To find a style that fits you, experts suggest you try a beginner's class . . . Be candid about your physical problems, such as back pain or chronic injuries. A style such as Ashtanga may over-challenge injured limbs, compared with Iyengar, with its detailed instructions and attentiveness to physical safety. Verifying a teacher's training is important. Local yoga classes generally run 90 minutes at studios, an hour at health clubs.
Studios are generally the better bets to find teachers trained in a particular technique.
People are hard-wired to compete with others in D.C., but you can injure yourself if you try too hard to get into a position. Iyengar utilizes props such as blocks and straps to help practitioners hold a pose. Not the strap, you say. It's for your own good, to help you slowly and safely stretch your leg if you lack flexibility. Teachers provide detailed instructions so that people are clear about what to do as they move into a pose.