So many styles, so little time!

Today I taught a new class with attendees who haven’t done yoga before. I explain what my classes are, with the title of what it is and what it’s all about. Today I was asked ‘What is the type of yoga - Hatha? And how is that different?’ (If you’d like more on this I can do it).

Why do I list the style of yoga?

So if you know what yoga is all about I’ll call it Hatha or Vinyasa or Yin and those who are familiar with those words and names will know what to expect in that class. I feel that this is important as I want to know this. Recently I went to a Hot Slow Flow class and I was irritated. It was not slow or had a flow. Yoga is all about making your day to day life easier. I want to work hard to understand what I need. For example - if I’m tired and I mean really tired - I want restorative or Yin. If I have energy to burn and I can’t get out of my own head - I want some Vinyasa. It’s important to get what I want.

How does naming classes help newbies?

With the help of a description I can further explain what the class is and then over time, it will begin to make sense. Much like the postures and movements begin to make sense so do the words associated with that type of movement.

Is it important to name your classes with the different types of yoga and where they come from?

I feel that it is, I want people to know what to expect when they walk in. I think it’s important to know what you are teaching and the lineage of that style. Yoga has given me so much and I always want to honour the past and give a nod of respect as to where it’s come from.

Isn’t it all a bit objective though?

Yup! One woman’s Hatha is another woman’s Vinyasa. I really respect the yoga practitioner Pip Roberts who owns NOW yoga studio in Bristol. On her timetable she just lists ‘yoga’ for all classes as her ideology is that every yoga practitioner will be different and she’s not wrong. It’s all about getting to know the teacher, how they teach and if you suit that vibe.

For me and my brain, I want to know exactly what I’m walking into. I want as much information as possible now I know what kind of practice I’m looking for.