Whether you are a seasoned yoga studio goer or are new to yoga studios, choosing a yoga class can be an overwhelming choice. Every studio adds their own flavour to yoga classes, but there are a few styles of yoga that are found at most studios. Read on to learn more about the different types of yoga classes in order to be able to choose the right kind of class to suit your needs.
I like to think of yoga classes in three categories: some are slow paced, some have movement, and some are strength-based.
Slow-paced Classes
In the first category, classes have a slow pace. They are generally very relaxing and soothing for the nervous system, and quite accessible if you are working with an injury or living with a physical disability. Classes may be accompanied by soft, relaxing music. If you are looking to release stress and calm anxiety without much movement, you can look for these types of classes:
Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, is a practice that is typically done lying down. There is little to no movement in Yoga Nidra. While the teacher guides you through a meditation, you linger in a state of consciousness between being awake and asleep, which brings deep relaxation, and perhaps clarity or healing.
Look for the B Nidra class at B Well Holistic Studio.
Restorative Yoga
In a Restorative yoga class, you will take yoga postures that are passive and held for a few minutes, while staying really close to the ground. Some props might be used, like bolsters, blocks, and blankets to support and enhance relaxation. A restorative practice is focused on relaxing and letting go of any tension in the mind and body.
Look for the B Restorative class at B Well Holistic Studio.
Yin Yoga
Like Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga is practiced close to the ground while holding a pose from two to five minutes. It targets the deeper tissues of the body like connective tissue and fascia for a deep stretch. You can expect opportunities for more movement in a Yin Yoga class, although nothing too strenuous, while keeping a slow, soft pace. This class may help you increase your flexibility.
Look for the B Yin by Candlelight class at B Well Holistic Studio.
Movement Classes
This category of classes has more movement. You may start with a few slow poses close to the ground and then increase the rhythm as you transition to standing postures. As the body moves more, there may be a strong focus on the connection to the breath. These classes are a great way to release tension, stretch out sore muscles, and alleviate anxiety. Here are a few examples:
Yin & Yang Yoga
Yin & Yang classes are a blend of a movement practice and a Yin practice. Typically, the first half of class is focused on moving the body. There might be a few poses on the floor, a few standing postures, and balancing poses all at a steady rhythm. After the body is warmed up, the last half of class is dedicated to a Yin practice where all poses are close to the ground and the pace is slow. This type of class truly is the best of both worlds, where effort and challenge meet softness and ease.
Look for the B Yin/Yang class at B Well Holistic Studio.
Vinyasa Flow
This style of yoga is practiced by stringing together yoga postures with continuous movement. There is a faster pace to these kinds of classes, where the movements might follow the rhythm of the breath. Depending on the class level, there may be more opportunity to pause and rest between sequence of poses or you might keep moving to maintain the rhythm.
A vinyasa flow is done between a sequence of postures by coming to a high plank pose (Phakadasana), bending the elbows to low plank (Chaturanga Dandasana), then lifting the heart in upward facing dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanadana), and taking downward facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanadana). There are plenty of variations to a vinyasa flow to suit your own body.
Look for the B Flow class at B Well Holistic Studio.
For a beginner level class with movement at an accessible pace, look for the B Gentle class at B Well Holistic Studio.
Strength-based Classes
Strength classes may be the most challenging at the physical level. These classes have a fast pace and a focus on strengthening the muscles of the body.
Power Yoga
Although there may be variation in class names depending on the studio, Power Yoga classes are challenging and invigorating for both the body and the mind. You might hold a standing posture for longer or repeat the same movement or pose multiple times. There may be some vinyasa flows incorporated in the class. If you are quite new to yoga classes, a strength-based Power class might be a big jump to start off. Consider taking a few Flow classes beforehand to get familiar with the breath and postures.
HIIT Yoga
If you are looking for a full body workout based in mindfulness and attunement to the breath, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) Yoga is for you. This class incorporates yoga poses to stretch the body mixed with intervals of core, strength and cardio exercises to get moving, and typically ending with soothing yoga postures to calm the body and mind.
Look for the B HIIT Yoga class at B Well Holistic Studio.
For a fully strength-focused class with props, like resistance bands and weights, look for the B Strong class B Well Holistic Studio.
Whether you are looking to relieve stress and anxiety through soothing yoga poses or want to feel the burn in a strengthening class, there is something for everyone. Whatever the class type you decide to take, always remember to breathe first and foremost. Also, tune in to your needs during class and give yourself permission to take a pause, rest, or modify the pose. Lastly, explore different class types no matter your level as a yoga practitioner. We tend to grow most outside our comfort zone!
