How to Find Your Yoga Studio and Teacher

Mary Dunlop offers this post on the subject of finding your yoga studio and teacher.

Finding the Right Yoga Studio

I wish to stress the importance of finding the right studio for someone wishing to begin, or continue, a Yoga practice.

When I first started doing Yoga (approximately three years ago), I was very lucky to find a good place, because I really didn’t know what to look for.

The instructors at my studio, Montreal’s Heaven and Earth Institute (www.heavenandearthyoga.ca), are excellent and bring a wealth of experience to their classes.

A typical yoga class at Heaven and Earth begins with Pranayama (Yogic breathing), which relaxes the mind and body. Gentle stretches follow, and soft music begins to play in the background. As the yoga postures (asanas) are introduced, the instructors guide their students with personalised attention and modify each participant so that all can enjoy a safe and benefical yoga practice. Final relaxation (Savasana) ends the class, leaving the students feeling relaxed and refreshed.

This yoga studio has helped me maintain and further develop my practice, which is why I feel that finding the right class and teacher combination for your schedule, location, interest, and personality is so important. However, it is not always easy.

My search for a yoga studio, three years ago, took place over the Internet Yellow Pages. At that time, there was not much advertised on the Internet Yoga directories, or search engines, for studios in my area. This has now changed. The Internet has become a rich data bank containing information on yoga classes and studios worldwide. Community newspapers or ad boards at the local health food store are also great ways to find out what is available. In addition, you can mention to your friends and colleagues that you are looking for a good yoga studio. I’ve referred many of my friends to Heaven and Earth Institute, and they have all been so happy with their yoga classes, it made me happy.

Something else to consider is your schedule. There are people who like to start their day early with an energizing yoga class, while others prefer to unwind after a hectic day with a long, relaxing class, or once a week on Saturday mornings. Finding the right schedule will help you narrow down your choices.

It is also important to choose a studio that is not too difficult to get to. A place that is close to where you are at the time that you want to take your class will help you maintain an effective and consistent practice.

And, of course, let’s not forget to ask what type of Yoga is being taught. If you are a beginner, you may not want to jump into a dynamic Ashtanga class even if it is “Level 1”. Perhaps Hatha or Kripalu Yoga classes would be better choices.

Finding out how the teachers are trained is also advisable. Some teachers get certified in a weekend, while others, like mine, go through years of rigorous training. You should feel confident that your teacher is informed and knows how to adjust people’s poses safely.

The teaching method, comfortable space, and beautiful, soft music (at the studio I attend) make my yoga class a pleasurable and relaxing experience. I would therefore recommend that everybody looking to begin or continue practicing Yoga find the right place by asking the right questions.

Comments

[aiden]

I am new to montreal and i am looking for a school to do yoga. I havent done it before and I want to strengthen my core. Any advice would be great.«please, no commercial crap classes as I am serious about finding a good class

[odette bougie]

I am living near atwater metro. Being unemployed, i am trying to learn something new. I will consider an exchange of services : free training in yoga teaching versus
any kinds of services i could offer - that would have to be discussed and finally negotiate.
I am a sensitive & intelligent person. I speak french & english.
Willing to go in different areas of Montreal - if I have to.
514-267-4384