Slow Flow Yoga
The Slow Flow yoga style is a meditative form of Yoga, which synchronises movement and breath together at a gentle pace to help you find space between poses. The movements accompanied with the breath retain a rhythmical, flowing feel to the class whilst the slow pace enables you to drop deeper into the postures.
Slow Flow classes are a combination of Vinyasa Flow (see below) and Hatha yoga, with fewer transitions than Vinyasa yoga and more flow than Hatha yoga.
What can I expect in a Slow Flow class?
In the Slow Flow classes, we open with a mindfulness meditation, followed by postures that are linked together in a flowing sequence. Each session will focus on a different theme e.g. releasing tension from the neck and shoulders, developing flexibility in the hamstrings and hips or they may focus on a particular posture. There is a focus on the breath throughout the class, with long, deep breaths to promote relaxation and a sense of calm. Postures are generally held for several breaths and as we move, we synchronise movement and the breath together. All classes finish with a lovely, relaxation leaving you feeling calm and rested.
Benefits
Each class will provide a well-rounded practise, improving strength and flexibility for the whole body. The slower pace helps to create strength and balance whilst activating the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the body’s “rest and digest” system, which can bring a sense of calm and peace. The mindfulness approach of this class will enable you to observe the sensations in the body and to notice the activity of the mind so you can create more space in between thoughts and make a conscious choice as to how to respond to anything that arises, both internal (in the mind) and external (in life).
The more gentle nature of this class is great for beginners, but is also wonderful for intermediate and advanced students who feel like slowing it down and sinking deeper into their practice.
Try Yoga Bradford Slow Flow classes online!
Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Vinyasa means “breath synchronised movement” and in this yoga style the postures are linked together in a flowing sequence. This (often) fast-paced, dynamic, flowing sequence is designed to build strength, stamina, flexibility and focus.
What can I expect in a Vinyasa Flow class?
Each Vinyasa Flow class will have a particular focus each week e.g. core strength, working on opening the hips, arm balances etc. therefore the pace, intensity and sequences will vary from class to class. Some classes will lead you through a slower, alignment-based sequence so you explore each posture in more depth. Whereas other classes may be more vigorous with fast movement-based postures and sequences. In every class it is the breath that is the central focus and is the anchor around which everything flows and postures will be held for a varying number of breaths. This is a challenging yoga style so expect to move and sweat!
Each class will vary in the postures included but will still include a wide range of movements to increase strength and flexibility and enough repetition each week to develop familiarity with the postures and aid progression from week to week. All classes finish with a lovely (well-deserved!) relaxation leaving you feeling calm and at ease.
Benefits
This dynamic style builds strength, stamina, endurance and cardiovascular fitness and the postures develop tone and flexibility in the muscles. The focus on the breath means that this style of yoga can feel like a moving meditation, enabling you to tune into the sensations in the body and the thoughts and reactions that arise in the mind. When you become aware of these habitual patterns, you have the potential and opportunity to make changes that can change the way you behave and feel, on and off the mat, bringing a sense of peace and calm.
Try Yoga Bradford Vinyasa Flow classes online!
View our Timetable for more information.