It's been a few years since I attended formal yoga classes, hence I attempted the beginner trial class at Sivananda Yoga Centre. It's conveniently located, just a few streets from my office, and only 5 minutes walk from Outram MRT if you take the train.
It's located on the third floor of a nice little shop house. What greets you is the long flight of stairs, very typical of shop houses, so you get to do some "exercise" before the actual lesson. :)
Mats are provided, but you can bring your own mat as well. I was a little confused of what to do as there were no instructions so I just grab a mat, and find a spot. Some people were lying down in Sarvasana (corpse pose), some were sitting in lotus pose. I'm clueless what to do, so I just sat there like an idiot. hahahaa..They don't have a official trial class so the class I've attended is the usual beginner class.
The teacher came over to brief me some briefing techniques (like pumping etc.), and started the class with some chanting (in sanskrit maybe?). I kind of like that.
I went through the class feeling like an idiot as most of the time I'm clueless of what's going on and just try to find someone who i can follow. I think that's the cons of classes that allows anyone to pop in and join anytime. Unlike actual classes where there's actual "modules" and poses to be taught each lesson, since everyone's pace is more or less the same, everyone in the class here are of different "levels". some are really beginners (know nuts) and some have already attended a few classes and know what's going on. I'm lucky that I've attended classes before so I can still roughly follow the class even though I feel like an idiot.
Personally, I feel that the beginner class here is not really suitable for real beginners (those that have never learnt yoga before). My previous class was organized by Singapore Sports Council. It's an actual class and the instructor taught us step by step of everything we are doing. From basic pranic breathing technique, specific instructions on how to do each pose, what are the benefits, what are the things we need to take note, which people are not suitable to do the pose etc etc. We learnt in details and taught how to do each pose properly.
During the trial class, there was minimal instructions, and I feel that for real beginners, they will probably have a very hard time catching up, and may result in injury since they may not know the proper steps and breathing. Also, when doing poses like shoulder stand, there was no "anouncements" that those having menses should avoid this pose. I remembered during my class at SSC, the instructor will always annouce and remind us who can and cannot do this pose. For real beginners, I doubt they will know they need to avoid?
In general, the class is ideal for those with basic understanding of Yoga and wish to attend classes to keep fit. For real newbies, I'll think you may want to consider other centres, or take up a trial class before signning for actual classes to see if the pace is good for you. :)
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre21B (3rd Floor) Bukit Pasoh Rd
Singapore 089835
