Yin Yoga is a type of yoga that focuses on holding poses for longer periods of time, typically ranging from 3-5 minutes or even longer. It is a slow-paced and meditative style of yoga that targets the connective tissues of the body, such as the ligaments, fascia, and joints, rather than the muscles. The practice often involves seated or lying down postures, and the goal is to surrender into the pose and find a deep sense of relaxation and release.

Yin Yoga has numerous benefits, including:

• Improved flexibility: By holding poses for longer periods of time, the connective tissues are able to stretch and become more pliable, leading to improved flexibility over time.
• Stress relief: Yin Yoga is a meditative practice that encourages relaxation and helps to calm the mind. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Increased circulation: The deep, slow breathing in Yin Yoga can help to increase blood flow and circulation throughout the body.
• Better joint mobility: Yin Yoga can help to increase joint mobility and range of motion, especially in areas of the body that are prone to stiffness or tightness.
• Enhanced energy flow: Yin Yoga is based on the concept of meridians in traditional Chinese medicine, which are energy channels that run through the body. By stretching and releasing tension in these areas, energy can flow more freely throughout the body.

Overall, Yin Yoga is a gentle yet powerful practice that can help to improve flexibility, reduce stress, and promote overall health and wellbeing.

Vinyasa flow yoga is a type of yoga that emphasises the connection between breath and movement, and the flowing transitions between poses. In a vinyasa flow class, students typically move through a series of postures that are coordinated with their breath, with each movement flowing smoothly into the next. The postures can range from gentle and restorative to more challenging and strength-building.

Some of the benefits of practicing vinyasa flow yoga include:

• Improved flexibility and strength: The flowing nature of vinyasa yoga helps to stretch and tone the muscles, improving flexibility and building strength.
• Stress reduction: The focus on breath and movement in vinyasa yoga can help to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.
• Increased cardiovascular health: The continuous movement and coordination of breath and movement in vinyasa yoga can provide a cardiovascular workout, improving heart health and circulation.
• Better balance and coordination: The flowing transitions between poses in vinyasa yoga can improve balance and coordination, which can be especially beneficial for older adults.
• Mind-body connection: Vinyasa yoga encourages practitioners to be fully present in the moment and to connect with their body and breath, promoting a deeper sense of awareness and mindfulness.

Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic, physically demanding, and rhythmic sequence of postures that is based on the eight limbs described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Each limb has a specific aim to help one understand and control the mind and physical body to achieve a state known as samadhi, or “union.” The Ashtanga sequence is performed continuously, with each pose flowing into the next, beginning and ending with a specific set of poses.

Some benefits of practicing Ashtanga yoga may include:

• Improved physical fitness: Ashtanga yoga can help to improve physical fitness, including strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance.
• Stress reduction: The intense physical practice combined with breath control can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, promote relaxation, and increase mental clarity.
• Increased self-awareness: The practice of Ashtanga yoga encourages practitioners to be fully present in the moment and to become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations.
• Inner peace and clarity: The practice of Ashtanga yoga can help to quiet the mind and promote inner peace and clarity, leading to improved focus and concentration.
• Spiritual growth: Ashtanga yoga can help to promote spiritual growth and self-discovery by encouraging practitioners to connect with their inner selves and their connection to the world around them.