Yoga Classes for Beginners – How and Where Do I Start?

At one point, we have all searched for yoga classes for beginners near me. Who are we kidding?  Being a beginner is hard. And learning anything new can result in feelings of frustration or inadequacy.  

That little voice in the back of your head starts wondering if other people in the yoga class will know you are a beginner or if you’ll stand out.  

“You can learn new things at any time in your life if you are willing to be a beginner.  If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you.” 

– Barbara Sher

I Want to Begin Yoga Classes, But How Do I Start?

The questions can be endless and the reasons to not begin with yoga classes seem all so rational. We promise you aren’t alone in asking questions like these before walking into a studio:

• Which class style is right for beginners?
• What is the Hot Yoga like?
• What should I bring or wear to my first class?
• Will I feel out of place in the room with “yogis”?
• What are the health and safety practices?
• Should I start with private, online, or outdoor yoga classes?

For 2022, we’ve compiled answers to 6 common new yogi questions to beginning a yoga practice a little bit easier.

Which Style of Yoga Class Is Right for Beginners?

With so many styles of yoga, where to start is daunting when looking at a class schedule. What is Vinyasa yoga, Hatha yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Yin yoga, Bikram yoga, etc?

There are a lot of styles available, but there is no test or prerequisite to walk in our doors. Every Inspire Yoga class style is accessible to beginners, yet structured to ensure a challenge for all levels. 

Inspire Yoga is primarily a vinyasa-based studio, which simply means we emphasize the thoughtful and diverse sequence of poses and breath for a well-rounded experience. Inspire is not a “set sequence” studio, where you move through the same poses every class. every day. At Inspire, each class is unique and dynamic.

Our instructors have the freedom to sequence with a fresh perspective, every time. No one will be yelling on a microphone to be in a specific pose so you look the same as your neighbor, to not rest or take breaks, or to single you out after you’ve had the courage to walk through the door. Each class is about your ability and your comfort level, which also helps prevent injury. 

Slow Flow (non-heated)

If you are completely new to yoga, a Slow Flow (non-heated) class may be the place to start. This class moves at a comfortable pace through a variety of standing and supine postures focused on stretching and longer holds of accessible poses.

Learn to move with proper alignment for your body and achieve all of the mind-body benefits with a little less sweat. The instructors provide modifications for all levels and have more time to give detailed alignment cues within the poses for beginners. And the class is at ambient room temperature if you are unsure of how you will respond to the heat. Register for a Free One-on-One Introduction to learn more about where you should start.

Slow Flow (heated)

If you want to start with a heated class, but at a slower pace, the Slow Flow (heated) is a great place to start. In this class, you’ll experience a warm room around 85-88 degrees and will build internal heat to support greater flexibility and stretching, but may sweat a little.  Slow Flow is focused on deeply stretching the muscles and fully releasing the joints that can get stressed over time while building balance, strength and endurance.

Inspire Hot Vinyasa

If you want to jump right in, move faster, and sweat more, our signature Inspire hot vinyasa class is practiced in a hot room (infrared heat from 95-99 degrees), moves at a moderate pace, and offers a variety of posture sequences.

The posture sequences are never the same in this class ranging from foundational poses, such as those you’d experience in a Slow Flow class, through advanced poses. Resting positions are encouraged at all levels, and our expert instructors are trained to provide modifications for all levels.

Inspire Sculpt

Our newest class on the schedule arose from the growing need and demand for keeping our bones and muscles strong and healthy as we age. This 45-minute class combines yoga flow sequences with the added (and optional) element of light to medium hand weights and resistance loops. You will build strength and endurance as you target and tone the muscles needed for a strong and stable yoga practice…and life.

This practice is done in a non-heated room with motivating music and movement to add a little oomph to your om.

Yin

If you are a beginner looking for a yoga class to compliment other rigorous activities you practice, such as running or cycling, Yin is a great option. Yin classes incorporate relaxed, passive postures held for 3-5 minutes at a time. 

Experience gentle seated stretches that release tension in the connective tissues of the body. Many beginners seek the benefits of yin yoga for anxiety.

Will the Hot Yoga Classes Be Too Intense?

At Inspire, we love a great hot yoga class, with water of course. All of our studios, Highland Village, Denton, Grapevine, and Colleyville, use infrared panels in the heated classes.

Infrared heat offers benefits including detoxing the body and improving mental clarity; boosting the immune system and aiding skin health; and, reducing stress and easing muscle or joint pain.

And there are hotter areas of each studio. This is great for those new to a hot yoga class. Just ask your instructor where in the room may be best to set your mat.

If you want to experience the infrared heat first, try a heated Slow Flow class and enjoy the warmth. We encourage you to try a variety of heated AND non-heated classes based on your comfort level.

What Should I Bring or Wear to My First Yoga Class?

You should be comfortable as you practice.  Avoid very loose fitting clothes that are too baggy and may get in the way of moving. We all love our favorite baggy Dallas Cowboys jersey, but probably not the best choice…for yoga at least.

Water is a must! Make sure you are staying hydrated as you begin to explore your yoga practice.

A high quality yoga mat is recommended for balance and stability as you continue your practice, but it’s not necessary starting out. Mat rentals are available at each studio to try out some different options or bring your own from home. Inspire Yoga staff can recommend quality options for you and each location has various brands on hand for sale, such as Manduka or Jade Yoga, to support your practice and needs. Here are some eco-friendly mat options as well.

You might also find a towel will help you in those sweaty classes so you don’t slip on your mat. Each studio sells some great Manduka Yogitoes yoga mat towels which are a good investment over time. But browse around as you get more comfortable and learn what you need for your practice.

You may notice props at your studio, too. Blocks, straps, and bolsters are commonly used in class to assist with balance, stability, and deeper stretching. Ask your instructor as to how these options could assist you in your practice. Don’t be shy – we love answering questions. 

Will I feel out of place, in the room and with “yogis”?

We’ve all seen the pictures of sweat dripping off everyone in a room, skimpy outfits and shirtless practitioners. If you stare at these too long, you can be misguided as to how regular yogis show up each day.

Don’t let the online “look at me” yoga overshadow that yogis in our studios are people just like you. We come in every shape, size, and ability which should be celebrated. Yoga is not a pageant for beauty or popularity.

Every person in that yoga class started out as a beginner once. The person next to you who may have been practicing for years is secretly rooting for you. They know the benefits that have come from a consistent practice as noted by Johns Hopkins. They are excited for you to experience it too.  

We encourage everyone to chat and get to know the people who practice next to them.  We love our community and they are ready to welcome you with open arms.

But I Don’t Know the Pose Names.

Don’t worry, knowing pose names is not a requirement AT ALL. Our instructors are experts at using plain language of body movements, alignment, and positions so everyone can practice. Just calling out poses is often so confusing. Good yoga instructors from a high quality yoga teacher training program know how to cue yogis at all levels into postures suitable for their practice.

Some beginners prefer to start learning, and practicing, some of these poses through our Online Module Physical Foundations.

And you can always get some initial understanding of some poses through our tutorials including Downward Facing Dog, Upward Facing Dog, Warrior 2, Wild Thing, Dolphin, Eagle, Savasana (Corpse Pose), Wheel or Bridge, Chair, and Crow.

Should I Start with a Private or Online Class?

Starting private yoga classes or taking an online yoga class can be a great option for beginners looking to step in slowly.

Private Yoga Classes Focus on Your Starting Point

Private yoga lessons to start your personal practice are where many of our new yogis have started. Read our detailed blog about private yoga classes to learn the many benefits for beginners and get started at a studio near you.

Online Classes Can Add Control of Class Pace in a Familiar Setting to Start

Inspire Yoga’s expanding and recognized online library exists to support not only beginners, but anyone with their “anywhere” practice.

Many beginners have considered yoga at home vs. yoga in a studio for a number of reasons, even our amazing instructor Alana who shared her experience.

Starting online is easy with over 200 classes, 12 instructors, and multiple styles at Inspire Yoga Online . You can also try this great beginner slow flow with Alana on Inspire Yoga’s YouTube channel for free.

What Beginner Questions Do You Have?

We’ve answered 6 of the common questions we’ve received from Beginners.

However, there are definitely more questions we can answer. For more information read our Frequently Asked Questions or contact your studio for further questions. And you can always leave your feedback below.

Ready to Begin Your Yoga Journey?

Inspire Yoga’s welcoming community offers over 300 classes across our locations for new yogis to start. Join the group class that meets your schedule and pace.

Remember that the teacher leading the class started off in your shoes.  But if you are ready to be a beginner, we’re ready to open a whole new world for you.