Yoga - getting started

[Titsywoo]

I'm planning to improve my health and fitness and really want to try yoga for its many benefits. How should I get started - preferably without going to sessions as although I would love to learn from someone experienced in person, the costs are very high at £20 a hour (is this normal?!)

We do a lot of yoga videos on YouTube.

I'd like to start to! Could this a support thread with suggestions on YouTube?

yogawithadriene.com/breath-a-30-day-yoga-journey/
Have a look at this and sign up

@TiddyTidTwo

I'd like to start to! Could this a support thread with suggestions on YouTube?

Absolutely!

I'll definitely try the Adriene one. I have started it in the past but found her a bit chatty and didn't feel I was doing a lot if that makes sense? As much as I want the calming and meditation sides I really want to improve my strength and flexibility above all.

@jendifer

We do a lot of yoga videos on YouTube.

Could you link some? Thanks :)

Yoga teacher here (not currently, but pre-covid) I would always advise going to an in person class as a beginner, or at the very least a live online session or 2 to start and let the instructor know you are a beginner. Your teacher can then give you personalised tailored advice and feedback. I've seen issues stemming from people who started just with YouTube, luckily not serious injury but inaccurate positioning which you never know what damage could do down the line. The problem with YouTube vids as a total beginner is you are getting no feedback and sometimes aren't able to get into the pose correctly/safely as you are busy trying to see the screen and keep up! They are better once you have an understanding of the basic poses.

And yes Adrienne is way too chatty and never feels like I get anywhere when I've tried her, though I know MN loves her! I can't link to my faves as I attended a local studio pre-lockdown and now attend their live or pre-recorded sessions.

Thanks @NewlyJingle2021 - yes that is what I was worried about. Do you think an hour session for £20 is the standard sort of price at a yoga studio?

@Titsywoo

Thanks *@NewlyJingle2021* - yes that is what I was worried about. Do you think an hour session for £20 is the standard sort of price at a yoga studio?

It seems dear to me, I used to charge £10 per 45 min class but know some who charge around £12. I suppose it depends where your studio area is, my studio classes in person and online are about £9 per hour and she does a block booking discount, I'm not in a particularly affluent area. I wouldn't be able to afford £20 a class and would look around for something more affordable if I wanted to do it regularly as a solid starting point. If you're in London though then I guess £20 would make sense! However I suppose I'd also try to go off reviews and word of mouth over pricing.

As a relative beginner, I really value studio classes - it’s a very different experience to YouTube and invaluable for feedback on your posture.

I pay £30 for a block of four or £8 - £8.50 for a class, 1 hour / 1 hour 15 mins, which I know is less than many studios, but even so £20 per class sounds extortionate to me unless it’s 1-2-1.

I agree with @NewlyJingle2021 find a class rather than learn off YouTube.
£20 is expensive - I charge £24 for a 4 week block or £9 a single class.
There are loads of yoga classes around, try a few teachers until you find one/a style you like best.
It's life-changing, enjoy it 😊

I couldn’t bear Adrienne (my god she goes on) but love yoga with Kassandra on YouTube.

Can’t afford to go to classes as I already pay for a gym membership, but my online yoga complements my gym sessions.

I pay about £7-9 per live class. I think it's worth going to one a week if you are doing online too.

My favourite for online is Annie Clarke. She also does a £15 per month subscription to her online live classes.

I decided to start going to a yoga class once a week. I started doing yoga at home but I felt a class was a better idea so that the yoga teacher can adjust my pose if I am doing it wrong. The classes I attend are about 28 pounds for 4 weeks of one class a week.

How many students are in the session?