Improved flexibility is one of the first and most obvious benefits of yoga. It can ease arthritis pain, help with back problems, and make sitting and standing tall easier.
Yoga also develops strength in muscles that aren’t used often, which can help prevent injuries and strengthen the immune system.
1. Hot Yoga
Hot Yoga is practiced in a sauna-like environment and helps you de-stress while strengthening your muscles. It is also an excellent cardio workout. However, it can feel uncomfortable – sweat trickling into your eyes while trying to do a headstand is not fun!
The increased heat also helps lubricate your joints, making it easier to fold into poses and increase your range of motion. It is important to stay hydrated, so bring your own temperature control water bottle. It is best to avoid eating a big meal prior to class.
Some people with medical conditions should take caution before trying hot yoga or any new form of exercise. People who are pregnant should also consult their doctor before taking a hot yoga class. This is because it may be too strenuous for their body. The heat can also cause dehydration, so it is crucial to drink lots of water before and after class. This will help prevent muscle cramps.
2. Private Yoga
Private yoga classes are a wonderful option for those with very busy schedules who want to practice yoga but don’t have the time to attend regular class. Classes can be done at your home or in a studio of your choice and the teacher can come to you. Having the instructor’s attention during private sessions gives you the opportunity to ask questions, clarify any confusion and learn the proper alignment that is required to avoid injury.
Having a one-on-one session allows the instructor to create a lesson plan that aligns with the student’s goals, needs and body. This can be great for people rehabilitating from an injury or those who are very new to the practice.
The teacher can also give verbal and hands-on adjustments to help the students get into poses. This is helpful for beginners to avoid a lot of unnecessary frustration and to ensure that they are practicing poses correctly. These adjustments can make the difference between a pose being “ok” and a pose that is not working for them.
3. Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga can feel like a calming hug for overstimulated bodies. This slow, mellow style of yoga helps to soothe tension on a deep cellular level by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Unlike vinyasa or hatha yoga, which moves from one pose to the next, restorative yoga is more of a relaxation practice than a workout. Most poses are low to the ground and use bolsters, blankets, and blocks to eliminate strain.
The environment is key with this type of yoga as well; the room may be dimly lit or have soothing music playing in the background to create a relaxing space to settle into the poses. Over time, this practice can help you to realize what truly matters in your life, empowering you with the ability to make decisions from a calmer place rather than giving into the immediacy that life sometimes demands. Having a meditation pillow, also known as a zafu cushion, is ideal for this type of yoga.
4. Meditation
Meditation classes are typically led by a yoga instructor, who may offer guidance through visualization, breath work or other techniques. In general, these classes require a quiet setting and focus on bringing your attention back to the present moment.
Whether you’re feeling gratitude during the holidays or trying to find calm amid hectic times, these meditation classes help you refocus on your intentions for the day. During the class, you’ll sit or lie in a comfortable position and focus on your breathing.
This gentle and restorative class combines yin and restorative yoga with soothing breathwork practices to reduce stress and tension. Indulge in a one-hour practice of mellow movement and deep relaxation as you release the physical and emotional stress from your daily life. Yin and restorative poses are accompanied by light ambient music to further enhance your experience. This class is perfect for all ages and levels of fitness.