4 Types Of Yoga For A Slow Paced And Calming Practice

Yoga is one of the best things to do to improve the health of your body and mind. A yoga practice allows us to de-stress, feel peaceful and release endorphins. What’s more, yoga has so many physical benefits, including improving your posture, toning your body, improving your strength, and becoming more flexible. There are various different types of yoga from the gentle styles to the dynamic. For those looking for a slow-paced and calming practice, try one of these four options.

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Yin Yoga 

Yin yoga is the slowest paced yoga class that there is, expect plenty of floor poses, and holding each posture for a long time. In a Yin class, you typically hold a passive pose for five minutes; the idea is that the pose stimulates your deep tissues and joints. Yin classes are designed to offer improved circulation and deep stretches instead of cardio. Some yoga centers offer Yin-Yang classes that combine a slow-paced practice (Yin) with a faster and high- energy practice (Yang).

Restorative Yoga 

Throughout a restorative yoga class, you’ll use six poses, which you hold for up to ten minutes (passively). Your yoga teacher will give you props to support you and ensure that you are comfortable in each pose. Typical postures involve backbends, folds, or twists. It’s somewhat similar to Yin yoga; however, the focus is on helping those with injuries. Despite this, anyone can attend a Restorative class.

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Hatha

Hatha is perfect for beginners, or yogis who like a slow-paced and calming practice. Hatha classes use the basic yoga postures as a foundation, so these classes are an excellent place to learn the ropes. Hatha classes teach you about pranayama, which refers to breathing methods, and asanas- meaning yoga poses. The idea of Hatha is to balance the energies of the moon and sun. Expect nourishing poses such as downward dog, cobra, warrior II, and tree pose. Though Hatha is fairly gentle, it’s still possible to work up a sweat and improve your fitness levels.

Kundalini

Kundalini yoga uses many of the same poses as a Hatha class, though Kundalini tends to have a stronger meditation aspect. It’s said that kundalini energy exists in the base of the spine; the goal is to move the energy into the different chakras. Throughout a kundalini class, you usually focus on breathing methods like ‘alternate nostril breathing’.

Regular yoga practice is a fantastic way to improve your wellness and upgrade your health mindset.

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Yoga prep 

To prepare for your first yoga class, you’ll need the right kind of yoga wear; the most important thing is a quality pair of leggings! You’ll want to choose leggings that are sweat-wicking, that provide compression, and that are non-see through. For an excellent range of leggings and other activewear check out Curves apparel. Besides the gear, yoga is best combined with a mediation practice. To get you started, you can try using apps such as Calm or Headspace.

Many yoga studios are now reopening their doors as the pandemic restrictions are lifted. To help protect yourself in a post-COVID environment, it’s advisable to take your own mat and props to a class.

by Contributing Author