3 Tips Before your First Yoga Class: Yoga for Beginners

Following up with my latest article about the things no one tells you when starting yoga.

If you’re still feeling self-conscious about your flexibility or unsure whether you’ll be able to keep up in a class, I’ve got your back.

Before you step on the mat, here are 3 tips that can help you feel more confident and at ease.

Do some teacher and style scouting.

Not all yoga classes—or teachers—are the same.

Finding the right fit can make a world of difference, especially when you’re just starting out.

That’s why I put together this simple chart to give you a general idea of the most popular yoga styles and their benefits:

I know my handwriting can be challenging (I’m working on it to make better charts for you :), so you can check the online version of the table right here:

Style	Benefits	Rhythm	Beginner friendly level
Hatha	Builds strength and flexibility; helps develop proper alignment.	Medium pace: postures are held for several breaths with light transitions.	Yes—great starting point for most beginners.
Vinyasa	Strength, flexibility, endurance; can support weight loss.	Fast-paced: continuous movement between poses, often linked with breath.	Yes—if you’re looking for a more active, dynamic practice.
Restorative	Deep relaxation; calms the nervous system; promotes inner peace.	Very slow: poses held 5–10 minutes using props like bolsters and blocks.	Yes—ideal for stress relief and gentle recovery.
Yin	Deep stretch; helps release tension and trapped emotions.	Slow: poses held for 2–10 minutes, targeting connective tissue. Slightly more intense than Restorative.	Yes—but listen to your body and ease into the practice.
Ashtanga	Builds strength, flexibility, discipline; aids weight loss.	High intensity: fixed sequence with continuous movement and little instruction.	Not ideal for beginners — best with prior experience.

Quick suggestions:

If you’re new to yoga, Hatha and Restorative are excellent places to begin.
Want to move and sweat a little? Try Vinyasa.
Feeling emotionally heavy or stiff? Yin can be a powerful release —just listen to your body.

yoga, relaxation, meditation, relaxed, international yoga day, pink, yoga block, yoga cushions, yoga, yoga, yoga, yoga, yoga, yoga block — Set of blocks, bolster, blanket & yoga cushion

Consider Taking Private Lessons First

If you learn best one-on-one, private yoga sessions can be a fantastic way to start.

Working privately with a teacher gives you the space to ask questions, build confidence, and develop a foundation before stepping into a group class—if you even want to. Some people never feel called to practice in studios, and that’s completely valid.

Private sessions also tend to support faster, more personalized growth. Since the teacher tailors each class to your specific needs, goals, and body, you’re able to move at your own pace and address what truly matters to you.

There’s also the comfort factor. Practicing at home removes the stress of commuting, the pressure of being around others, and the feeling that you need to “keep up.”

Many teachers—including myself—offer online private sessions, so you can begin your practice from wherever you are, with just a mat and an open heart.

Try Some YouTube Classes or a Yoga App (Yes, It Totally Counts!)

If you are still unsure if you want to commit, a good YouTube search can help you get the basics down before making any decision.

Here is some inspiration if you don’t know were to begin:

Yoga with Adriene

Adriene is one of the most creative and accessible yoga creators on YouTube. With over 700 videos covering a wide range of styles and levels, her channel is an excellent place to start your journey.

Travis Eliot

Travis has a unique teaching style that blends yoga philosophy with asana practice. If you’re looking for something more active, don’t skip his Power Yoga classes—they range from 15 to 90 minutes and are both challenging and energizing. If you’re in the mood for something more relaxing, especially before bedtime, check out his Yin Yoga playlist for deep, meditative stretches.

Baraka Yoga

On my channel, you won’t find as many options as Adriene offers or the cinematic storytelling of Travis, but you will find a growing collection of gentle, yin, and somatic yoga practices—perfect for slowing down, reconnecting with your body, and gently starting (or deepening) your yoga journey. I’d love to know your thoughts.

Down Dog App

If you prefer to start with an app, Down Dog offers great value and includes workouts like Pilates and HIIT in addition to yoga. It allows you to customize your practice and also provides meditation sessions to deepen your journey.