Your friend recommended that you try yoga for stress relief and relaxation. So, you walked into a yoga class and developed a slight case of shock when you found out the yoga was fast, hard, and unbelievably challenging.
What happened?
Yoga has changed, and in recent years a multitude of yoga styles compete for the attention of fitness nuts and yoga addicts. A lot of modern yoga is focused on working out. If you want relaxing yoga, you need to specifically look for a style of yoga that focuses on that.
3 Styles of Easy-Going Yoga for Relaxation
Not all yoga is the same. If you are looking for a relaxing yoga class, you won’t find it in a “Vinyasa Flow” class. Instead, try these styles of yoga:
1. Hatha Yoga
While this depends on the teacher and the yoga studio, a class labeled “Hatha Yoga” will tend to be a bit slower and less strenuous than anything with “Flow” at the end of it. Hatha Yoga classes may tend to be a bit more traditional in style. You might practice one pose, take a little break, and then practice the next one.
2. Gentle Yoga
Don’t be put off by the term “gentle.” If you want to focus on relaxation, stretching, and just a little bit of strengthening, these are great classes to take for all ages. They are especially good for seniors who don’t have much experience with yoga.
3. Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga is a great option for people with injuries or other chronic conditions that make it challenging to do a regular yoga class involving standing and getting up and down off a mat.
4. Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga is the ultimate in relaxation yoga. You don’t have to work to do anything. The teacher gives you a pose to marinate in for anywhere from 5-30 minutes. You are propped up with bolsters, blankets, and straps, to rest in a cozy, relaxing atmosphere.
5. Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is actually the toughest type of yoga in this list, and it may actually be a bit strenuous depending on the teacher. In this style of yoga, you are given a pose to hold for a lengthy period of time. Some of these postures can require a bit of strength to hold. However, this is a good type of class to try if you need to stretch your muscles and improve your flexibility.
There is a Yoga Style for Everyone
While some gyms offer slower yoga classes, they tend to have more fitness-oriented ones. You may have to check a variety of local yoga studios in your area to find a yoga class that provides that perfect level of stretching and relaxation. Don’t give up! If you can’t find something locally, you can find plenty of yoga videos online. The styles listed here are just a small sampling of what is available. There is a yoga style for everyone, for people of all ages, levels of fitness, and abilities.
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