I’ve never been one to go to the gym or take yoga but I’m thinking about changing that, as I’d like to take better care of myself.

Open to recommendations for gyms or yoga programs that are good for beginners, as I’m ridiculously inflexible and have little experience using machines. Privacy is important to me, as is affordability. Bonus if it’s somewhere open late/early am, as I work non-traditional hours.

Any insight or recs greatly appreciated - thanks! :)

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particles_divide t1_je9z5s2 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 2:23 PM

I would highly recommend starting your practice at home. Youtube has an absolute wealth of instructional content across various levels and requires no monetary investment aside from a few essentials you'll need anyways (e.g. blocks, mat, maybe some resistance bands).

Commercial gyms especially engage you into predatory contracts that have ridiculous cancellation requirements, such as exit fees, coming in person to cancel (i.e., no online cancellation). As someone who is just beginning your journey in self care, try to focus on the fun in the fundamentals. Once you feel as though you've outgrown the confines of the space you've built for yourself, start to branch out and explore more options!

Edit: Yoga with Adrienne is the first stop for many folks, but don't stop there! Calisthenics is a fantastic supplement to yoga that requires, at most, a doorframe pull-up bar and maybe some paralleletes.

bonez3113 t1_jeama1l wrote on March 30, 2023 at 5:00 PM

This is the answer. Listen to this person.

Adrienne is great. Watched her when I first started.

Bleucalyptus t1_jea59ih wrote on March 30, 2023 at 3:08 PM

Most yoga studios have some sort of beginner level type class (at least pre-Covid - not sure if they are back to full schedules yet). I would start by looking up studios in your area and just calling to ask. I have been on and off over the years in multiple cities and never felt out of place. They generally provide modifications to help you build up to poses you aren’t yet ready for. Also there is usually someone else in a similar place in their journey so you’re not alone.

At home is also an option but I would keep in mind that a studio with an instructor or a private lesson can give you more real time feedback and help identify areas of focus. In both yoga and traditional strength training it can be easy to fall into poor form and possibly injure yourself especially if you are new to it or try to progress too quickly.

Bleucalyptus t1_jea5rme wrote on March 30, 2023 at 3:11 PM

Just saw the other post about commercial gyms and that’s probably a valid point - I haven’t joined a big gym in many years. Most small strength or yoga studios I’ve been to offer single classes or class packages so your commitment is just the classes you sign up to do. Don’t be afraid to try a few different places to find one you like.

blue_orchard t1_jeam5ht wrote on March 30, 2023 at 4:59 PM

Most yoga studios have new student specials where you get unlimited classes for a set price (ie one month for $50) so you can try different classes and see whether you like the studio.

Some good options are Boston Yoga Union, Artemis Yoga in Watertown, and Down Under Yoga, which has several locations. All have classes at various levels.

PrettyTogether108 t1_jealgrh wrote on March 30, 2023 at 4:54 PM

Boston Yoga Union has Yoga 101 classes, but really you can go to any class, all instructors urge you to do as much as you can but no more. Don't worry about being flexible or not. You can pay per class, purchase class cards, or get monthly memberships. No BS like in health clubs about ending memberships. Great instructors, huge schedule of diverse classes, and truly nice people.