If you know me, you know I’m not a morning person and never have been. I was always the last to wake up at sleep overs. My poor, poor friends would lay in bed awake while I snoozed through the morning – they eventually they learned that my parents sympathized and would make them breakfast and coffee without me.

In college I made my semester schedules around not having morning classes. When I did have morning classes, I frequently showed up late or arrived having just rolled out of bed.
However, in the last year, I’ve really learned the power and beauty of waking up early and enjoying the mornings. In fact, humans are meant to rise with the sun; It’s great for our mental clock and there are many studies on why early risers tend to be happier people.

A common complaint from new yoga practitioners is that they don't like or vibe with the studio they attended. Whether it was too spiritual, not spiritual enough, had weird music, or the teacher was plain boring, it goes to show how many things can go wrong when choosing where to start your yoga practice. Finding a studio or practice space is like picking a new home, university, or car –– not all yoga studios are created equal and it’s important to find one that checks the most boxes on a personal wish list.

Here are some general tips to use when looking for the right space for you:

1. Read the room: Vibe. Energy. Atmosphere... However you define it, make sure that when you walk into the space you feel welcomed and comfortable.
2. Variety: There are endless styles and types of yoga. From mellow hatha to dripping hot vinyasa, finding a studio that offers some variety will help you pick the kind of yoga you prefer, and don't be discouraged if your first class isn't a good fit. Try a few styles and pay attention to how you feel during and after class.
3. Look for a deal: Nearly every studio offers some sort of special for new students. Take advantage of these because they can give you the freedom to try as many teachers and styles as you want before committing to a class package.
4. Good music: Feeling your muscles burning burn while holding a chair pose for two minutes is much more bearable with great music. Flowing with the music is not only a good way to keep energy up during practice, but the beats can help you focus on your breathing. If music is important to you, taking a music-free class probably won't be your favorite.
5. Skillful teachers: If you're new, how do you tell if a teacher knows their stuff? Listen carefully to the quality of their cues and language. Do they give clear, concise direction that's easy to understand? Do they mention alignment or anatomy? Do they remind you to breathe, check in, and rest when needed? Do they use gender- and body-neutral language? These are all great ways to gauge the quality of an instructor.

While choosing your new yoga home, remember that a studio should be a place for you to feel safe, welcomed, and content. Be sure to find a space that leaves you feeling better when you leave than when you arrived.