You’re interested in finding a yoga class and don’t know where to begin. Don’t worry, I’ve been exactly where you are. In fact, I thought yoga wasn’t for me as you’ll read in Why practising yoga is great for you and your growing bump. It’s therefore important that you find a yoga class that aligns with you. A class you’re excited to attend, that supports you on your journey and where you feel most comfortable.
Here are some tips to help you navigate what can feel like a never-ending quest:
1.Try out different classes until you find your fit
Don’t be afraid to try out a number of different classes to find the one that works for you. There are many yoga studios/instructors that will offer a trial class(es) so you can be sure that you sign up for something that you’ll enjoy. Be sure to make the most of this and don’t hesitate to ask any questions as well that may help you.
2. Experience different yoga instructors
Every yoga instructor is different. They may be disciplined in a certain practice of yoga or they may have a certain way of engaging with their students. When you try out different classes, you can also try out different instructors (if part of a bigger studio). You’ll typically be able to learn more about them from their bio on the website, or simply by checking out their class. You’ll want to find an instructor you feel comfortable with.
3. Ask for recommendations
Don’t be afraid to use social media, friends or neighbours to find out about local yoga classes that you can try out. You’ll be surprised at how you can take the search headache away with one simple ask. Not only that, but you’ll receive honest opinions of the same yoga classes you may have been unsure about attending. So why not:
- Check out the usual platforms – facebook, instagram or a google search
- Speak to your neighbours or any neighbourhood platforms like Nextdoor
- Speak to friends and other mums in any WhatsApp groups or apps like Peanut
4. Consider the location and time
As a busy working mum, the location is key as after a long day you’ll want somewhere you can get to with ease. Think about how it will work with going to the class after work or whether you’ll need to change the time/date to be able to easily attend. You may even wish to explore online options too.
5. Affordability is important so don’t shy away from it
I talk about childcare fees in my blog, Here are six childcare options to explore and we all know that if you’ve chosen the route of nursery etc then it’s no joke. Things are expensive. You’ll want to not put this type of self-care on pause though so finding something that is accessible (location), makes you feel comfortable (studio/instructor) and is affordable is key. Do look around as the price of a yoga class will range. If you’re looking for classes that are less expensive then you’ll want to also consider:
- Yoga classes that are very local (in a community hall) as these tend to be cheaper than a yoga studio
- Yoga classes run by community groups
- Yoga classes run online
6. Pay attention to the atmosphere and how you feel
Do you know that gut feeling you get when you first walk into a room? Trust it. You’ll know if you feel welcomed or if you find it too ‘cliquey’. It’s important that you feel comfortable in order to keep coming back week after week. If we’re being honest with ourselves when I haven’t kept up with yoga it’s often been something to do with that.
Also is the room warm enough? Does it have mood lighting or music you can relax to? These things may sound trivial but again, they are important things to tune into. I hate when I’ve been to a yoga class and I’m freezing. Those are the times I wish I did it in my own home where I know I’d be warm.
If you’re local to Bromley, Kent then you may wish to explore the following:
- http://www.devayoga.co.uk (Chislehurst)
- https://yogainbromley.co.uk (Hayes)
- https://www.yogabromley.co.uk (Bromley)