Deciding to make yoga practice a part of your daily life is an important step toward improving your health and sense of wellbeing. It can be easy to get stuck at this phase deciding which type of yoga or yoga class is right for you.

Don’t be intimidated! With all the types of yoga to choose from it’s important that you have the information you need to make decisions that support your desire to make yoga practice a rewarding and meaningful part of your life.

Use this information to take the next steps to starting yoga.

1. Choose a Yoga Type

Taking the time to perform a little yoga research is worth the effort. You may be surprised what you find out about yourself and the types of yoga that are available.

What’s Your Yoga Type outlines some of the various types of yoga, which are arranged according to personality traits.

For those of you wanting to dive right in, a general yoga class such as Vinyasa or Hatha yoga will surely be appropriate and give you a good taste of yoga practice. You can add on and try out more exotic types of yoga as you progress in interest and skill.

2. Find a Yoga Class

One way to find local yoga classes is to check alternative magazines and newspapers in your area. A big consideration should be how close a prospective yoga class is in relation to your home or office. After all, the closer your yoga class is the more often you’ll be able to practice! Increasingly more gyms are offering yoga classes, so be sure to check with gyms you belong to or are located nearby.

3. What to Bring to Yoga Class

For your first yoga class you don’t need to bring anything except yourself clothed in breathable, comfortable clothing. While many yoga classes will offer yoga mats, you may wish to bring your own. You may also wish to read up on basic yoga equipment and accessories you will come across during yoga class.

4. What to Expect at Your First Yoga Class

Usually, students will place their mats facing th front of the yoga classroom, leaving enough room between each mat so that there is plenty of room for everyone to stretch and see the instructor.

Typically, a yoga class will begin with chanting, a breathing exercise and/or a short meditation followed by a session of more strenuous poses. The end of a yoga class is signified by a round of stretches and final relaxation.

In many yoga classes, the teacher will go around to give individual instruction during the final relaxation phase. Some teachers end yoga class with another round of chants. See the Beginner’s Guide to Yoga Chants.

5. What if There are No Yoga Classes Where I Live?

Though attending yoga classes with qualified yoga instructors is optimal, there are some great instructional books and videos out there. Book can help you fine tune your yoag practice, but yoga DVDs are the best way to follow along and start making yoga a part of your daily life.

6. Yoga DOs and DON’Ts

DO be sure to ask your yoga instructor for assistance or advice if you need it!

DON’T wear socks or shoes during yoga class.

DO acquaint yourself with some yoga positions before attending yoga class to lessen the feeling of unfamiliarity.

DON’T eat a large meal before yoga class. In fact, you shouldn’t eat a large meal within several hours before yoga class. You’ll want to eat a light meal within a few hours before yoga class, in addition to drinking plenty of water both before and after yoga class.

DO tell the yoga instructor that this is your first yoga class. You probably aren’t the only one!