I'd really like to improve my flexibility and I think yoga would be a great help, but I have to be honest - I'm afraid of the classes. I hate to look foolish, but I'm a complete newbie when it comes to yoga. Add to that being so darned over weight and I wonder if I'm a good fit for that kind of thing yet.

If I were to start, which style would you recommend?

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I would start with youtube. look up "yoga for beginners" and there are plenty of videos. That way you can get some basics down before plunking down the cash for a class!

I did think about YouTube, but my concern is picking up bad habits/bad form then having to relearn or setting myself up for injury.

Are the basics easy to pick up? Alternatively, are the classes that say they are for all levels actually good for total beginners who aren't as fit or flexible?

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My normal gym offers beginner yoga classes. There are also a ton of yoga businesses around town too. My surgeon's office even does yoga/meditation classes.

Maybe you could get a group of people together and do more of a private class? I'm sure there are a ton of instructors that would be okay with that!

Good luck!!

Spacedust...you aren't the first person to want to yoga but didn't know if you were ready. I'm sure any yoga instructor worth his or her salt has had students in much worse shape than you and has experience in dealing with it. Best thing to put your mind at ease or call or go there and tell them your exact worries. Let them reassure you....or let them say you won't cut it (which I doubt). Honestly, I think they'll tell you how common it is, and how they are more than happy to work with you.

I understand the form/injury concern, but the beginners videos are very simple stretches and meditations so I doubt you'd really hurt yourself (unless you lose your balance and bang your head on the table or something ). I think it's at least worth looking into, to see if it's something you'd really enjoy. I offer this advice because the yoga studios around my house are ridiculously expensive (in my opinion), and I'm always seeking a cheaper alternative! But if you try the beginners videos, it will give you an idea at least of what the pace of a class would be like and then you can shop around your local yoga studios and know what you're getting into beforehand to some extent.

If I can do it, then so can you!! Enough said. My flexibility was/is downright horrid, but it is getting better now the more I practice, the more I stretch in yoga or cross fit stretching. You can do it! Put yourself out there !

Thanks, all - as always your recommendations and encouragement are invaluable. My gym offers yoga (I get group classes with my membership) and if the timing is good maybe I can start there, since I'm already paying for it. Meanwhile, I will have a look at the YouTube videos if only so I know a bit about the terminology before I give it a go.

I used to be very flexible once upon a time, so maybe I'll be able to find my inner Gumby

Inner gumby....nice!