I am intrigued that some people have yet to experience a yoga class. There is nothing wrong with that. It just tells us that even with the popularity of yoga; some people aren’t curious enough to try it or may not think yoga is for them. Is it fear? Is it because they don’t think of yoga as a workout? Often times, it is because they think they need to be flexible to do yoga. There could be a variety of reasons.
There is also a group of people that have taken a yoga class (or maybe a few classes) and say they didn’t like it. When I hear this, I want to probe more to better understand what yoga class(es) did you try and how long ago. There are so many options when it comes to yoga, just like there are so many options when it comes to exercise. Trying one yoga class, not liking it, and deciding that you don’t like yoga may not be in your best interest. I encourage you to really test it out trying several studios, instructors, styles.
For me, yoga has been a roller coaster ride. I tried yoga years ago and I was very inconsistent about going to classes. Then I tried a Restorative class and I really enjoyed it. I started to go more regularly to this Restorative yoga class, as well as trying other classes at the same studio. When the studio I practiced at closed, I struggled finding another yoga studio, so I stopped doing yoga.
It took several years before I started practicing yoga again and found a good fit for me. Now I go to several studios and participate in a wide variety of classes. I make an effort to practice the yoga style my body and mind is craving on a given day. So, if you have tried yoga and it wasn’t a fit, or if you haven’t tried it and are curious, or if you do yoga classes now and want to venture from your routine, here is a brief intro to some of the different yoga styles:
Level 1 – This is a great place for someone new to start. The class will be slower and you’ll cover just a handful of postures. Stay at this level for a while so you can learn the proper alignment and the names for many postures. A Level 1 class can also be a challenge for advanced students as it brings them back to the basics and may help them recognize habits they have become accustomed to with specific postures
Level 1-2 – When you want to challenge yourself with more movement in your yoga class, progress to a Level 1-2 class. You’ll move faster than a Level 1 class and the instructor may not give as much detailed instruction for each specific pose since the understanding is that you are familiar with the postures.
Level 2 – This will be more challenging than the Level 1-2 class. I believe that you should definitely have experience before going to a Level 2 class.
Vinyasa – A Vinyasa class is considered “flow” yoga. Your movements flow with the breath (although, this happens in most yoga classes) and you’ll essentially flow through the class from one posture to the next. I suggest being at a Level 1-2 before proceeding to Vinyasa, although it is not required. This type of class will be easier once you are familiar with the posture names and alignment. Some yoga studios focus on Vinyasa yoga and have various levels of Vinyasa while others offer a Vinyasa class along with other varieties of yoga described here.
Yin/Yang – This class is a combination of movement from posture to posture (as described above for Level 1, 1-2, 2, or Vinyasa classes) and the stillness of a Yin class, described below.
Yin – A Yin yoga class is appropriate for any level yoga student. I have learned that there are two approaches to Yin yoga. One approach centers around stillness and holding postures for several minutes while the other approach centers around a combination of stillness and movement. Rather than holding a posture for a set amount of time, you may hold as long as it is comfortable and then switch to the other side, continuing to switch back and forth. Both approaches are meant for you to relax into the posture to stretch and loosen deep connective tissue. Some Yin classes border the likeness of a Restorative class.
Restorative – Just as it sounds, a Restorative class is meant to restore you. It is a very relaxing class where you’ll remain in a relaxed posture for 5-10 minutes, sometimes a bit longer. The instructor may take you on a visualization journey during the class. It is most important that you are relaxed and comfortable during the class so you’ll use props, such as blankets, blocks, and bolsters, to help you feel completely supported in each posture. The most challenging aspect of a Restorative class is the stillness and the ability to quiet your mind.
Hot Yoga – Just as yoga, there are numerous styles of hot yoga available, so don’t try one and give up on hot yoga. There is Bikram yoga which is the same 26 postures at any studio you go to world-wide. This is good if you like a set routine and want to know what to expect in every class. If you prefer more variety, look for a studio that offers numerous classes – Vinyasa Flow, Hot Yoga, Yin/Yang, Yin, Power, etc.
The styles described above may be called something different by each studio. For instance, a Power class may be similar to a Level 2 class at one studio or similar to a Vinyasa class at another studio. Some classes don’t let you know the difficulty level, such as Happy Hour Yoga or Lunch Yoga. Reading class descriptions is important to ensure you attend a class that really embodies what you are looking for.
It is important to understand that instructors have their own unique way of teaching yoga. You may connect with one instructor and not another. So, it may be as much the instructor as the specific yoga class that you go to. The same thing applies to each yoga studio. You may find yourself at home right away in one yoga studio and not comfortable in another studio. Allow yourself to explore and experience different yoga styles, yoga teachers, and yoga studios.
I suggest looking for discounts when trying a new studio. For instance, Groupon, Amazon Local, or AAA Deals often have specials for yoga studios. You can often get 10 classes at a discounted rate and have 2-3 months to use the classes. Purchasing this type of pass gives you time and flexibility to try different classes and instructors, as well as different studios.
Enjoy the journey of discovery that yoga provides. Know that what you like today may not be what you like tomorrow and be willing to move on to the next thing you seek. I believe that yoga is for everyone. I always say, “You don’t do yoga because you are flexible; you do yoga to become flexible, both in body and mind.”
