If you are new to yoga/pilates, or just want to venture to new class meeting new people at new place, here are some tips for you:

1. Go talk to the teacher before or after a class time. Let them know what physical limitations you might be worried about or ask what the class will require in terms of strength/endurance. The teacher’s description may differ from what someone else says or what you’ve seen printed. Find out how they handle questions during class time.

2. Feel free to ask questions about the instructor’s training. You’d be shocked how many people never, ever ask. All the teachers I know are more than happy to tell you about how much and what type of training they’ve got.

3. If your teacher makes you uncomfortable, look for other teachers. It might be that your exercise style doesn’t match up. It might be that they like to have silent classes. You might feel like the instructor is only there to do their own workout. Whatever the issue - a teacher is there to help guide YOUR fitness. There’s someone out there who will match up with you. Ask the teacher to recommend other classes!

4. Once you’re in the room:

• Nothing should be painful. If something is painful, stop what you’re doing and ask for help. Corallary: if your teacher can’t provide help (alternate positions, props, or otherwise work with you) -find another teacher. Period.
• Know that everyone in the room is at least a little self-conscious about their own limitations. And everyone has limitations (even if you don’t think you see any).
• Once you start focusing on your workout, you’ll realize that everyone else is working too hard to pay attention to what you’re doing.
• Relax.
• Breathe.
• Smile. You should be having SOME fun.

Ask other students for class recommendations. Try out as many teachers as you can, because everyone brings something different to the table. If there are modifications that you like/use regularly - you can still use them even if another teacher doesn’t tell you to. It’s cool to keep your mind open and attempt whatever the teacher suggests, but it’s also fine to go with what you know.