With so many styles of yoga available, it is easy to feel confused about choosing the right yoga class and teacher for your specific needs. Many students ask what kind of yoga should I do? 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 kind 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.
What Kind of Yoga Will Suit 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 and mental clarity can all input into the decision. 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, when deciding what kind of yoga you do on any particular day, 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. But, make sure to consider any injuries you may have that require an appropriate yoga style.
Its All About Balance
Sometimes it takes time to find the right class and teacher that suites your needs and what kind of yoga you do will also change with your varying needs and abilities over time. We aren’t always ready and capable. Be mindful and aware of your special needs and what it is YOU need to bring yourself into balance, 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.
