Ready to reap the mind-body benefits of yoga at home? You’re in the right place. At obé, we offer a number of different types of yoga, from restorative yoga to yoga sculpt. But if you’re new to the practice, choosing the right type of yoga for you might feel as overwhelming as trying camel pose in your first-ever class.
Well, our yobé (that’s yoga + obé) experts are here to help. Below, three of our instructors, Eve C., Alex S., and Lulu S., give the rundown on what to expect in each type of yoga class we offer here on obé, so you know exactly which option to choose for your personal needs and experience.
Vinyasa Yoga
What to expect: Derived from the Sanskrit term nyasa, which means “to place,” and the prefix vi, “in a special way,” the term “vinyasa” can be interpreted as a deliberate linking of poses (aka asanas) with breath.
But if you’re newer to yoga, no need to be intimidated. “Vinyasa is an all-levels yoga practice,” Alex says. “You’ll start out slow and build heat through breath-to-movement flows that offer multiple variations, so you can cater your flow to exactly how you’re feeling today.” Just listen to your body—vinyasa is a judgement-free zone, and class can be whatever you make it.
Craving something sweet and slow? Our Slow Flow vinyasa classes bring down the tempo to invite greater depth, fuller breath, and more focus on strength and building flexibility.
You’ll leave class feeling: Grounded, centered, empowered, refreshed, and reconnected to yourself.
Take it if: You want a complete reset. Vinyasa yoga will help you shed what isn’t serving you, and make space for something that does.
Skip it if: You’re craving loud beats and high impact movement, Alex notes.
Power and Fire Flow
What to expect: A heart-pumping, athletic flow that will bring the sweat while building strength, endurance, and stamina. This fiery practice maintains a physical focus and is fast-paced enough to double as a solid workout.
Plus, if you need to reconnect to your breath: “Fire flows are a creative blend of breath work and a quicker paced vinyasa flow,” Lulu explains. “They are playful, fun, and unexpectedly challenging.”
You’ll leave class feeling: Like a boss.
Take it if: You’re looking to spice up your practice and have some fun while you show up to do the work.
Skip it if: You want a slow-paced, restorative flow.
Hatha Yoga
What to expect: A slower flow that guides you from opening breath work into progressive poses, stretching, and a closing meditation to seal the deal. Gentle but beneficial, this practice unites breath, body, and mind—making it a perfect option for novice yogis.
You’ll leave class feeling: Light and easy with a renewed energy, like all the stress from your day has melted off your shoulders.
Take it if: You need a chill pill, but also want to give your body some feel-good movement. Hatha is the perfect practice to settle down from life’s hectic, overwhelming moments.
Skip it if: You’re craving an intense, sweaty practice.
Yoga Sculpt
What to expect: “A full-body burn appropriate for any level,” Alex says. Yoga Sculpt takes your practice up a notch by adding in light hand (or ankle) weights, muscle-focused sculpting and toning, cardio bursts, and beat-driven movement—which makes class fly by in a flash!
You’ll leave class feeling: Energized, grounded, refreshed, and sweaty! “Really, the goal is to feel stronger and more confident with a deeper sense of calm than when you stepped onto your mat,” Eve says.
Take it if: You’re ready to get your (low-impact) sweat on and link breath to movement while doing it!
Skip it if: You’re in the mood to go #allinfullout zen mode.
Yoga Nidra
What to expect: Think of this as a lullaby into sleepy time. Also called “yogic sleep,” Yoga Nidra invites you to settle into a restorative pose and move through a powerful guided meditation. The goal? To ease into effortless relaxation and restful calm, so you can slow down and unwind.
You’ll leave class feeling: As if you just had the ultimate power nap. Well-rested, relaxed, and totally recharged.
Take it if: You’re feeling anxious, having trouble falling asleep, need to slow down your thoughts, or simply ground yourself.
Skip it if: You want to move your body or do traditional yoga poses.
Yin and Restorative
What to expect: If you’re going for a restorative flow, prepare for earthy, grounded goodness. Focused on long holds and deep breaths, restorative yoga enhances physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. Gentle and supportive, it’s appropriate for all levels of yoga practitioners.
Yin yoga, which incorporate principles of Chinese medicine, guides you through similar slow-paced, restorative poses, but challenges you to embrace discomfort. In doing so, you’ll target connective tissues to improve circulation and flexibility.
You’ll leave class feeling: Like an angel who just fell back to earth, Lulu says—or just took a trip to the spa!
Take it if: You need some TLC or personal recovery time.
Skip it if: You’re looking for high-intensity, music-driven, or fast-paced yoga.
Chair Yoga
What to expect: Gentle, good-for-you yoga poses you can do sitting down or standing with a chair for support. It’s a perfect daily refresher to improve flexibility and circulation while releasing tension (lunch break, anyone?).
You’ll leave class feeling: A little less achy, and a little more limber.
Take it if: You’re recovering from an injury, experiencing limited mobility, feel stiff, or have trouble balancing.
Skip it if: You want a sweaty workout or a mindfulness practice.
Pre/Postpartum Yoga
What to expect: Flows designed with mamas in mind! This pre/postnatal-friendly practice will release strain and support your mind-body with energizing vinyasa or restorative yoga sequences. It’s especially beneficial for releasing lower back pain, reducing stress and anxiety, and aiding sleep.
You’ll leave class feeling: Refreshed, calm, and more in-tune with your mind and body.
Take it if: You need a moment for yourself to recharge, reset, and reconnect to your breath.
Skip it if: You’re nauseous, dizzy, or lightheaded.
Meditation
What to expect: An opportunity to just come as you are. Meditation is an incredibly powerful mind-body practice that often involves breath work and body awareness techniques to calm your mind and focus your attention.
You’ll leave class feeling: Receptive, grounded, and more compassionate towards yourself.
Take it if: You want to recharge, reconnect, and center yourself.
Skip it if: Don’t skip it. Meditation is for everyone and truly takes all your practices—as well as your daily life—to the next level, Lulu says.
Curious about other classes? Here’s the full breakdown of all obé class types, and here’s an explanation of the differences between our other low-impact classes: Sculpt, Barre, and Pilates.
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