How do you like your yoga?

Do you prefer a fast-paced workout, yoga with a strong emphasis on alignment or would you consider a slower-paced yoga class?

What is the benefit of going slow?

When you slow your pace down you get to feel what is going on in your body. Are you living with discomfort, maybe compensating for that discomfort (perhaps even subconsciously) in your day to day movements. When you go slow in yoga you get to feel which bits of your body need some care. You get to listen to your body.

Let your breath lead your pace

I always tell my students to allow their breath to lead the movement. What does that mean? – It means giving yourself time to breathe deeply and to match your body’s in-breath with the part of the movement that expands the body, and the out-breath with the relaxation part of the movement. Focusing on and working with the breath is key to your yoga practice. Slow down and listen to your breath.

Breathe deeply and go slower

The in breath and the out breath should be of equal length. The longer and deep your inhale and exhale, the deeper inside its energy can travel. Breath deeply and move slower.

Feel into your body

Slow yoga gives you time and permission to feel into your body. Notice the little things – the position of your feet, your hips, your spine. The tilt of your head, the rotation of your shoulders. Irregularities and differences between the right and the left. Time spent on you is not a luxury – it is a necessity if you want to maintain your body in best condition for your lifetime. You owe it to yourself and to those you love.

So How do you Like your Yoga?

My preference is slow and flowing – not just for the reasons above, but because I spend a considerable amount of time doing Crossfit – a combination of Olympic Weight-lifting, gymnastics and aerobic workouts. I want my yoga to be kind to my body, restorative and kind – time to focus on what is going on in my body and to help prevent injury.