Yoga Basics

If you are a member at the Y on Carrier, ask for Carmen, and ask her if they can start a beginners Yoga class. They may not be able to, but it is worth looking into since you are already a member there.

Hi Mary, I teach yoga in Arlington, Waxahachie and Mansfield. I think it is great that you want to learn the basics - I love that anyone can do their own yoga practice but agree that it can be difficult to get started without someone to show proper alignment, breathing techniques, etc. I have a web-site, www.satoriyoga.net - why don't you check it out and email if you'd like to talk about working something out? Sometimes I teach free classes for companies, schools, etc. (if you want to enlist coworkers) or we could meet privately. There are also some very good books I could direct you to that may be helpful.

I don't know of a place near you, but I found a great set of DVDs that have helped me become, well, pretty good at yoga. Lilias Folan is older now, but in her day she taught yoga on PBS. She is funny, encouraging, and very beginner friendly. She does not move through the poses quickly, and she explains hand, foot, and body placement so that you can figure it out in your living room. I bought the videos many years ago and have upgraded to DVDs in the last 3 years. I have practiced yoga for 12 years and her DVDs are still my go-to choice for yoga. I bought the DVDs from Amazon.com. Good luck!

Mary,
Check out www.texasyoga.com. As an instructor, I understand the difficulty in dropping into a class that is ongoing. The YMCA is a great community facility and most teachers are willing to accommodate all new students. Those classes are usually "all levels". Try the Y class again. Tell the instructor that you are new. Do your best not to try and keep up but really enjoy the poses finding yourself in each. If you can find a yoga studio close to your home, sign up for a beginners series. It will be a great investment. You will learn all the basics to start your own home practice. Good luck!
C.

I've been doing yoga for a couple of years now, and I remember feeling frustrated and even bored at first because I couldn't "get it". Rather than spending more money on instruction somewhere else, I would suggest that you try to get more out of your Y experience. If there are other instructors that fit with your schedule, try them out. I find that the teaching and practice styles vary widely within our Y. I would also encourage you to talk to the instructors and ask them which class may be best for a beginner. If you're comfortable doing so, ask them ahead of time to offer a bit more help in class. Chances are there are other people there who need it, too. Unless it's listed as a Level 2 class or something, they should be encouraging beginners!

Hi Mary!
I live in the Mansfield area and, as of the first of May, I'll be a stay-at-home mom. In the next few months, I'm planning to get my yoga certification so I can teach around the area. I've been doing yoga and power yoga for the last five years and it's a real passion for me. That said, I can teach you the basics if you would like. I wouldn't charge much because you would sort of be a guinea pig for me as I'm learning to teach. You could come by my house whenever you have some time and I could run you through some poses. If you're interested, just let me know!

Thanks,
Hilary

P.S. Some stats about me...I'm a 28 year old new mom (10 week old baby girl) living in Mansfield.

Please try Diana's School of Yoga at 303 & Robinson Road in Grand Prairie. She has yoga, hot yoga, and pilates classes. I just love her!! Check out her website ww.dianasschoolofyoga.com. Tell her that JACQLENE referred you, and let me know what you think. Your first class is free:).

24 hour fitness has great yoga classes. In Mansfield there is an instructor named Joseph who is AMAZING!! Give him a try. He will teach you well and help you take it to the next level.