The class begins with a warm welcome and a few moments of centering. This may involve a brief meditation or breathing exercise to help students arrive on their mats and become present in the moment. The class typically starts with a gentle warm-up sequence to prepare the body for more challenging postures.
Warm-ups often include simple stretches and movements that target different areas of the body. The heart of the class is the practice of yoga postures or asanas. The teacher guides students through a sequence of poses, providing clear and precise instructions for each posture. This includes information on alignment, proper technique, and any modifications or variations for different levels of practitioners. Throughout the class, the teacher emphasizes the importance of breath awareness. Students are encouraged to synchronize their breath with their movements, fostering mindfulness and creating a meditative quality in the practice. Teachers carefully plan the sequence of asanas to ensure a balanced practice.
Sequencing may include a combination of standing, seated, balancing, twisting, and inversion poses. The sequence often builds up to a peak pose or a specific focus. Teachers may demonstrate postures to provide a visual reference for students. Demonstrations help students understand the pose and its alignment better.
