Learning how to cook

All yoga is good... to a point. 
 
Take the analogy of cooking. 
 
McDonalds is food.
It has good energy, has great texture and flavour (subjective - but many would agree and $millions has been spent on developing it in labs), it fills you up when you are hungry, and has protein and carbs to keep you going. And you don't even have to know how to cook!
 
Home cooking is better food.
It has good energy, fills you when you are hungry, tastes delicious, but you take more responsibility for what you put in it. You are more discerning about your intake of the 'other stuff' (fat, salt, sugar, low quality ingredients). It is more nutritious and will serve your longer term health 1,000% more. It has better balance that includes fresh vegetables and micronutrients. It avoids the stuff your allergic too, and gives you more of what you actually need. It adapts each week and each month depending on the season or the stage of health or stage of life. But you have to learn how to do it. 
 
 
When we first start yoga, we work on the assumption that what we desire is what we should have. We find the Youtube videos we enjoy, or the class that makes use feel great. This is almost everyone's starting point. We simply wouldn't carry on if it didn't feel good. It is a great place to start. 

The larger class can be fun, exhilarating and challenging - enjoy the great vibe and energy of the room. The cons are that the practice might not be quite right for you, and over time, this can be a red-herring in our yoga.
 
After a while, especially as we age and our bodies and minds need a more thoughtful and careful approach, we learn to listen to how we are reacting to our practice. 
 
How is it serving us?
Are our aches and pains improving?
Is our sleep better?
Is our mood improving or are we getting frustrated?
Are we becoming more patient and kind with ourselves and those around us?
 
 
Some of these markers are subtle, but incredibly important. If any of these are off, then an adjustment to the way we are practicing is almost certainly necessary.
 
This is where your relationship with an experienced teacher can help guide you to a more nuanced and balanced practice.
 
Enjoy your practice and reflect on how well it is serving you so that your time spent in yoga can be even more fruitful.