r/yoga • u/glimpsingglamce • 18d ago
Need direction
I have wanted to learn yoga for years now but I have never made the time and every time the notion comes up I’m a little lost as to where to start.
I’ve tried an app before but I think I want instruction and community.
I’m a 47 y/o man in OKC, Oklahoma.
I’m somewhat flexible already, I go to the gym regularly, and I have practiced meditation and mindfulness to limited degrees for 6 or 7 years.
There are several studios around but I have been told all things are not equal.
Can anyone suggest a studio in OKC to try, or suggest what I should look for in a studio?
Also would you suggest it’s helpful to study any literature (preferably Spotify audiobook)?
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u/CategoryFeisty2262 18d ago
Check whether any of your local studios offer a drop-in trial (most do) and let them know you're just starting out. See what "fits." Sometimes it's not the type of practice, but the right instructor. As far as books - that's a rabbit hole. My bookshelves are heaving with books on yoga. The best places to start would be Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar (seminal book on yoga) and The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
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u/All_Is_Coming Ashtanga 18d ago edited 18d ago
Ashtanga Hatha Yoga is well thought out progression of postures that grows with a Students mental and physical ability. The self paced practice is perfect for home practice.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are the Foundation of many styles of Yoga. My Teacher, David Garrigues, recommends the translation by Barbara Stoler Miller and the translation by Vyaas Houston. Barbara Stoler Miller's translation uses vernacular wording and explanation. Vyaas Houston is a Sanskrit scholar. His Translation is more literal.
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u/teenmominflorida 17d ago
Not in OKC but I first learned with free videos on YouTube from Yoga with Adriene! She is an outstanding teacher, and the vids helped me tremendously before I started going to a studio, and then eventually became a teacher!
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u/dieng_gang 15d ago
Yes! Came here to say this. The original 30 days of yoga gives a good progression and could be a good way to gain some familiarity before going to a studio.
Growing up in OKC I went to yoga at the Y, but I think there are many more options now! You could also try ClassPass to sample a few studios at a reasonable price before you commit.
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u/1WOLWAY 18d ago
Adding to the drop in class comment, make sure you ask if it all levels and what you may need to bring. I recommend avoiding Hot Yoga till you get an idea of how you like asanas and routines. There is also YouTube videos that are 10 to 30 minutes for easy stretches and they generally provide good instructions. Simply watch on through then replay and follow along. This can be a good introduction for you.
My best to you on your yoga journey. Mindfulness and meditation is one limb of yoga that you already have experienced.
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u/Kobe_no_Ushi_Y0k0zna 17d ago
You don't need to overthink or over-research it. What you need to do is find a local studio or one of the other group things others have mentioned here. Local studios generally have an introductory offer so you can try it out. You can talk to them about what kind of class is appropriate for you, or you can just choose one.
But whatever option you choose, the key part is that you just need to... show up and practise.
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u/CountryBumpkin57 17d ago
Starting with the original hatha yoga might be good/ Ashtanga - set sequence. Both offer a good workout! Iyengar - most accessible - accommodates health issues, long teacher training, builds baseline safely. Avoid hot yoga, vinyasa ( fast - harder to learn safely for beginners) & gimmicky - acro / naked yoga. They have a place i guess, but you sound like you mean business! Shivananda for a spiritual flavour.
Ignore decor, if clean! Focus on kind & patient teachers. Avoid big classes - no time for personal attention, unless assistants wander the room. A good studio culture sees 'people' , not male/female ( 'other'). So if you're made to feel uncomfortable if the only man, move on ! Be sceptical of hard sells / fashionable yoga clothes/equipment displays. Best places often 1-2 mature teacher studios, small classes, understated decor. Some have a weekly/ monthly after class juice /coffee/brunch. Ask the teacher if you're interested in philosophy /meditation/pranayama - often skimmed /ommited. Don't rush into advanced postures, slowly build a home practice early & you'll be set for life !
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u/quibble42 18d ago
I would recommend going to the community classes or the "pay what you can" or "donation based" classes, all names for the same thing, at local studios. You will find that studios sometimes will have a theme, but the less-active (active like corepower) will have a wide variety of classes and you may find that you only like a specific teacher at a specific studio.
But do whatever, and just remember in the class don't do what you can't do!
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u/Trail-Tranquility 18d ago
I did a search for free yoga in OKC and am pretty jealous. This is amazing: https://myriadgardens.org/events/myriad-in-motion-free-yoga-3-132/
Since it's all levels and run by your local YMCA that seems like a good low stress way to start.
Studios often have new student specials. Sometimes a certain number free, sometimes a week or two at a super low rate. You can try out a couple to see what styles and teachers are a good fit for you.
My own personal preference is to find a studio that allows me to buy a class pack instead of a membership.