Alright, you're considering a good way of getting started with yoga. At least, you might be wondering how you can dip your toe in the water to discover what it's like. If you're at all like I was, you are curious, a bit excited, but maybe a bit nervous as well. The simplest way is probably to locate a local yoga studio and check out any basic or introductory classes they provide. I don't recommend beginning with videos or books. Those can be very valuable once you get oriented, but a personal relationship with someone, an instructor, a class peer, etc., can be really important to getting off on the right path.

Honestly, I felt like an idiot the first time I walked into a yoga studio. I was nervous, self-conscious: I was very out of shape, carried around 30 or 40 extra pounds, and my sweat pants were not pretty. I was a fish out of water and was positive that The Yoga People would laugh me out the door.

That didn't happen. Not even close.

I visited the Yoga Studio and used the gift certificate I'd been given by my husband to purchase a 6-class pass, allowing me to attend any classes that were open for drop-ins (some classes ran as discrete, limited sessions, but most didn't). Once I had that pass in hand, I grew anxious. Now I was going to have to attend a class!

The owner of the yoga studio kindly answered my questions and advised me to start with a basic Hatha class. I learned that Hatha, the most common form of yoga practiced in the West, is the physical (asana) type of yoga. There are many others that concentrate more on mental practice, lifestyle and action, breathing, etc. Technically, physical asana is just one element, or limb, of yoga.

The basic class I attended was optimal for me. It was small, attended by a variety of people of all shapes, sizes and ages. The teacher (The Fabulous Bryan) was gentle, supportive and - most important of all - completely accepting of each person's individual situation. It took me a solid six months of going to the class once a week to be able to touch my toes without bending my knees. Boy, was that an incredible day!

So, look for a class and a teacher with whom you feel comfortable. You may wish to check out more than one studio to compare before you purchase a package or large pass card anywhere. This will provide you with a good feel for the studio itself and how comfortable and supportive it is, as well as the teachers in your area. There is likely nothing more essential in the Getting Started in yoga process than finding a teacher you like and connecting with her. If you don't find that person on your first try, just chalk that up to information gathering and keep trying. One thing I've cultivated in my yoga practice is persistence. If you practice persistence in the search for the right "fit" for you, in terms of a yoga teacher and studio, it will pay off!

One other note: It's useful to give some thought to what your targets are with yoga. Relaxation? Weight loss? Cardiovascular health? Reduction of anxiety or depression? Becoming more flexible? In the beginning, just getting a toe hold any way you can is enough, but down the road, the answer to the question of what you want out of it may help guide where your practice goes.