Different styles of yoga class with Adapting Fitness
Chris Childs | FEB 20
There are a lot of different styles - some similar, some very different to others.
From fast to slow, energetic to relaxing.
Different poses with the same name and different names for the same pose.
Which one is best?
Whilst some styles are more accessible (and so less chance of injury) the truth is it depends on you - what you're looking for, how much you like it and most importantly how often will you practice it? Over time you may find you practice several styles and your current favourite now might not be your current favourite in a few year or so?
My classes do not follow strict formats that insist 'you can only practice this, do not try anything else'. Neither are they very repetitive.
Both of those things may be what you are looking for, for consistency perhaps - but it's not a way I teach yoga.
Below is a brief summary of the styles of yoga I teach.
Class Formats
Hatha yoga gives you enough time to be in a pose and listen to the cues to make any necessary adjustments, it also allows for the teacher to suggest adaptations.
It is a great starting point and usually classes are suitable for all levels from beginners to experienced yogis.
Power yoga can be a vigorous, fitness-based style of vinyasa yoga that links breath to movement in a flowing, dynamic sequence. It's often fast-paced, but it can also be slower, and holding the poses it's typically physically demanding, focusing on building strength, balance, and endurance through continuous motion.
Vinyasa links a sequence of moments, it can be dynamic and strong it can also be slow and gentle, but typically prior experience helps so you have more of an idea what exactly the teacher is trying to get you to do
Improving mobility - strength and flexibility.. Working muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. Poses are held for 2 - 5 minutes with a view to relax into the pose until you find a stretch and if the stretch eases off then try to relax further until you find a new gentle stretch.
In all my classes there is aspects of grounding, breath work, mindfulness, asana and relaxation.
Chris Childs | FEB 20
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