When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

Starting yoga is a fantastic way to boost strength, increase flexibility and better manage stress.

What class should I take?

woman doing bird dog pose

Do I need a special yoga outfit and one of thebest yoga matsto get started?

What will the teacher do during class?

Fear not, weve got the answers!

Arrow

Ashley Galvin is a yoga instructor and trainer at Alo Moves based in Southern California.

She took her first yoga class in 2009 and began teaching two years later.

She regularly hosts workshops and retreats focused on her strong, dynamic flow practice.

Arrow

How do you choose a key in of yoga?

Choosing a key in of yoga ultimately depends on what feels best for your body at that moment.

If your goal is to build strength, dynamic practices like Vinyasa or Ashtanga are great choices.

Gaiam Kids Yoga Mat Exercise…

Whats the difference between online and in-studio classes?

That’s where thebest yoga appscome in.

Online platforms likeAlo Movesoffer the luxury of convenience," Galvin adds.

manduka PRO Yoga Mat 85…

What should you wear for yoga?

You don’t actually need a pair of thebest Lululemon leggingsto practice yoga!

Comfort is key, so pick clothes that arent restrictive and you feel at ease in.

Gaiam No-Slip Yoga/Pilates…

I always opt for breathable, stretchy clothes that allow me to flow freely.

“I recommend choosing materials that wick away sweat, which will keep you dry during more intense practices.

Its also important to see to it your clothes fit well but arent too tight or restrictive.

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat, Size…

Its all about feeling good, says Galvin.

What do you gotta take to a yoga class?

All you really need is a mat and awater bottleto stay hydrated, says Galvin.

DICK’S Sporting Goods

“Most importantly, come with an open mind and a willingness to honor your body.

Just check ahead to ensure.

What will the teacher do in the class?

Gaiam Kids' Chomper Yoga Mat…

This guidance allows you to relax and sink into the practice.

The teacher will guide you through the practice, offering cues for alignment, breath, and movement.

Theyll demonstrate poses and provide modifications or adjustments to help you stay safe and comfortable, says Galvin.

Target

This feedback can be invaluable, especially when starting out.

Any general advice for someone going to their first yoga class?

For your first yoga class, remember to go at your own pace.

Gaiam Stay-Put Yoga Mat…

Dont hesitate to modify poses if neededusing props like blocks or taking breaks is completely fine, she adds.

And whatever you do, remember comparison is the thief of joy.

Avoid comparing yourself to more experienced yogis.

CVS Health

Yoga is a personal journey, and everyones practice looks different.

Focus on how you feel, not on how you think you should look in a pose.

Just enjoy the experience, says Galvin.

Manduka Unisex PRO 71 Yoga…

If you’re tempted to give yoga a try, we heartily recommend it.

It might be an ancient practice, but it remains a powerful tool for navigating modern life.

More from Tom’s Guide

Gaiam Kids Yoga Mat Exercise…

Manduka The Pro Yoga Mat,…

a photo of a woman holding an exercise mat

Woman sitting on yoga mat outdoors performing a spinal twist with left leg extended and right leg bent, twisting to the right

Group of women practicing hot yoga in a studio

Woman performing a seated twist outdoors during yoga class on mat

Woman practicing yoga at home

Woman performing a downward dog on her yoga mat

a woman bending into a forward fold on an exercise mat

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2

woman doing resistance band workout

Man using exercise bike

female runner checking her running watch

The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 3

A person holding a Nintendo Switch 2 playing Mario Kart World

2025 Rivian R1S Tri-Motor test drive review.

ChatGPT generated image

Garmin Vivoactive 6 in emerald green with the Morning Report shown on the screen

2025 Toyota bZ4X at New York Auto Show.

NYTimes Connections