What To Expect in A Beginner Flow Class

Welcome! 

If you don't know this already, I've started teaching beginner level flows at Yoga & Co. in Des Moines. When you sign up for one of my classes, you'll see a description that looks something like this:

This beginner level class will work to improve strength, balance and flexibility by introducing foundational yoga poses matched with a focus on the breath. This class is great for those who are new to yoga; or those who are looking for a peaceful class to connect the mind and body. Classes are forty five minutes to an hour long, and may be accompanied with a brief meditation. 

But what does that mean, exactly? That's what this blog post is all about. Keep reading below to learn more about what the class includes and what you can expect if you decide to attend. 

Photo by Louise Vildmark on Unsplash

The structure for a beginner level class is as follows...

Class begins with the instructor and students seated on their mats. Typically, the instructor faces the students and mirrors their movements so that students are able to follow along throughout the class. I personally give a short introduction and welcome everyone to class. Then we will take a few moments to set an intention for our time together. 

Once we have our intention set, we will work through a brief pranayama, or breath practice. This is important because being aware of our breath while we are moving through our practice helps develop the mind and body connection. Not only does pranayama improve respiratory functions, but it allows us to develop an awareness of our mind, body and spirit. In many ways, this connection is the embodiment of what yoga represents.  

Once we finish our pranayama, we will begin flowing through asanas, or physical poses. We will start with gentle asanas that warm up the spine and hips and create heat in the body, continue to ones that challenge our balance and stability and then wind down with gentle stretches designed to cool the body.

The asanas that we will flow through together are building blocks that a student will take with them as they progress on their yoga journey. Foundational poses in a beginner flow include Mountain Pose, Downward Facing Dog, Child's Pose, Warrior II, Triangle and Corpse Pose, among others. This time of flowing through the poses together takes about thirty minutes, and is the largest section of the class.

All of the asanas in a beginner level flow are meant to be attainable and easily modified to fit each individual's skill level. The studio has plenty of blocks and bolsters to assist with modifying poses and queues are given to either advance the pose, or take it down a level if needed. It is so important to know that the focus of a beginner level flow is never on attaining the "perfect" pose. What's important is that we listen to our bodies, connect with them and leave class feeling better than we did when we showed up.

Last but not least, class ends in in Savasana - the final resting pose. Also known as "Corpse Pose," Savasana is a five to ten minute comfortable position that relaxes the student's mind and body. A brief meditation or guided body exercise may be read to students in the Savasana, or students may be given the time without interruption to be with their thoughts on their own. 

Students are allowed to come out of Savasana at their own pace. You can't rush relaxation! Once we are finished, there is usually plenty of time to ask questions about a certain pose or visit with peers.  

Do you have any questions about beginner level classes? I'd love to hear them! Leave a comment below, and thank you for taking time to get familiar with the class structure. If you're ready to join a beginner level flow, check out the days and times I'm teaching at Yoga & Co. on their website. I'll be teaching Thursday, July 21st at 6 p.m. and the August schedule should be coming out soon.

-Kay