Seek a suitable teacher over the best studio

There are a few things that are really intimidating to almost anyone: a first date with someone better looking than you, walking into a party and having everyone turn to look at you and walking into a yoga studio for the first time. In fact, the last two things are almost the same. You are concerned that you aren't dressed appropriately, everyone there seems to know everyone else and you have no idea where to sit or stand.

I have people ask me about this all the time. How do you find the studio that is right for you? It seems that there are almost as many yoga studios as there are Starbucks at this point, and they all seem just about the same to a person who has never been in one before. Would you like your yoga with or without foam? An extra shot of espresso perhaps?

I think that it is less important to find a whole studio that you like than it is to find specific teachers that you like. I know of students who belong to just about every yoga studio in town, and adjust their schedules so they can go to the teachers they like. I am a bit like this. If I have an opportunity to go to a group class, two things cross my mind: Who is the teacher and where did I get this free time?

It isn't necessarily that I avoid bad teachers. I just have a few particular yoga styles that I like to practice, and not every teacher teaches that way. So rather than trudge through a class I don't enjoy, I practice alone. For those of you who don't feel comfortable practicing alone, there are a few things that you can look for in a teacher, and you might find a few that you really like. This will involve trying classes with different people in different places. It's a bit of a megillah, but it is effort well worth making, and you will thank yourself.

1. Did the teacher greet you when you walked in? If so, did she then show you the practice space, bathroom, etc., and make you feel welcome in general? If there are 10 people ahead of you at the desk, be patient, but make sure that the teacher knows that you are new, you aren't sure what to do and where to go, and that you are open to guidance.

2. During class, were you asked to do anything that made you feel uncomfortable? For example, some people are put off by chanting. I, myself, am not a big fan of it, beyond a few "om"s and a couple of "om shanti"s. That is a personal preference. Bear in mind that, even if you are in this situation, there is no rule that you have to take part in the chanting if it makes you feel weird. You can sit there and try to relax your mind or use a mantra you like. I tend to like "Breathe in peace. Breathe out stress." Repeat as necessary.

3. Is the teacher watching you and making physical adjustments? When you are new, and the teacher is aware of it, he should be checking on you periodically to make sure that you are in the postures correctly, offering modifications if you need them, and making sure that you are breathing.

4. This is probably the most important one: Do you like this person? Do you like the way he teaches, the way he makes jokes (or doesn't), the way he adjusts you (or doesn't)? Is this a person you want to listen to for 90 minutes? If the answer is no, then this isn't the right teacher for you. Fortunately, there are a billion more out there for you to try.

As I said, finding a teacher you like can be a bit of a process. It can involve going to a few different studios, trying different styles and so on. But talk to your friends. At least one of them has an opinion on this matter. And always, always remember that it is your money and your time, and you have the freedom to leave if you aren't happy with the situation you are in. There are great yoga teachers out there, waiting for you to find them. Tell them I said hello.

Suzanne Gannon is a yoga instructor in the Charleston area. Reach her at suzygannonyoga@yahoo.com.