From Foundations to Flow: Collective Studios Beginner Yoga Guide
At Collective Studios, we believe yoga is for everyone, whether you’ve never stepped on a mat before or you’re looking to deepen your practice. Every class at our studio is designed to meet you where you are, but if you’re new to yoga, it can be a bit confusing to figure out where to start. That’s why we’ve created a simple path to help you feel confident, supported, and excited as you step into your practice.
Anyone is welcome to join any of our yoga classes at any time, but if you want to get the most out of your experience, here’s the progression we recommend. Think of it as your roadmap, where you start with the basics and build toward classes that challenge your body, calm your mind, and connect you to a vibrant community.
Step 1: Begin with Flow Foundations
Every yoga journey begins with the basics, and Flow Foundations is where we start. This class is designed for beginners, but it’s also great for those who have practiced before and want to refine their form.
In Flow Foundations, you’ll get hands-on practice with the essential postures (or “asanas”) of the Sun Salutations and vinyasa flow, like Chaturanga, Downward Dog, and the transitions that connect them. Instead of just moving through poses, you’ll learn why alignment matters (like how stacking your shoulders over elbows protects joints in Chaturanga) and discover modifications that help your body move safely and confidently.
Flow Foundations also helps you learn how to recognize if your form is starting to slip and how to modify safely, like lowering your knees in Chaturanga, until you build the strength and stability to move through the poses with proper alignment. This is important so that even if an instructor doesn’t cue a modification in a future class, you’ll know exactly how to make your practice work for your body.
Flow Foundations is more than just a workout; it’s really a workshop-style experience where you can ask questions, slow down, and practice without pressure. You’ll walk away understanding the language of yoga, so terms like vinyasa, drishti, or other terms start to feel familiar instead of intimidating.
Whether you’re brand new or revisiting the mat after some time away, Flow Foundations gives you the building blocks and clarity to step into any yoga class feeling prepared.
Step 2: Explore Slow Flow
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, Slow Flow is the next step we recommend. This class builds on what you learned in Flow Foundations but gives you more time to move intentionally between poses.
In Slow Flow, you’ll practice familiar sequences at a steady pace that allows you to focus on breath, balance, and alignment without feeling rushed. Because the class is unheated, you can concentrate on form and transitions without the added intensity of the hot studio.
This is also where you’ll start to expand your practice with new postures and longer holds that challenge strength and stability in a supportive way. It’s a chance to notice how your body responds, to refine transitions, and to gain confidence in linking movements together.
Slow Flow is a bridge between our Flow Foundations yoga class and the more athletic hot yoga Flow classes. Slow Flow gives you enough challenge to feel progress while still leaving space to breathe, rest, and settle deeper into each movement.
Step 3: Challenge Yourself in Flow (Hot Yoga)
When you’re ready to turn up the intensity, Flow classes quite literally bring the heat. Practiced in a heated setting, these classes combine strength, flexibility, and cardio for a powerful full-body workout. Expect creative sequences that will challenge your muscles, raise your heart rate, and leave you dripping with sweat (and accomplishment).
But don’t worry—Flow is still beginner-friendly. Our instructors provide clear guidance and plenty of modifications so you can move at your own pace while exploring new challenges. This is where your foundation really pays off. All the alignment cues, modifications, and confidence you’ve built in Flow Foundations and Slow Flow will support you here, allowing you to fully embrace the physical, mental, and energizing benefits of hot yoga.
Do You Need to Take Foundations or Slow Flow Before Hot Yoga?
The short answer is no. Anyone is welcome to join our hot yoga Flow classes at any time, even if you haven’t taken Flow Foundations or Slow Flow yet. Our instructors always offer guidance and modifications so you can move safely and confidently.
That said, you’ll get so much more out of your practice if you start with the basics. Flow Foundations and Slow Flow give you the alignment, language, and confidence that make the heated Flow classes more enjoyable and sustainable. It’s the difference between moving through poses and truly settling into the postures.
And here’s a little wisdom for our seasoned yogis: returning to the foundations is never a step backward. Some of the most advanced practitioners in the world make a point of revisiting the basics, because a strong yoga practice is about constantly deepening your understanding of the asanas. At Collective Studios, we firmly believe there’s always value in slowing down, refining your form, and reconnecting with the fundamentals.
Explore More Yoga at Collective Studios
In addition to the classes mentioned, there are plenty of other ways to expand your practice at Collective Studios. Every class offers something unique, and you’re welcome to try any of them at any time, depending on what your body and mind need that day.
Some classes to explore:
Yoga Sculpt — Yoga Sculpt is a heated fusion of yoga, strength training, and cardio bursts. Expect dumbbells, high-energy playlists, and movement that builds power while keeping you grounded in mindful flow.
Hot Pilates — Focused on core strength and full-body stability, Hot Pilates blends precision with flow for a challenging yet energizing experience.
Release — One of our Restorative Yoga Classes, Release is a yin yoga class designed to deeply stretch and release your muscles and tissue by holding gentle stretches for several minutes.
Restore — Focused on complete support and relaxation to reduce muscle tension, improve sleep, and support total body healing.
Exploring different formats keeps your practice fresh and helps you discover what lights you up, whether that’s building strength, finding stillness, or starting your day with energy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yoga for Beginners
What type of yoga is best for beginners?
At Collective Studios, we recommend starting with Flow Foundations. This is a beginner-friendly class that will help you feel comfortable with basic poses, alignment, and terminology before moving into more dynamic classes.
Do I need to be flexible to start yoga?
Not at all. Flexibility is something you build through yoga, not a requirement before you begin. Come as you are and our instructors will guide you with modifications to meet your body where it is today.
Can I take hot yoga if I’ve never done yoga before?
Yes! Anyone can join our hot yoga Flow classes. But you’ll get the most out of them if you’ve first explored Flow Foundations and a few Slow Flow classes. These formats give you the basics you’ll need to feel strong and confident in the heated studio.
What should I bring to my first yoga class?
We recommend:
A yoga mat (rentals available at the studio)
A towel (especially for heated classes)
A water bottle (bring your own or purchase/refill at the studio)
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows you to move freely
How hot is hot yoga at Collective Studios?
Our heated Flow classes are kept between 90–95 degrees with balanced humidity. The warmth helps muscles loosen safely, supports deeper stretching, and gives your practice an energizing boost.
Is yoga really for all levels?
Absolutely. Every class at Collective Studios is designed to be accessible. Our instructors offer modifications for beginners and challenges for seasoned practitioners so everyone can practice together in the same supportive space.
Start Your Yoga Journey Today
No matter where you’re starting from, there’s a place for you on the mat at Collective Studios. Our classes are designed to help you build strength, find balance, and feel connected, whether you’re stepping into yoga for the very first time or returning to deepen your practice.
New to Collective Studios? Explore our intro offers:
2 weeks of unlimited classes for $49
3 classes for $45