How to choose a yoga class

Yoga has become a very popular evening class. It is relaxing, helps improve posture, flexibility and, depending on the style of yoga, can offer a hard workout. Choosing the right yoga class is important, as if you start with one which is unsuitable you could become disillusioned very quickly, and stop going.

Hatha yoga

Hatha yoga classes are a good introduction to yoga if you haven’t attended classes before. Hatha yoga is one of the most popular styles and the classes are usually gentle, the pace is slow, and Hatha yoga is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced yoga students.

Ashtanga yoga

Ashtanga yoga classes follow a pattern of set movements in the same order. Ashtanga means ‘8 limbs’ in Sanskrit and the classes are usually fast and hard work. Power yoga is similar to Ashtanga but the sequence of movements isn’t as strict.

Vinyasa yoga

Another word you might see related to yoga classes is Vinyasa. This is a general term and means “breath synchronised movement”. Vinyasa yoga could cover many types but the focus is on movements matched to breathing. It is usually a little more energetic than Hatha yoga and is based on Sun Salutations movements.

Kundalini yoga

Kundalini yoga is increasing in popularity. It is believed to allow the energy in the body to flow more freely. Breathing with the movements is important in Kundalini yoga. The movements are repeated, sometimes quickly, and the classes may include some form of chanting.

Iyengar yoga

Iyengar yoga classes are more concerned with the position and posture of the body in the movements. You would be advised to have a level of suppleness before you start these classes as Iyengar yoga often involves staying in positions for a long time. Straps and other accessories are often used to help with the body alignment.

Conclusion

There are other, less common types of yoga that you may encounter when looking for yoga classes in your area. Bikram yoga is practiced in a room at 95-100 degrees to cause sweating which is seen to be cleansing. Anusara yoga emphasises bodily position and a positive philosophy. There are also a number of other yoga styles which are rarer in the UK. The important thing when choosing a yoga class is to speak to the teacher and ask if it is suitable for your level. If you are new to it, especially if you have any health problems or physical injuries, it is advisable to speak to your GP for advice before you start.

Paula is a qualified EFL teacher who has taught in the UK and abroad. She has also taught adult literacy and numeracy in prisons and is now combining a small amount of private teaching with writing.