lifestyle and are a fast-paced person, then perhaps consider exploring a more calming, supportive Yoga class that will help balance your life. You might find yourself typically attracted to a strong, intense Yoga practice (e.g. Bikram yoga, Vinyasa Flow yoga or Ashtanga yoga), but you might find this just perpetuates your pace which ultimately might be unhelpful. People often find themselves burnt-out. Consider trying a different class and see what happens! You might initially think this is boring, but your personal challenge might be to stick with it and discover the hidden depths, rather than the obvious and immediate challenge of keeping up.

If you have an injury or medical condition, then a  smaller class where the focus is on safe alignment and modifying the practice to suit each person in the class is recommended, with a well trained teacher who understands your condition.

If you are a bit sedentary, perhaps not too motivated or feel lethargic, why not try a more energising, vigourous class that challenges you and switches your pace. Ensure you work within your physical abilities, especially at first, but this could be a great Yoga practice for you.

6) Well trained teachers
Yoga is a huge and ancient subject. There is much to study and as yoga teachers we are always learning more. Along with the many Yoga postures, there are many breathing techniques that are learned over time, Yoga philosophy, anatomy and physiology, and lots more besides. We recommend at least two years teacher training to even begin to get to grips with the basics and be able to teach and adapt the class safely to suit the participants. Organisations such as the British Wheel of Yoga provide accreditation to meet this standard. (They are the only Yoga body to be approved by Sport England).

7) Yoga that fits your schedule
Regular practice is really important to gradually develop and deepen the benefits and practice safely. Finding a Yoga class that is convenient for you to get to, and is at a time that you can usually make, will give you the best chance of sticking with it. Also finding a teacher that can recommend some home practice that

8) Types of Yoga Classes
Here are a few 'types' or flavours of class to help orientate you. They are all Yoga and all dealing with the same things but might feel different and focus on slightly different aspects when you try them. So this is just a rough guide, feel free to add more descriptions below to help others choose a class...

~Hatha Yoga Classes~
Classic yoga postures which also incorporate a focus on the breathing. Variations on postures include staying in postures, or moving into them dynamically but more slowly. Classes can range from challenging to more gentle and relaxing so try the class or check with the teacher to see what they are teaching. They usually suit all levels from beginners so good for everyone. Most YogaSpace classes are Hatha Yoga or this next one, Viniyoga.

~Viniyoga Classes~ (what I teach)
Classic Yoga postures which you move into and out of dynamically with the breath, gradually building up to staying in the postures over time. Small classes where the teacher will help adapt the postures to suit the students and will offer optional challenges as you progress. Focus on breathing and gradually deepening and developing the breath to intensify the practice when the student is ready. Good classes for all levels including beginners as they are small classes adapted to suit you. Well trained teachers :-)

~Iyengar Yoga Classes~
Iyengar Yoga offers physically challenging classes where you hold classic yoga postures for a period of time to develop good strength. Strong focus on alignment, making use of equipment such as belts, blocks, bricks, chairs etc. to assist you in getting in to the posture. Less focus on breathing until a couple of years class attendance. Usually well trained teachers. 

~Ashtanga Yoga Classes~
Ashtanga Yoga is a set sequence of dynamic movements which you learn over time and will work through each class. A physically demanding practice with focus on moving steadilly with the breath. Physically demanding and a longer class usually (1.5 - 2.5 hours). Good for physical stamina and an intense experience. Go carefully, especially at first.

~Bikram Yoga Classes~
Hot Yoga classes, offering a set sequence of 26 postures practiced in a hot (super-hot!) humidified room where students sweat and work hard in each pose. Often beginners will sit out some poses and just enjoy the intense heat and humidity. Teachers have learned a set class formula which Bikram Choudhury developed and has taught to all his teachers during their 9-week intensive teacher training programme. An intense experience and strong practice.

~Vinyasa Flow Yoga Classes~
Dynamic movements linking poses together and flowing the movements with the breath. Often a physically challenging and focusing practice which requires some coordination to join in and keep up. Variable teacher training, some good but some can be trained in only a month or few months so recommend finding out.
 
Try a class or a few classes and see how they suit you.

Please add more class descriptions or suggestions below to help others in finding the right class for them.

Enjoy!

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