Definition, Benefits and Styles • Yoga Basics

It might sound strange, but to me, that bright and relaxed feeling that we often associate with yoga didn't come from a slow yoga practice. It came after kicking my bum in a sweaty, strength-oriented asana class. Not only did my powerful, fast yoga practice provide physical and mental relief, but I also assumed that the remaining pain in my hips and hamstrings the next day meant I was doing everything right. Fortunately, I soon discovered that gentle yoga offers the same great feelings without all of the sweat, aches and pains.

What is gentle yoga?

Gentle yoga is essentially what it sounds like – a gentler style of hatha yoga practice. It is done more slowly with less intense positions and usually involves longer periods of meditation, yoga breath work, and relaxation. A gentle class usually involves more warm-up movements, and the yoga postures are often held longer. Changes are being made to help people of all fitness levels enjoy the benefits of yoga without exposing themselves to the risk of injury. In these classes, there is more emphasis on stretching, seated poses, and low impact movements.

Practicing yoga more slowly, more gently, allows a person to move at a comfortable pace, does not force them to do anything that may make them uncomfortable, and puts less strain on their muscles and joints.

Gentle yoga can be practiced by almost anyone, regardless of age or physical condition. It's especially good for people with injuries, pain, mobility, or health issues. A gentle yoga practice is a great choice for anyone who is afraid of not being flexible or fit enough to do the yoga poses.

Benefits of gentle yoga

Gentle yoga with an emphasis on breathing and calm reflection allows us to feel flexible in our body, relaxed in our mind, and calm in our nervous system. Gentler practices often offer rewards: mental, physiological, and spiritual rejuvenation without having to endure the sweat and tears first.

To some people, the thought of a gentle yoga class may seem boring or not beneficial physically or mentally. But I assure you, whether you choose a relaxing, yin, or slow hatha yoga class, your body will benefit in many ways. A gentler style of yoga calms the nervous system so that the parasympathetic nervous system can be activated. This promotes better digestion, a reduction in stress levels, and an improved ability to relax and heal. These courses are perfect for people who have trouble falling asleep at night, who constantly go through their to-do lists during lunch breaks, or whose bodies feel tense and restless.

If you're a power or hot yoga junkie who has doubts about trying a gentler exercise, you know you don't have to throw away your sweat sessions entirely. Doing a gentle, restorative, or yin exercise just once a week can help you keep your body balanced, avoid yoga burnout, and get to know your body and mind in different ways. And think this way, if you are genuinely unable to practice gentle yoga, there may be some valuable lessons you can learn there. Once you've limited yourself to one type of yoga, you should think about going beyond that limitation and opening up to a new, slower form of practice.

Who is gentle yoga for?

• Beginners who want to start a simple and slow class
• People with limited fitness, strength, mobility or flexibility
• senior citizens
• Students with chronic health problems or injuries
• Pregnant woman
• Obese students
• Patients recovering from surgery or chemotherapy
• Anyone who wants to experience a slow, mindful, and meditative practice

Gentle yoga styles

There are many different types of gentle courses that you can explore. Everyone has a unique pace and style of movement. Explore them all to find the class that best fits your personality, personal needs, and goals.

1. Yin
   Contrary to what it sounds like, Yin Yoga is not exactly "easy". In this class, students hold poses (mostly on the floor) for 3-5 minutes each to gain access to deep layers of muscle and achieve deep physical release. For some, the time they spend in one pose can be mentally challenging and help improve focus and focus. Yin yoga is especially good for yogis who often practice more sporty styles of yoga. If you incorporate a yin yoga class or a few yin yoga poses during the week, you will likely feel more balanced in your body.
2. Relaxing yoga
   These classes may feel more like a nap than yoga for the uninitiated, but my advice? Just take part. In recovery classes, students hold poses for up to 10 minutes (or more), supported by props, to allow your body to relax completely. The goal of restorative yoga is not necessarily to stretch, but to give in to the opening with support so that your muscles, nervous system, and mind can really let go and relax.
3. Kripalu
   This yoga school teaches classes that are generally mindful and gentle. Kripalu classes are often referred to as "meditation on the move" as they emphasize meditation, mindfulness and breathing work. Students are encouraged to explore and observe the energetic aspects of the practice.
4. Chair yoga
   This class uses one chair for most or all of the yoga postures. A folding chair is used as a support, making this a very easy class for the elderly and those with medical conditions.
5. Gently
   Gentle yoga classes can take many forms, but typically, gentle classes use basic yoga poses in slow, low-impact ways. You might find yourself flowing from pose to pose. Or you can stick to one pose for longer. Without a doubt, you will stretch, breathe, and feel rejuvenated as you walk out the door.

Is gentle on you

Gentle yoga is a style of yoga that will best help students who are injured, older, or just starting out. Gentle yoga is a great choice for people who want to try yoga but are afraid of not being flexible or fit enough to do so. As with any physical activity, it is important to choose a style of yoga that suits your current physical and mental condition.

Conclusion

Like most yogis, I fell in love with yoga because this is how I felt. I used to think I had to push my body to release pent-up energy and find relaxation. It took a while, but eventually I realized that there is more than one way to feel great after a yoga session. While still practicing athletic yoga styles such as Ashtanga and Vinyasa, I have created a more balanced yoga practice by regularly attending classes in various gentle yoga styles.