New to yoga? We’ve got the best place to start--roll out your mat and count yourself in for our new beginner Slow Flow yoga classes. If you’ve ever found the pace of a normal flow a little too fast, these classes are a time when you can slow things down, allow your body to adjust, and really understand the shape each pose asks of you. To learn a little bit more about what to expect, Peloton Master yoga instructor Ross Rayburn answered our questions about this great addition to your yoga practice.
What is Slow Flow yoga and how can you use it within your practice?
Slow Flow is a new type of class where we slow things down a little for a few potential reasons. Some of the classes will slow down so we can dive a little deeper into the bio-mechanical intricacies that are hard to target in the faster moving flow classes. The reality for most of us is that it takes a little while for the mind to navigate complex movements and activate hard to find muscles, so students often end up just ignoring the instructions. This type of flow gives space for “deeper” yoga by accessing or realizing more of the instructions given and also deeper by having time to reflect and process what you are experiencing. That processing and reflecting time is crucial to more deeply imprint the healthy patterns you can cultivate in your yoga practice. Additionally, Slow Flow can bring a bit more of a chill vibe into the practice. Holding some of the end of class poses particularly like pigeon or the forward bending stretches can be a great addition to your practice.
Who would you recommend to take these classes?
The Slow Flow classes are designed with primarily three groups of people in mind. First, folks who are newer to yoga and will welcome just a bit more time to get in and out of the poses. The second group that will be attracted to Slow Flow are those interested in going deeper in the poses and exploring some of the more detailed bio-mechanical aspects. The third group are folks who are keen on simply slowing things down a little and who are attracted to a slower, chill pace of movement.
What can someone expect in a Slow Flow class?
The class structures will depend on both the level of the class and on the instructor's choices for that particular class. There are a variety of stylistic combinations potentially. One class could simply be a more chill, gentle flow. Another Slow Flow class could entail longer holds in the poses to promote stamina and deeper work within each pose but many of the classes will provide a mix of these. The instructor will forecast during the introduction what the class will include in order to give our Members an expectation before taking the class.
Why are these classes important?
We are so excited about branching off these Slow Flow classes as a way of broadening the yoga experience for our Members. Even though Slow Flow is still an umbrella term that includes a number of varieties, these classes will help build stamina by holding poses longer, deepen the mind-body connection with a pacing that allows the mind to catch up with the sometimes complex movements in yoga, and a fantastic way to balance the quick pace of modern life with deliciously sweet, slow movements.
Is there a cadence that you suggest someone uses to integrate these classes into their practice?
In terms of how often one should take these classes, the best answer is: as much as you like! If you’re someone who doesn’t like to go slow, probably best to do at least one Slow Flow every few weeks, to force some balance into your routine. If Slow Flow is your jam, enjoy it as much as you like, but don’t forget about the regular flow classes and the power classes since they provide other important elements to your full fitness regimen.
Count yourself in for the next Slow Flow class!
Team Peloton