Yoga classes are a great way to get to know other people in your community while also learning to breathe properly, balance and focus. But if you’re planning on joining a class, make sure to talk to the teacher ahead of time and let them know about any injuries or reservations you may have.
Beginner
Beginner yoga classes offer the basics of movement, stretching and breath work. They can also build strength and balance. You might notice that your flexibility improves as you move and stretch in new ways. This increased flexibility may help alleviate joint pain, while better posture helps you walk, sit and stand taller.
If you’re a beginner, look for beginner-level yoga classes that are short in duration. Longer classes require too much endurance, which can be a challenge for the novice yogi.
A hatha yoga class typically moves at a slow, deliberate pace, which can be more comfortable for beginners. These classes might incorporate breathing exercises and a variety of poses, including seated postures, standing poses and floor stretches. Look for a class that offers props — blocks, bolsters and straps — to make the poses more accessible to beginners. Then, “be patient with your progress,” says Bar. “Your body isn’t going to change overnight.” If you are unsure of what type of class to take, ask the instructor for advice.
Intermediate
Whether you’re a beginner yogi or have some yoga experience, these classes are for you. Also known as beginner medium, these classes build on the foundation of basic poses like cobra and warrior I and II by adding a little challenge to your practice.
This meditative class features slow movements to warm the body and release tension, breathing techniques to calm the mind, and simple postures that build strength and balance. Beginners and seasoned practitioners alike will enjoy the healing benefits of this practice.
The shoulder joint is complex and often prone to tightness, which can cause pain and injury. This therapeutic class uses a series of shoulder-opening poses to help relieve stiffness and increase mobility in this area of the body. You’ll find yourself able to move more freely in your yoga practice and life. This class is perfect for beginners, intermediates, or anyone looking to improve shoulder flexibility.
Advanced
The term advanced yoga is often misunderstood. Unlike other physical practices such as gymnastics or bodybuilding where one is competing with others for the quickest time, most yoga classes are open to students of all experience levels. It is not about how quickly you can move through postures but rather about the depth of your understanding of them and what they offer to your practice and life.
Depending on the source, yoga has anywhere from 84 to 8.4 million postures. However, only a limited number of these are considered “classical” poses with 200 postures being agreed upon by BKS Iyengar’s Light on Yoga. There are also a variety of more challenging poses, including backbends and arm balances such as handstands, dancer’s pose and crow pose. It takes years of dedicated, disciplined practice to be able to move into these postures.
Specialty
For some individuals, the benefits of yoga are mental and emotional rather than physical. Yoga can quiet the mind, relax muscles and reduce stress. It is also a weight-bearing exercise that can help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and improve joint health.
For people with back problems, yoga is a safe form of exercise that can strengthen the core and promote flexibility. Miller recommends that instructors receive specific training to work with back issues and incorporate the use of props, like a chair or the yoga wall, into classes.
A specialized class can attract a different group of students to your clinic, which can lead to more revenue and increased client satisfaction. Make sure you emphasize the uniqueness of your specialized classes in the class description so potential students know what to expect. This is especially important if your specialized classes are the only ones available in town.