Yoga is an effective way to increase strength and flexibility. It can also help improve your posture and balance. It can help you feel rejuvenated and calm.
Yoga helps to get your blood flowing, which is important for healthy cells and an active immune system. Its twisting poses can wring out venous blood from the internal organs and allow oxygenated blood to flow back in.
Flow-based
Yoga is a form of exercise that helps develop strength, balance and a healthy body. Whether you’re young, old or in between, there is a class for you. Many people believe that you have to be extremely flexible to do yoga, but in truth, flexibility is a consequence of yoga, not a prerequisite.
Flow yoga is a movement-focused practice that builds muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. It is also designed to promote mindfulness and concentration. The breath connected movements of flow yoga are a great way to begin building your meditative skills.
Flow classes typically begin with warm-ups and sun salutations, then move through a sequence of poses. They include standing poses, seated poses and inversions. Some teachers will use a set of poses for every class, while others may get creative and change up the sequencing. Regardless of the type of class, it’s important to wear comfortable, stretchy clothes and make sure your body is free of injuries.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga yoga is a disciplined form of vinyasa yoga that follows a set sequence of postures. It is also highly physical and requires a high level of strength and flexibility. Traditionally, the practice was learned at a student’s own pace, one pose at a time, guided by an instructor in a class called Mysore style. Students would begin with the Primary Series, a sequence that aligns and detoxifies the body.
Typically, the asanas are paired with ujjayi pranayama, a powerful breath technique that links breath with movement. This creates a flow of energy throughout the body, which is essential for a strong and healthy body. Once a student masters the primary series, they can move on to advanced sequences like the intermediate and A, B, C, D. The asanas are designed to build strength, increase flexibility and improve concentration and focus. They are also intended to help the practitioner overcome fear and anxiety in daily life.
Restorative
If you’re looking to ease stress and sooth your soul, restorative yoga is for you. This gentle style of yoga incorporates mellow movements and long-held poses that are supported with props like blankets and blocks. Most classes last about an hour and require a certain level of stillness.
The slow pace of this yoga class helps you calm your mind and body, allowing your inner being to shine forth. It can also help you recognize what truly needs your attention and what doesn’t, giving you the space to make decisions from a more grounded place.
Restorative yoga triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and a sense of peace. This calming effect makes it easier to fall asleep at night, which is beneficial for sleep quality. It also reduces cortisol levels, which are known to contribute to stress. This is a great practice for anyone suffering from chronic fatigue, insomnia, or anxiety. It can also increase energy levels in cancer patients and improve overall well-being.
Chair
Chair yoga classes are designed for students with limited mobility or who are experiencing health challenges. They can be beneficial for anyone who wants to improve their strength, flexibility, balance, and core. They can also help people with chronic pain, arthritis, or a variety of other conditions.
Unlike traditional yoga poses, which require deep stretching and twists, chair yoga poses are done from a seated position using the support of a chair for stability. In addition to strengthening the muscles, chair yoga also helps lubricate the joints, increase digestion, and prevent repetitive injuries.
This course covers the basics of Chair yoga, including basic movements and breathing techniques. It also teaches instructors how to adapt their class to the specific needs of their students. For example, it discusses common health challenges that can impact a student’s ability to participate in yoga, such as heart and circulation problems, osteoporosis, arthritis, joint replacement, and lung disease. It also explores the importance of proper alignment and how slight alterations to a pose can enhance or reduce its effectiveness.