Energy - Without a doubt a group yoga class has a different level of energy. It is palpable and easily noticeable. This energy serves to uplift and inspire all that are participating. This energy not only helps all the students during the class, but, persists even after the class to keep your level of being raised. It is quite common that you enter the class feeling lethargic and down and leave the class fully charged and vitalized.
More consistency & intensity - One of the hardest things about a yoga practice is consistency. Many people know the benefits of it, but, still not a significant percentage establish a strong regular practice. This is where group yoga practice can be especially helpful. The mind and body are probably going to resist your practice, because they are loosing their grip over you as a consequence of it. By practicing yoga you are allowing your spirit to emerge, which will then govern your life and take control over the hold that the mind and body have been asserting on you. However once you are in the class, you will be surprised how much you will be able to do. In a class atmosphere you will not only do your practice, but, you will do it with greater intensity. This will go a long way in helping you integrate yoga into your lifestyle and helping you to create a consistent deep daily spiritual practice.
Learn from each other's experiences - After each yoga class we students often discuss amongst themselves their experiences and thoughts on yoga, meditation, living a spiritual life etc. which is a great way to make progress on the spiritual path. One can learn much from the knowledge another has acquired and a group class really facilitates this.
Share resources - Music, books, DVDs etc. are all valuable components for your yoga practice and practicing in a group allows you share these resources with each other. Give, give and then give some more. Thus, a group yoga class often is a great collection of people always willing to give and share their resources with others.
Make friends with like minded people. Yoga not only gives you great benefits, but in exchange, requires that you live up to a higher standard. This often means making changes to your social life and people you associate it. It all happens quite naturally actually. What a group yoga class provides is an opportunity to befriend and share your life with those who are living on a similar wave length as you. Generally, you and your fellow yogis (yoga students) will have a similar high value system and will gravitate towards wholesome, holistic living. These important commonalities often lay down the foundation for great friendships to emerge.