With so many styles of yoga available, it is easy to understand how some people might feel confused about choosing the ‘right’ yoga class and teacher for their specific needs. After a decade of sometimes painful, frustrating and wonderful yoga experiences and even a trip to India seeking the truth, I have learned to just keep it simple.
Deciding what style of yoga and teacher you need is an important step to keep a safe yoga practice that compliments your needs on a physical, spiritual and mental level.
Choosing A Yoga Class Style That Suits Your Age and Fitness
Choosing the right class for you can depend on some of the following factors; your age, personality, constitution, lifestyle, schedule, location, physical fitness, mental clarity, etc. For example, if you already have an established cardiovascular fitness regimen, but a stressful lifestyle, then you may consider a more gentle and restorative class to balance your well being. On the other hand, if you are young and fit and need to burn off excess energy, then you might consider a more vigorous practice. If you are a senior, you may need a more gentle practice style with a focus on stretching, strengthening and balance. Perhaps you can blend all the above by combining both challenging and relaxing styles, as I often like to do depending on what will bring me into balance, by balancing both Yin and Yang styles of yoga.
Consider Your Physical Health and Mental Attitude
Also, be sure you and your teacher both understand any health imbalances you are dealing with. Injuries, medication, and disabilities may call for poses to be modified or avoided. In dealing with an old hip and back injury I often need to sit on several blankets or even a chair for a lengthy seated meditation or to avoid any hip stretches if my hip is feeling aggravated. I also avoid any classes that are labeled ‘flow’, ‘Ashtanga’ or ‘Vinyasa’ when my back or hip feels irritated or vulnerable to prevent me from overdoing it. These styles are often vigorous with many forward bends that can be unsuitable for back injuries and/or senior practitioners. On the other hand, I may practice this style if I am feeling balanced and practice carefully.
Overall, take special care in finding both a class and teacher that are safe and interesting for you, so you may safely deepen your practice and bring your self into harmony, whilst considering any injuries you may have that require an appropriate yoga style. Sometimes it takes time to find the right class and teacher that suites your needs.
Its All About Balance
Be mindful and aware of your special needs and what it is YOU need to bring yourself into balance and try NOT to follow what the ‘latest yoga trend’ or even your ego may suggest. Remember, yoga is about bringing harmony and balance to your mind and body. It is not just a physical practice, but a means to prepare the mind for meditation. Even if it is all done sitting in a chair, it is still Yoga.
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Kathleen, great post. I absolutely agree with everything you say. While I absolutely love my hot flow yoga practice, sometimes I just need a restorative class. You have to listen to your body!!
It is all about the “balance”