| I met Lisa in Deanna's step aerobics class at Club One Fitness in Pittsburgh, PA. She always stood in the front row and had a TON of energy. I still remember her taking class right up until days before her second child was born - and she still could kick her leg higher than me! Lisa was also extremely supportive when I began teaching step aerobics - she was super patient with me as I navigated my way through those first few classes. Having a passion for yoga, Lisa became a certified yoga instructor in 2009. She now teaches at Amazing Yoga, is a Lululemon Ambassador and recently co-taught at Lululemon's Yoga and Yarn event on the Andy Warhol Bridge. Below Lisa shares some tips on finding the perfect yoga class for you! | 
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A friend recently asked what a yoga class is like. "Could I watch to see if I would like it?" Um, no, that would be inappropriate. "Then how will I know what I'm getting myself into?" Good question. And the answer is: (wait for it) you won't! Yoga, on oh so many levels, is designed to allow (or maybe force) us to open up. Physically, the practice can open up tightness in muscles, joints, and even deep connective tissue. Spiritually, mentally, whatever term you chose, it can open us up to our inner power and greatness, our true selves, new opportunities, thoughts and ideas. And to get to this place where we're more open we are encouraged to try new things, to step out of our comfort zone and to do something that may even scare us. So even though your first yoga class may be a bit of an experiment, you can and should do some research and inform yourself beforehand.
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| First, pick a style. There are many different styles ranging from very athletic (power vinyasa, ashtanga) to very meditative (restorative). There's hot, not hot, yin, vinyasa, the list goes on. How to choose? Talk to your friends, friends of friends etc. See if any like-minded peeps in your life practice yoga. Word of mouth is a great reference. Just be a bit wary of online reviews. In my experience, people are very quick to complain and very slow to compliment. Take web ratings with a grain of salt. Think about your likes/dislikes, your level of fitness and your reason for wanting to try yoga in the first place. If you prefer Alaska to Texas, then a hot class (where the temperature can be anywhere from 90-104 degrees or more, depending on the style) may not be for you. If you've just completed your umpteenth marathon, love to spend hours in the gym or consider yourself a fitness junkie then maybe try power, vinyasa, bikram or ashtanga. If you don't want anything very physical, but want to breathe, relax and maybe even meditate a bit then seek out a restorative or Hatha class. You may not find your perfect match on the first try so if your first date is not your soulmate then try someone else. | 
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| Next, see what studios are nearby and check out their websites. You'll find information about their teachers, what style they teach, how experienced they are as well as information on what to bring for your first class, pricing and any new-student specials offered. Unless a particular teacher has been recommended to you (by one of your peeps) I recommend taking the owner's class. That way you'll get a feel for the studio from the person who created it. I'm told that owning a studio is a lot like having a baby, and the owner typically cares about it more than anyone else. It was created in their image, from their heart, hard work and unyielding attention. |
| Once you've got the where, when and possibly even who down, pack up your sticky mat (if you don't have one, most studios will have some available for you to borrow or rent), your open mind and whatever else you need to take (see the studio website) and do your best to get there a bit early. You'll need extra time on your first visit to sign in and get the lay if the land. Let whoever checks you in know that you're new (yoga teachers love having new students in class!) and they'll be able to give you an idea what to expect, as well as offer any tips to make your first visit a pleasant experience. Once class begins, do the best that you can, listen to your body and stay until the end because savasana, the final resting pose, is possibly the most important posture of all! | 
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What's your favorite type of yoga class? What questions do you have for our yoga guru?
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