Yoga Class Structure

Understanding the structure of a yoga class

In 2004, the medical journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found that an estimated 15 million Americans have participated in yoga in their lifetime. While many Americans attend yoga classes, few understand how these classes are structured and why.

Opening

The first section of a yoga class is known as the opening section and typically lasts 5 minutes. Exercises in the opening section are intended to relax participants and begin to stretch the muscles in the body.

Warmup

The second phase of a yoga class, known as warmup, moves through a longer set of introductory poses and lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. This phase focuses on engaging all muscles groups in preparation for more strenuous work.

Standing or Active Poses

This section of yoga class is the most challenging and lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes. During this phase comprised of advance yoga poses, participants will engage in positions that test both strength and endurance.

Deep Release

The deep-release phase includes poses that are gently and mostly grounded to allow the body to recuperate. This phase lasts for 15 to 20 minutes and includes balance poses, resting poses, and stretches.

Closing

The last section of the yoga class, lasting 5 minutes, is the closing section. Participants are given the opportunity to either rest or check in with their bodies during this phase.

References

• Inner Idea: Yoga Lesson Plans
• Medicine Net: Yoga Continued