Yoga Classes for beginners guide to New York City

Yoga Classes for beginners guide to New York City

Are you thinking about trying your first beginner-level yoga class in New York City? Maybe you work in a competitive, high-stress industry such as media, fashion, or banking and finance on Wall Street in the Financial District? You may have heard from friends or coworkers that yoga is supposed to help make your mind and body become more flexible, empowered, mindful, grateful, fit, focused, calmer and more relaxed.

Well, you have come to the right place, BeU Yoga is a new downtown FiDi yoga studio and we welcome everyone with a “Yoga for Everyone” atmosphere. If you are pregnant or already a mom, we have prenatal and mommy and me classes for that as well.  

In this article we will breakdown, answer, demystify, the truth from the hype and help guide you with all you need to know to get started with yoga for the first time. One myth we would like to debunk is: you don’t have to be flexible, skinny, or acrobatic to start experiencing yoga’s benefit.  It’s not just for people who can touch their toes with ease or want to meditate.

If you started researching yoga, you may be wondering what the difference is between Vinyasa yoga, Bikram yoga, Hatha yoga, Power yoga or Ashtanga yoga styles. What is downward facing dog or warrior pose?  

You might be a little anxious about what yoga is and how hard it is to do. The variety of yoga fitness courses available can be enough to intimidate newbies off the mat before they even get the hang of it.  Maybe you have a nagging back or knee injury?

Maybe you work so much that you don’t get a chance to work out very often or feel you are not very flexible? Well, fear not. There are many levels to getting started on your yoga journey. Let’s start with some of the common questions about yoga such as:      

• What is the best yoga class for beginners?
• What is yoga flow?  
• How do you start Vinyasa Flow? 
• How should a beginner start Yoga?    
• How much does a yoga class cost?  
• What are the main benefits of yoga?    
• Is yoga a good way to lose weight?  

1. What is the best yoga class for beginners?

We have some upcoming beginner classes we’d love you to sign up for.  You may also try out a few different yoga class styles and instructors. BeU Yoga New York will let you try your first class for free or you may try out as many classes as you want with our newbie deal: 2 weeks of unlimited amount classes for $45, that really lets try as many different types of classes to get a feel for the one that resonates with you.

Some of our basic level yoga classes focus on fundamentals and the foundations of traditional yoga poses. Classes such as our candlelight yoga or vinyasa flow beginner classes (that link movement and breath together in a dance-like rhythm), are also perfect for anyone who may be coming back to yoga after not practicing for an extended period of time. Another good class for beginner yogis is Hatha Yoga, which goes at a slower pace than some other styles of yoga. 

2. What is yoga flow? 

Yoga flow is usually defined as a yoga class or workshop that includes energetic movement within a series of asanas (yoga poses), by which the yoga class student experiences a feeling of fluid physical motion. Movement through these postures is sequenced with breathwork exercise, creating an even greater sense of flow, strength, ease and tension release.  BeU Yoga NYC Instructors also teach breathing techniques, or pranayamas, which includes breathwork before, during and after yoga practice. Breath practice can help relieve minor fatigue, anxiety, and depression. 

3. How do you start Vinyasa Flow? 

When someone is just beginning to practice yoga, it can be slightly confusing to learn or understand all of the different poses, paths and practices. It will take some practice and repetition to find your path, (or Marga) to realization, salvation or enlightenment that calls to the person.

You can think of a flow in a Vinyasa class as being similar to a dance, which connects the actual physical movements with the breath and discovering the flow in every posture (pose) and transition. For some beginner yoga students, tight hips, knees and shoulders are target areas to stretch. The flow classes can be a good start for newbies because it’s a heart opener that also focuses on the hips and shoulders.

4. How should a beginner start Yoga?  

You can use the internet to begin learning and educate yourself with the different yoga styles, props, teachers and studios near you. Sign up for a beginner yoga workshop at BeU Yoga. You don’t have to invest in a bunch yoga clothes and gear when you are first starting out, for your first class or two, just wear something that is loose and comfortable.

The studio will have mats and blocks for a beginner to use. Variety is key, there are a ton of different styles Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Prenatal, Flow. It may be useful to try a few different types of classes which will give you a well-rounded overview of how a yoga class. If you are looking to get a little leaner or stronger then Vinyasa Flow is a good class to try that gets your heart rate up.

Keep it simple: don’t worry about what everyone else is doing in the class. Even if some people are doing harder poses or are more experienced, that is ok, the instructor will guide you at your own pace; BeU Yoga instructors are very kind and attentive and will give you time and space to feel each pose as needed. 

One last tip is a buddy or friend with you to your first class. You be easier to try having someone you know doing it with you.  Let the yoga instructor know that you are new and that you want to be guided.   

5. How much does a yoga class cost?

We welcome new students to try their first class for free and offer 2 weeks of unlimited classes for $45 so that new students can get a feel for the benefits yoga offers. The average cost of a single drop-in class session at yoga studios and fitness centers located Manhattan such as at BeU is around $24.

Some gyms offer unlimited yoga classes to clients as part of their overall membership package. We have other deals such as 5-pack classes for $115 or a 10-pack for $207.  Students, seniors and military veterans get a 30% discount. You can see the full range of Class Prices & Membership options here. 

6. What are the main benefits of yoga? 

Some of the main health benefits you can receive from practicing yoga include:

1. Improved strength,posture and flexibility
2. Better all-around fitness 
3. Weight loss and fat burning 
4. Increased energy levels
5. Reduced stress & insomnia 
6. Better breathing 
7. More self-esteem and happiness
8. Increased awareness and mindfulness
9. Improved concentration and focus
10. Living longer 
11. Strengthens your bones 
12. Prevents spinal injuries 
13. Drains your lymph nodes and boosts immunity
14. Increases blood flow in the body 
15. Lowers your blood pressure

7. Is yoga a good way to lose weight? 

Yoga may be used as an effective exercise tool to help you lose weight, especially the more active forms of yoga. A 2016 study suggested that people who develop mindfulness through a yoga practice may be better able to resist unhealthy foods and comfort eating. A Healthline article titled “Yoga for weightloss” states “active, intense styles of yoga help you burn the most calories.

This may help prevent weight gain. Ashtanga, vinyasa, and power yoga are examples of more physical types of yoga.” We recommend as a beginner, to start slowly and gradually build up your practice. This allows you to build up your strength and flexibility and prevent injuries.

How to Get Started with a Beginner Yoga Workshop 

An easy way to get started is by taking one of our simple beginner yoga classes, such as a Vinyasa Flow or Hatha Yoga For Beginners, where you will learn and practice yoga in a gentle flower of basic poses, using instruction that focuses on specific alignment cues.

BeU Yoga’s introductory level classes are meant to get you moving so you can feel the effect of yoga, but provide extra instruction at a slightly slower pace to help you build a solid form. We make them relaxing and mellow and while also helping you get a deep stretch in every part of your body. And you might just make some new yogi-friends. 

These intro level classes are meant to teach you the basic postures and what you expect when attending most vinyasa yoga classes.  In our 90-minute class, you will work every muscle, tendon, ligament, joint and internal organ in the entire body, giving you an incredible sense of well being. Our beginner yoga workshops are being taught by a local NYC Yoga Alliance certified Yoga instructor Lesley Levenson. 

Tips for Attending your first Yoga Class in NYC

Before class: if you’re new, try to arrive at least 20 minutes early for your first class. Wear something you feel comfortable stretching in. Jog bra/tank and shorts/leggings for women, running style shorts for men. You’ll see many yogis wearing yoga pants, gym shorts, and tank tops.

Prepare your body. We highly recommend taking electrolytes with or without water before class. You can bring: water bottle, a yoga mat, and if you like a small towel for sweat. If you don’t have these don’t worry, BeU has mats and towels for rent. Any other items needed for the class like blocks, blankets, bolsters or straps are already at the studio and ready for you to use. 

If you have an injury, please let the yoga teacher prior to class so that they can give you proper modifications. 

During class: Do your best to be a good listener. The instructor does demonstrate some postures so paying attention is the key to a great class. Slow down allowing the postures to open your body by holding them for as the instructor suggests or that you are comfortable with. During the 2 minutes of relaxation built into the end of class, known as the final savasana. This is when your body begins to absorb the benefits from class, during this meditative state cool down try to stay awake & aware while you put your body in a state of deep relaxation.  

After class: Rehydrate after class with water and additional natural or supplemental electrolytes. Our studio has cold fruit infused water for you to drink.  Eat a balanced snack or meal within 90 minutes of class. Bring a glass or bottle of water with you to bed, as your body continues to dehydrate as you sleep. Start your day with at least 8 ounces of water.  

Join us at one of our latest beginner yoga workshops with Lesley Levenson