Choosing the Right Yogadia Class: A Guide for New joiners

I know that starting yoga can lead to lots of questions - I remember when I first started... I had no idea what to expect and was worried I'd look silly in the poses, but my teacher soon reassured me that we all learn at different paces, and the only thing we should concern ourselves with is how our body feels both during and after the class!

Choosing the right class matters because it shapes your experience and helps you build a practice that fits your needs and goals. This guide will help you understand different Yogadia classes and find the one that suits you best.

Yoga mat and props ready for a Yogadia class at the Woolpit Institute.

What to Expect in a Yoga Class

Although Yoga classes can vary depending on the style and teacher, most classes share a similar format; starting with some breathwork to settle you in, followed by different poses held for longer or shorter periods depending on the style of class you have chosen, and finally (often most people's favourite part!) the relaxation which is either a guided body scan / meditation, or perhaps finding stillness and silence.

Understanding Your Yoga Goals

Before picking a class, think about what you want from yoga. Are you looking to reduce stress, improve flexibility, build strength, or learn meditation? Your goals will guide you to the right style and level.

• Stress relief and relaxation: Choose Gentle Hatha or Yoga & Lattes, slow-paced classes.

• Physical fitness and strength: Choose Dynamic Vinyasa or Rocket, flow-based sessions.

• Flexibility and balance: All Yogadia classes will offer this.

• Mindfulness and meditation: Yogadia classes include a focus on breathwork, although breathing exercises and guided meditation are mostly found in the Gentle Hatha or Yoga & Lattes classes.

  
  

Knowing your goals can make a huge difference to your experience on the day!

Types of Yogadia Classes and what to expect

Yogadia offers a variety of classes designed for different needs and experience levels:

Gentle Hatha Yoga (Beginner Friendly / All Levels)

This class focuses on slow movements, deep breathing, and relaxation. It’s ideal if you want to ease into yoga or recover from injury. The pace is calm, and poses are simple, making it perfect for beginners or those with limited mobility.

It’s a classic style that introduces foundational poses and helps build strength and flexibility. Classes move at a moderate pace, offering time to learn proper alignment.

It's worth knowing that classes will vary each week, focusing on different parts of your body and some weeks will be more of a challenge than others, as it's important to keep your body guessing and this helps with your progress.

Yoga & Lattes (Beginner Friendly / All Levels)

This class follows the same focus as the Gentle Hatha, however it includes an optional social aspect where you can share a tea (or coffee!) with other students after your practice.

It's a great way to start your weekend, and will leave you feeling calm and relaxed throughout the day.

Dynamic Vinyasa Flow (For those with some Yoga experience)

Vinyasa links breath with movement in a flowing sequence. It’s more active and can be a good choice if you want a workout that also calms the mind.

Classes will change each week, with creative flows and opportunity to explore more complex poses - expect hard work but lots of fun along the way!

Rocket and Rocket 'Express' Yoga (For those with some Yoga experience)

This class is all about building strength, flexibility and heat. You will move from one posture to the next with lots of options depending on where you are at with your Yoga practice, it follows a similar sequence to Ashtanga but with more opportunity for variations and a great way for you to notice your progress in your practice.

Expect anything... variety of inversions, Pilates core work, and working towards or on your splits!

I'm really proud that this is the first Rocket class available in Suffolk.

How to Choose the Right Level

Yogadia classes use a 'chilli-meter' to help you spot the right intensity—whether that’s beginner, intermediate, or advanced. If you are brand new to yoga, I recommend starting with a Gentle Hatha class to get comfortable with the basics. Here is how the levels break down:

If you feel unsure, please get in touch before class or join one of my 'Introduction to Yoga Basics' workshops.

What to Expect in Your First Class

Walking into your first yoga class can be intimidating. Here’s what usually happens:

• I will welcome you and explain the class focus.

• You’ll start with gentle warm-ups and breathing exercises.

• The class moves through a series of poses, with modifications offered.

• The session ends with relaxation or meditation.

  
  

It's important that you wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle, Yoga is often practiced barefoot but if you'd rather keep your socks on that's absolutely fine.

I have some spare mats and offer bricks, blocks and straps, but you can bring your own if you'd prefer.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Yogadia Experience

• Arrive early to settle in and ask questions.

• Listen to your body and take breaks if needed.

• Use props like blocks or straps to support your practice.

• Practice regularly to build strength and confidence, I call these the 'Yoga snacks'.

• Let me know about any injuries or concerns.

If you like the sound of any of these classes and think you've found the one that's meant for you, why not join one of my weekly classes.

Look forward to seeing you on your mat!

Claudia