| There are many different forms of Yoga. Some Yoga | | | | Some Yoga schools have very informative web sites, |
| styles focus on development of mental and spiritual | | | | but the Internet appearance of a studio cannot give |
| growth. Some focus on physical development, as a | | | | you an accurate indication of what it is like to |
| stepping stone toward development of mental and | | | | participate in a class. Some schools have much to |
| spiritual growth; while other Yoga styles focus on | | | | offer, while some may not cater to the needs of |
| every aspect of growth. A few of the physical styles | | | | students, as individuals. |
| teach Yoga as little more than an exercise. | | | | There are a number of rights students need to be |
| With this much diversity in styles of Yoga, a new | | | | aware of. The doors of the studio are not bolted shut. |
| student would be wise to do a significant amount of | | | | You have the right to leave at any time; especially, if |
| research, before beginning a practice. Yet, many | | | | you are feeling a complete lack of compassion on the |
| people do more research about the features of their | | | | part of your Yoga teacher. In fact, you have legal |
| new cell phone, than they do before walking into a | | | | rights to prevent being harassed. As a student, you |
| new Yoga class. | | | | have the right to talk to your teacher - especially, if you |
| Outside of India, Hatha Yoga, and its sub-styles, are | | | | have health concerns, about any Yogic techniques. |
| the most well-known styles. The Hatha sub-styles are | | | | The student and teacher relationship is founded on |
| known by names, such as: Sivananda, Iyengar, | | | | mutual respect. If a Yoga teacher does not show |
| Restorative, Viniyoga, Kripalu, Bikram, and many more. | | | | courtesy toward students, do you really want to be in |
| These styles vary, in comparison, from extremely | | | | this class? A Yoga instructor's ability to observe, give |
| physical to therapeutic. | | | | compassionate advice, and make timely assists, |
| With that said, it is always best to cover your | | | | speaks volumes about the quality of instruction you will |
| concerns with a prospective Yoga teacher, and find | | | | receive. |
| out if the style taught will meet your needs. New | | | | Credentials mean absolutely nothing if a Yoga teacher |
| students, and those who have pre-existing injuries, | | | | has no regard for the safety of his or her students. No |
| should arrive early (at least 20 minutes before class | | | | amount of certification, registration, or accreditation can |
| time) in order to complete forms, and discuss any | | | | make up for a Yoga instructor, who leaves students in |
| health concerns. | | | | harm's way. |