Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make yoga a regular part of your fitness routine, Life Time has plenty of classes to suit your needs. Just know your limits and find an instructor who will help you safely advance.
Before class begins, introduce yourself to the instructor and let her know if you have any physical limitations. This will allow her to offer modifications and help you feel safe during class.
Iyengar
Iyengar yoga is characterized by precision and alignment in the execution of postures (asanas), sequencing asanas towards a desired result, timing the length of time that the asana is held for maximum benefit, and the use of props to help a student gain the most from each asana. Its focus on body alignment helps improve postural awareness and is beneficial for people with chronic health issues like osteoarthritis, lower back pain, depression and high blood pressure.
Beginners/Level I
For complete beginners or students with less than 2 years of experience. In this class you will build strength, stability and ease focusing on classical standing poses and seated postures.
Iyengar yoga classes incorporate a clear breakdown of the poses and detailed instructions that are specific to each posture. Props such as blocks, belts and blankets are used as aids and guides to enable a student of any age or physical ability to experience the benefits of each asana.
Vinyasa
In vinyasa yoga, you move rhythmically, connecting breath and movement to create a moving meditation. The movement energizes the body and mind, helps build strength and flexibility, and can reduce stress. The synchronization of your movements with your breath can be challenging at first, but over time you may discover latent power. This practice builds the connection between your mind and body, which translates into more mindful living in the everyday world.
Beginner Vinyasa
The pace of this class is a bit slower to allow you to get familiar with the poses and develop a strong foundation. You can expect to learn the fundamentals of yoga in a comfortable and supportive environment.
This class will focus on a slow flow of postures that challenge the muscles of the core and upper body. This will be followed by a sequence of long held yin and restorative postures to relieve tension and pain in the joints + connective tissues.
Restorative
Restorative yoga classes are a welcome respite from the busy world and can help you feel more calm and rested. They are held for longer than other types of yoga and are designed to relax the body by holding poses for an extended period of time. They use props such as bolsters and blankets to support the body and encourage relaxation. They are often accompanied by gentle music and dimmed lights in a studio setting.
Unlike yin yoga, which is designed to stretch deep fascia and promote flexibility, restorative yoga focuses on soothing tense muscles and relieving stress. It is also known for its ability to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm and balance the body’s systems. It is thought that poses like child’s pose, seated forward fold and legs-up-the-wall can soothe the mind and elicit the parasympathetic response.
Students usually attend restorative yoga classes seeking relief from pain or a deeply meditative experience. They may also be looking for a way to connect with their own bodies and become more intimate with them.
Kundalini
Kundalini yoga focuses on the release of your inner power. This energy is stored up in the seven chakras that line your spine. Activating these energy centers with movement, breathing techniques and meditation is said to boost strength, flexibility and endurance.
Classes begin with an opening chant to tune in and a warmup, which may include postures, breathwork and meditation. The class then moves into a set of exercises and breathing techniques called kriyas. Each kriya is designed to target an emotional, energetic or spiritual theme, like releasing anger or strengthening your throat chakra for better communication.
You’ll also practice deep abdominal breathing that strengthens your core and diaphragm. This type of breathing has been shown to decrease blood pressure and heart rate while enhancing memory and focus. Kundalini yoga also increases hormone production, balancing the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. It can produce a feeling of elation in addition to mental clarity and spiritual sovereignty.