Finding the Best Yoga Class for Your Goals and Lifestyle

And discover how to trust your intuition in choosing the right yoga class for you

Yoga is a deeply personal practice, one that nurtures not just your physical health, but your mental and emotional well-being. With so many styles, formats, and studios to choose from, finding the right fit can feel overwhelming. But throughout this process, one of the most important things you can do is trust your intuition. This includes paying attention to how your body feels when you walk into a studio or give them a call—these subtle cues are part of your intuition guiding you toward what resonates with you. In this blog, I'll guide you on how to trust your intuition along the way to help you find the yoga class or studio that’s right for you.

1. Clarify Your Goals and Trust Your Intuition

Before you start searching for a yoga class, take a moment to reflect on what you want to achieve with yoga. Are you looking to reduce stress, build strength, increase flexibility, or find mental clarity? Clarifying your goals will help guide your search. Trust your intuition during this process—listen to how your body feels when you think about these goals. For example, if you’re feeling mentally drained after a busy week, your intuition might guide you toward a more calming practice, like Yin or Restorative Yoga, rather than something intense like Vinyasa.

• For physical fitness: If your body feels tight or you’re seeking to build strength, styles like Vinyasa, Power Yoga, or Ashtanga may feel energizing. However, if your body needs something slower and more intentional, you might want to start with something gentler.

• For stress relief: If you're feeling mentally overloaded, you might lean toward a practice

• that invites stillness and calm, like Hatha, Restorative, or Yin Yoga.

• For balance: If you're seeking both challenge and relaxation, explore styles that offer both, like Iyengar Yoga. Pay attention to how your body and mind feel after each class. Do you feel energized, or depleted? Grounded or restless?

Tip: As you explore different classes, notice how you feel after class—do you feel balanced and centered, or overly tired and stressed? Trust your intuition to guide you toward what’s right for you.

2. Consider Your Experience Level and Honor Where You’re At

Your experience with yoga will help steer you toward a suitable class, but it's important to trust your intuition and be mindful of your body’s current state. If you're a beginner, listen to what your body is telling you about whether you need a slower, more accessible class, or if you’re ready to challenge yourself. It's easy to let the ego push you into a class that feels too advanced, but honoring where you’re at in your practice is crucial for long-term growth. Pay attention to how your body feels during and after each class—if you feel overwhelmed, it’s a sign to take a step back and choose something gentler.

• Beginner classes: If you’re new to yoga, start with a beginner class that focuses on basic poses and alignment. If the pace feels too fast or you find yourself struggling, it’s okay to honor that and slow down.

  
  

• Intermediate classes: If you’ve been practicing for a while and feel ready for more intensity, an intermediate class may be a good fit. However, if you’re pushing yourself too hard or feeling fatigued, your intuition might guide you to scale back and focus on refinement rather than intensity.

• Advanced classes: Advanced classes can be physically demanding. If you’re not quite ready for that level, trust your body and choose a class that aligns with your current energy and capacity. Your intuition will tell you when it’s time to progress.

Tip: After class, check in with your energy levels. Did you feel invigorated and challenged, or drained and overwhelmed? Honor your body’s feedback and trust your intuition to guide you toward the right class for your level.

3. Explore Different Styles and Yoga Classes & Follow What Resonates With You

Yoga is not a one-size-fits-all practice, and each style offers a distinct experience. As you explore, pay attention to how your body feels during and after each class. The right style will leave you feeling rejuvenated, balanced, or peaceful, while the wrong style might feel jarring or misaligned. Trust your intuition to guide you toward the style that best supports your needs.

• Vinyasa: This dynamic style is characterized by flowing movements that sync with your breath. If you’re feeling energetic and physically strong, this might feel energizing. If your body feels tense or exhausted, you might want to choose a gentler, more restorative style instead.

  
  

• Hatha: Known for its slower pace and focus on alignment, Hatha Yoga might feel grounding and approachable. If you need time to ease into the practice, this could be a great place to start. If you crave more challenge or movement, consider other options.

  
  

• Ashtanga: A more structured and intense practice, Ashtanga can be physically demanding. If your body is prepared for a challenge, this style might be a good fit. However, if you’re feeling mentally or physically fatigued, you might be better suited to a gentler practice.

  
  

• Yin: Yin Yoga focuses on long-held postures aimed at deepening flexibility and targeting connective tissue. If you’re feeling tight or in need of relaxation, this slow-paced style could feel right. But if you prefer more active movement, Yin may feel too passive.

• Restorative: Designed for deep relaxation, Restorative Yoga uses props to support passive poses. If you’re feeling mentally exhausted or in need of rest, this may be exactly what your body craves. If you feel the urge to move more actively, you might want to try something else.

• Iyengar: Focused on alignment, Iyengar Yoga uses props to help you achieve precision in your poses. If you need to address physical imbalances or focus on proper alignment, this could be a great fit. If you prefer a more flowing practice, you may not feel as connected to this style.

Above all, if a particular style brings you joy and feels fun, follow that instinct! Joy is an important indicator that you’re connecting with something that resonates deeply with you. Sometimes, even when the environment feels right, yoga can stir up emotions you didn’t expect. These emotions might be challenging, but they can also be an opportunity for growth and healing. However, if the overall experience feels joyful and supportive, it’s a strong signal that you’ve found a practice worth sticking with.

Tip: After class, reflect on how you felt—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Did you feel engaged, centered, and uplifted, or did you feel frustrated or unsettled? If your experience was mostly joyful, trust your intuition and keep practicing with that style or teacher. Even if emotions come up, stick with it—yoga is often a process of uncovering layers, and joy will guide you through the challenges.

4. Instructor Experience and Approach

A teacher’s style can significantly shape your yoga experience. Trust your intuition when connecting with an instructor—does their energy feel welcoming and approachable? Are they creating an environment where you feel at ease and comfortable, or do you feel disconnected or unsure? A good teacher will offer clear instructions, provide helpful adjustments when needed, and make you feel included regardless of your experience level. It’s important to feel like you can reach out with questions or concerns without fear of judgment.

• Teaching style: Do you feel comfortable with their pace and the way they explain postures? If you feel lost, rushed, or disengaged, it might be time to try a different instructor.

• Class atmosphere: Does the instructor cultivate an environment that allows you to relax and focus, or do you feel tense or distracted? How does the studio feel? Pay attention to the overall vibe. If it’s calm and inviting, you’re likely in the right place.

• Approachability: Is the instructor open, encouraging, and attentive to your needs throughout the class? Feeling that the teacher is approachable and genuinely interested in your experience can make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel.

  
  

Tip: After class, reflect on your connection with the teacher. Did you feel confident in their guidance, or did you feel uncertain? Trust your intuition to guide you toward an instructor whose presence and teaching style resonate with you.

5. Trial Classes and Packages

Many yoga studios offer trial classes or introductory packages, allowing you to experience different styles and instructors without a long-term commitment. This is a great opportunity to explore and see what feels best for you. As you attend trial classes, pay attention to how your body and mind respond during and after each session.

Tip: After each class, check in with yourself—how do you feel physically and emotionally? Do you feel uplifted, centered, and refreshed, or do you feel drained or unsettled? This feedback will tell you if that class, instructor, or style aligns with your needs.

Most of All, Trust Yourself on Your Yoga Journey

Finding the right yoga class or studio is not just about choosing a style—it’s about connecting to your intuition and letting it guide you to what’s best for you. By tuning into your body’s signals and reflecting on how you feel during and after each class, you can find a practice that nourishes your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Don’t be afraid to explore, trust how you feel, and remember that yoga is about honoring yourself, wherever you are on your journey.