Which Yoga Class is right for me?
One question I am often asked is “Which yoga class is right for me” and in the world of Yoga there so many choices it can seem overwhelming to decide on your own not only which style is best for you, but also which teachers you vibe with the most. So, here is a quick snapshot of our key yoga classes and what to expect from each style. I hope this explanation helps you make the right decision for you but remember, no one should feel reluctant about joining any of our classes. We encourage everyone to work at their own pace no matter what their level.
If you are still not sure, please join me in one of our Yoga Fundamentals Classes that we run exclusively for new students and students starting back to yoga after an extended period. You will learn the fundamentals of yoga postures and breathing techniques, as well as gain insight into the principles of yoga philosophy. In the supportive and fun environment of this class will provide you with the necessary information to identify the best class for you to enjoy a rewarding yoga practice.
I am delighted to begin another fall season of Yoga and look forward to seeing everyone again.
Namaste,
Tina
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HATHA YOGA
Hatha yoga is the classical form of yoga postures and breathing The practice incorporates the same sequences as Ashtanga and Vinyasa but in a slower flow. Students will not rush through the steps but will enjoy the beauty of each pose. Even though Hatha is a slower flow it is by no means easy. This is a full body workout for all levels that can be as challenging as you need it to be. This style of yoga is my personal favorite, it uplifts the mind and body, improves muscle tone, flexibility and focus, aligns, balances and calms and helps with cleansing and stress relief. The physical postures and deep breath work prepare your body for a state of deep relaxation and meditation and you will leave feeling refreshed and renewed.
VINYASA YOGA
The term “Vinyasa” is a Sanskrit word used to define the sequence in the sun salutation series of… chaturanga, up dog, down dog, all linked to breath. This sequence builds upper body strength and heat in the body, while stretching the legs and relaxing the spine. Smooth flows using the breath as a guide, create a dance-like practice. Vinyasa yoga gets us moving, builds lean muscle to create beautiful definition, re-energizes your body all the while focusing and relaxing your mind. Many students feel this style of Yoga Improves creativity and fluid thinking through a wide variety of poses
YIN YOGA
Yin Yoga involves a deep practice of floor postures that are held from three to five minutes at a time. There are only about thirty six postures in Yin Yoga, therefore in a full Yin class you can expect to do an average of fifteen poses. This yields a greater range of motion, healing flow of energy, calmer hearts and minds, it will improves your stamina and enhances flexibility in your joints & connective tissue.
RESTORATIVE YOGA
Restorative Yoga can be done even if you are ill or recovering from an injury. It incorporates props and there is no muscular contraction involved. The result is to create openness and softness in parts of the body that are tight or hardened. During a restorative Yoga sequence, you will stretch, by relaxing fully in the stretch so that tension can slowly be released. The benefits of Tina Coleman Yoga restorative practice are definitely not subtle as it enhances flexibility, deeply relaxes, quiets the mind, improves capacity for healing and balancing. It uplifts and reconnects us to compassion for ourselves and others, it is a class not to be missed.
HOT YOGA
Hot yoga refers to yoga performed under hot and humid conditions and it is for those students who want a more intense workout and for those who want to develop strength, flexibility and tone along with a cardiovascular workout. Most of our classes are conducted in a room heated to 28 Celsius with a combined level of humidity so the room is not like a sauna but more like a tropical environment. The heat amplifies certain elements of a yoga practice like detoxification, with more sweat comes release of toxins from the body; the muscles also get warmed up faster thereby allowing ease into postures in which tight muscles may not always find as simple to get into; and activity in the heat does increase breathing and the heart rate so a hot yoga practice has an increased cardiovascular component compared to other styles of yoga. Putting the heat together with yoga postures makes this practice one that focuses on Flexibility, Strength, Endurance, and Focus.
TENNIS BALL THERAPY YOGA
Think yellow! Think tennis balls! Dancers have long used tennis ball self-massage to work out their kinked-up muscles and in this unique and wonderful class we walk our students thru myofascial release techniques to help you relieve tightness, increase your mobility and release chronic tension that plagues the body. If you need to relax tight calf muscles, loosen your hamstrings, release tension in your back, deepen your hip flexibility or all of the above this class may be for you.
