Yoga 101

Drawbacks
There are many different types of yoga, including Iyengar, the very precise and best known school, Astanga, the most physical, Viniyoga, a remedial and lifestyle kind of yoga and Bikram yoga, which is practiced in an extremely hot studio. Once you pick a yoga style, it may take time to get used to the terminology and the moves. If flexibility isn't your strong suit, yoga will help to make you more supple over time, although trying to get into and out of some of the postures may leave you feeling like a frustrated, discouraged pretzel at first. Yoga also has its own terminology and jargon, so you may feel as if you're trying to learn a foreign language initially although any good teacher will give you the anglicised version.

Insider information
Know yourself. Yoga classes range from moderately taxing to extremely challenging, so choose one that suits your abilities and fitness level. A good yoga instructor should explain the movements before doing them and describe which muscles are being used. Don't be alarmed if the instructor moves around the room making corrections, as positioning is crucial to getting the maximum benefits of this discipline and avoiding injury. Choose a class that suits the level of spirituality you're looking for from your workout as well. If you want a tough physical workout, then candles and prayers may just annoy you.