How to pick the right yoga class for you? Expert explains

'Join a yoga class' is casually thrown around as advice by even those who have no idea about fitness, these days. Many who dislike exercising but are urged by their doctors or mounting health issues to get some activity consider it an 'easy option' that doesn't stress or sweat them too much. However, did you know that if you really care about positive results from your yoga sessions, joining just any random class might not help you? And that group yoga classes are not for everyone? Health and wellness expert Dr Akhila Vinod of Kochi-based Yogashram explains how to go about picking the right yoga class for an individual.  

Who can go for group yoga sessions?
Dr Akhila says that those who wish to join a group class should first assess how healthy their body is, and whether they are free of sugar, cholesterol and other similar issues. "If so, they can join a one-hour group session for a few days and observe how easily their body is holding up. If their body is getting tired in about 20 minutes, understand that a group session isn't for them and opt for a personal trainer instead," she explains. At the same time, the doctor explains that flexibility is not a prerequisite for a group yoga class. "It is the end product, and you can patiently work at it in the right yoga class," she says. 

How to pick what's right for you?
According to Dr Akhila, investing in a personal trainer, at least for a few months after you start with a discipline like yoga, would be beneficial for all age groups. She mentions the following factors as those to be taken into account while selecting a yoga class that suits you:
Children
Generally, children from the age of six can join yoga classes. However, if they have any issues with their internal organs, they should not join group classes, but should seek personal attention. Many children these days have diabetes issues. They can lose their consciousness at times due to their health condition. Therefore, such children should be given one-on-one classes. 

Teenagers
While healthy teenagers can join group yoga classes, those with conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) might not be fit enough to do one-hour-long group sessions. In such cases, one-on-one sessions are more beneficial. 
Youngsters aged 20 to 35
If you suffer from neck, spine or balance issues or vertigo, do not join group classes. If you have pain or inflammation, therapeutic yoga would be the ideal choice. Youngsters who do not have health issues can consider group sessions. 

Those aged 40 to 60 or above
Many in this age group can suffer from flexibility issues, health problems related to diabetes, BP or bone density. Do not join group sessions without assessing your health first. 
A proper yoga class will have...
1) Transparency on the qualification of the yoga instructor. Reputed centres often display certifications of doctors and instructors. You can research online or check with experts to understand their credibility. 
2) Centres that offer therapeutic yoga and one-on-one sessions inquire about your medical history and even the health history of your close family members. This is in addition to the consent form with your details. 

Yoga classes: A few red flags
1) Pushing practitioners for too much flexibility, too soon. 
2) Promising unrealistic results like 'lose weight in one month.'
3) Instructors who resort to inappropriate, unnecessary, non-consensual bodily contact in the name of guidance, especially around women. 
4) Instructors who resort to comparing various practitioners in a class. 
5) Sessions that promise healing for illnesses that require medical intervention. 
6) Instructors who push for exaggerated movements and fancy postures in yoga.