Like we mentioned, there’s no standard format for a vinyasa class. You’ll flow through a variety of poses, some of which may be new to you. Most often, the class length will be obvious when you sign up if it’s not clear, call the studio and ask. That said, some classes may be longer (up to 90 minutes) and others may be shorter (say, 30 minutes). But in general, classes are close to an hour, says Parikh. There’s no one set time period for a vinyasa class. Classes typically range from 45 to 60 minutes. That’s why if you have a less-than-stellar first-time experience, Briggs suggests trying out at least one more vinyasa class before deciding whether vinyasa is right for you. It may take a few tries to find a teacher you click with. Lastly, Briggs suggests finding an instructor you like and relate to in some way-someone who makes class an enjoyable experience for you, whether that’s because they have the same sense of humor, energy level, or taste in music. “If the teacher is really able-bodied and has been athletic their whole life, they may have a little bit of trouble relating to a beginner”-versus somebody who has had a major injury or doesn’t come from an athletic background-says Parikh. If accessibility is a concern for you, it might be worth looking for a yoga teacher who emphasizes that in their practice and has either lived experience or training around yoga for various body types and ability levels. Folks trained in yoga therapy may also be well suited for beginners, Parikh adds. Someone who has 200 or 300 hours of training in those areas will likely be better at teaching beginners than someone without that training, says Parikh. Ask the studio if their teachers have taken extra hours (and if so, how many) of anatomy, kinesiology, or movement science classes, says Parikh. When it comes to finding a good teacher, keep an eye out for certain credentials. Finding the right fit with your instructor can enhance your experience. “Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions ahead of time,” encourages Parikh, “because, ultimately, that will give you a better experience.” 3. If it isn’t obvious (or you aren’t sure) what a class level is, call the studio and ask questions like: I’m new-is this class good for beginners? What teacher would you recommend for new students? Is it okay to ask questions during this class? Will we be walking through the poses one by one to get a handle of what they are? Does the teacher spend time in the poses themselves explaining what I should be feeling? Some studios have a rating system-for instance, five stars is the most challenging class and one star is the easiest-that can help you find beginner-friendly classes, adds Burgos. Slow flow classes are good for beginners because they are taught at a gentler pace that allows you to build body awareness and really learn poses before adding speed, explains Parikh. To find a class in the former category, look for the words “slow flow,” suggests Parikh. There are lots of different types of vinyasa classes, including some that are better for beginners and others that are better suited to advanced practitioners. Not all vinyasa classes are beginner-friendly. Learn more about the origins and history of yoga here. So as you unfurl your mat in vinyasa, know “there’s a lot more besides just moving your body in poses,” says Briggs. The other seven limbs, however, are equally essential to yoga. In general, the Western practice of yoga mostly emphasizes just one of the eight connected limbs- asana, the physical limb. Together, all eight practices comprise yoga, which means union in Sanskrit, Rina Deshpande, Ed.M., MS.T., E-RYT 500 certified yoga teacher, previously told SELF. Yoga is about more than just physical poses.Ĭlassical yoga-called raja yoga-includes eight limbs, or kinds of practice. Now that you know what vinyasa is, here are 11 insights from yoga experts that will help you get the most out of your time on the mat. The bottom line: “We don't have a lot of evidence to say exactly where and when it started,” says Parikh. But Krishnamacharya himself said that his teachings actually came from ancient texts and his guru, according to a 2007 profile on Krishnamacharya’s legacy in Yoga Journal. Some theories say vinyasa yoga is no older than 100 to 150 years and that it started with a teacher named Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. As for the origins of vinyasa? They’re really contested, says Parikh.
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