Class Styles at The Yoga Tree! Choose your Warrior…

At the Yoga Tree in Congleton, Cheshire we have a great variety of classes with something for everyone… but if you’re just starting out on your yoga journey - where do you begin? 

We pride ourselves on the beautiful, welcoming community we create, and any of our teachers will make you welcome in their class. 

But if you’re struggling to choose from the wide range we have on offer, this article will break down our class offerings, so you can find a yoga class that suits you exactly where you are right now… 

Yoga for Absolute Beginners/Back to Basics

This class caters for the absolute beginner and anyone who wants a refresher on the fundamentals. It has a strong focus on the breath movement connection and breaks down the foundational postures to ensure good alignment for your body. Expect to move at a slow pace and learn to use blocks and props to support you as you gain in strength and flexibility.

Yoga (or Yoga Flow) 

You may have seen this referred to as Hatha Yoga too. Hatha can be used as a general term to describe asana (postural) yoga. If you attend a Yoga, Yoga Flow, or Slow Flow class at the Tree, you can expect to be moving steadily, mindfully, and learning the foundational asanas. Each teacher will bring their own signature style and learning to the practice, so the class will differ in intensity and creativity, and it’s also suitable for beginners as you learn the postures and breath awareness.

Vinyasa Flow 

Vinyasa Flow Yoga is one of the most intense forms of practice. ‘Vinyasa’ means ‘to place in a special way’, and is a carefully-sequenced, dynamic style of yoga. The ‘flow’ refers to the transitions between each asana, creating a feeling of moving continuously and gracefully between poses, linking the movement with breath. The creative nature of the sequences allows the class to be structured around a particular pose, body part (like the hips or shoulders) or a theme (such as the Autumn Equinox) meaning each class will feel varied and offer different benefits. 

It’s strong, but accessible – a great class to try if you have a little yoga experience, or if you’re new to yoga but fancy a strong practice. 

Ashtanga Vinyasa 

Ashtanga Vinyasa is another of the more intense styles of yoga asana. It flows like Vinyasa but follows a more structured sequence called a series: Primary (which is the series you’ll most commonly practise in an open class), Intermediate (secondary series) and the more advanced series. You will likely see it advertised simply as Ashtanga or Primary Series. It is a structured, disciplined practice that links movement with breath and flows in sequences known as vinyasas. Great for those looking to try a strong, fast-paced practice.

Yin 

A floor-based, slow practice, Yin involves holding poses for around 2, 3, 5 (or more!) minutes at a time. The intention of this practice is more about softening and lengthening connective tissue - fascia, ligaments and joints, as opposed to deeply stretching the muscle. It’s suitable for all levels - from beginners to seasoned yogis - and is a quiet, calming, introspective practice. 

Restorative 

Although this is a floor-based and slow practice, Restorative Yoga feels very different in the body to Yin. Restorative Yoga works to calm the nervous system by fully supporting the body with props, such as bolsters, cushions and eye pillows. This allows the practitioner to rest deeply and calm both mind and body. Suitable for all levels, and particularly useful to promote good sleep, and stress relief. 

Adaptive Yoga 

This class is perfect for those with limited mobility, health conditions, injury - or really anything that may stop you accessing other classes. This inclusive practice uses chairs, walls and  props to help ‘meet you where you are’, so that you can access yoga safely and in community with others. 

If you’re not sure which class would best suit you, please get in contact as we’re always happy to advise. Whatever style of class takes your fancy, you can be sure

of a warm welcome to the Tree Tribe, click here to book your class.

How to book

You will be asked to create an account with your email address and then you will receive an email confirmation that your class is booked. You do not pay online.

Your specific teacher will receive your booking and send you their bacs details to pay. We have many teachers at the Tree and we are all self-employed. Don’t worry if you do not hear from them straight away, your space is secured! 

Mats

We have spare mats if you need one for now and I always recommend purchasing your own for hygiene reasons AND it encourages you to practice at home too!

We have plenty props (blocks/bricks/bolsters/straps) to support your practice

We look forward to meeting you on the mat!