Anusara
Anusara Yoga is the 'fun' one. Anusara is a new style of yoga with an uplifting philosophy that celebrates the intrinsic goodness in each of us.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga is an intense, fast-paced type of yoga. An Ashtanga yoga class includes a series of poses performed in a particular order.
Be comfy
Most people wear comfortable, relatively form-fitting clothing. They now have specific 'yoga clothes.'.
Bikram
Bikram is 'hot' one. Literally. A Bikram yoga class is typically practiced in a 95 to 100 degree room.
Blanket for alignment
Many studios provide blankets, which you can fold or roll up to improve your posture and alignment while sitting.
Blocks for posture
Use a block to help improve your posture and alignment while sitting, and for standing poses where you can't quite reach the floor.
Bring a mat
You may want to bring your own 'sticky' mat, though most studios will rent or give you a mat to use during the class.
Bring a towel
You may want to have a towel with you to lie on or to wipe off the sweat if it's an intense class.
Bring water
Bring a bottle of water to drink during class.
Expose the skin
Try to expose as much of your skin to the air as you're comfortable with during yoga.
Find your class
Find a class that fits you. Call the studio and ask what level the class is for. Read up on different styles and pick one that works for you.
Get a book
Borrow or buy a yoga book to learn the different poses and sequences.
Hatha
A Hatha yoga class is likely to be a good introductory course with gentle and slow basic poses.
Iyengar
An Iyengar yoga class is less focused on flowing from one pose to the next than holding poses to improve body alignment.
Jivamukti
Jivamukti yoga is a newer style of yoga, created by David Life and Sharon Gannon in New York. The name Jivamukti means 'Liberation while living' .
Kundalini
Kundalini yoga combines a focus on breathing with physical poses to release trapped energy in your body.
Loose, not baggy
Be sure to wear comfortable, loose clothes that allow you to move, but are not too baggy.
Make it convenient
Find a studio that's convenient for you, otherwise you'll have too many excuses not to go to class.
No shoes required
Yoga is typically done barefoot, so no particular shoes are required.
Pick your style
Decide what you want to focus on (strength, balance, flexibility, relaxation, fitness) and pick a style that suits you.
Pick your teacher
Find a teacher that you like and trust. If you don't like a certain teacher, don't take their class.
Sivananda
Sivananda yoga is a form of hatha yoga that is less athletic and more focused on frequent relaxation, and emphasizes full, yogic breathing.
So many styles
Some common yoga styles are hatha (basic flow), vinyasa (basic flow), ashtanga (intense flow), Iyengar (balance), Bikram (hot), Anusara (fun).
Straps for reach
Grab a strap before class. Straps are useful for poses which require you to bind your hands or hold your feet if you can't quite reach.
The hot one
You may not want to try Bikram yoga as your first yoga class - this is the 'hot' one and may be a bit overwhelming as a first experience with yoga.
The mat
The yoga mat helps to keep your hands and feet from slipping, and creates your own personal space.
Yoga in The am, Yoga in The pm
The best times for yoga is in the morning before breakfast, or late in the evening.
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