There are as many ways to do yoga as there are species of bugs in the mountains. And the more people that take yoga classes, the more eclectic the variety becomes. These days, there really is a yoga class for everyone. Here’s a list of some of the more interesting non-traditional yoga classes we’ve seen offered:
Two’s Company
Partner yoga
classes reach beyond traditional classes, allowing you to have another person provide support and
assistance while you move through various yoga postures. And you get to be
that support for someone as well. Partner yoga is an ideal way for coupled
yogis to strengthen and deepen their connection, as the added elements of touch
and communication (both verbal and non-verbal) heighten the experience. But it’s
just as fulfilling an experience with a friend or casual acquaintance. Partner
yoga is often playful and fun and sometimes includes Thai massages techniques.
Up in the Air
Anti-gravity or aerial yoga classes get your feet off the ground and take your yoga practice to new heights. Literally! In these classes you’ll use a hammock-like piece of cloth which is suspended from the ceiling to practice your yoga asanas. This approach takes the pressure off your joints and allows you to explore your strength and flexibility from a new perspective.
Trained instructors show you how to position yourself in the hammock (sometimes called a sling or swing) as well how to move safely using aerial arts techniques. For many practitioners the added challenge is perfect complement to their mat practice helping them build core and upper body strength.
Some yogis like to combine partner yoga and aerial yoga in a style known as Acro Yoga.
Down Dog, Down
Have you
ever noticed how happy your dog seems
after a good stretch: tail in the air, front paws down, rear end wiggling?
Our canine friends seem to be natural yogis — or dogies
— as the
leaders of many dog yoga classes call them.
“Doga” classes allow you to enjoy practicing yoga alongside your best friend, helping to guide him into the poses and performing routines that mimic a dog’s natural stretching movements. They’re a fun way to move past the usual taking-your-dog-for-a-walk fitness routine, and you’ll both reap the benefits of yoga, meditation, and massage while strengthening your bond.
Anarchy in the YOGA
If you’re not a fan of following the rules and going along with the crowd, punk rock yoga classes might be right for you. Punk rock yoga classes combine a mix of styles and allow you to adapt and explore them to find what works for you.
And then, of course, there’s the music: far from the usual soft, quiet music found in many yoga classes, punk rock yoga classes are set to something a little louder, a little more chaotic, creating a unique balance with the relaxing nature of yoga.
The Bare Essentials
Part of yoga is being at peace with yourself and the world around you. Naked yoga takes that one step further, encouraging participants to be at peace with their natural bodies. Not only do nude yoga classes allow you to practice without the restrictions of waistbands, they also allow you to embrace the grace and beauty of your body.
Nude yoga classes are conducted in a quiet, respectful environment. The focus is on the strength, power, and freedom of the human body; it is not a sexual atmosphere. If you aren’t ready for naked yoga classes you can try it in the comfort of your own home. However you practice yoga, your body deserves your love and acceptance.