The Breath Sets The Pace
Even Longer Classes
However, with the commercialisation of yoga and the demands of urban schedules, shorter classes have become the norm. In these condensed sessions, sequences are often rushed, leaving students feeling breathless and, paradoxically, more fatigued than energised.
Consistency
Research supports the benefits of longer yoga sessions. A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that higher flexibility levels, often achieved through consistent and longer yoga practices, are linked to increased longevity - highlighting the importance of maintaining flexibility for overall health.
Let Your Breath Guide You
Many yoga classes today are one hour long, despite traditional yoga sequences - covering pranayama, standing, sitting, balancing, supine, and reclining poses - often taking about 1.5 hours to complete. This difference in duration arises from the breath itself. In yoga, it is the breath that sets the pace - each movement flowing with an inhale or exhale. There is no "fast" or "slow" practice, only the natural rhythm of the breath guiding us.
For those seeking a deeper experience - especially older practitioners or those in recovery - allowing time for the breath to guide the practice creates space for relaxation and rejuvenation. A 1.5-hour session, or even our three-hour workshops, allows this rhythm to unfold naturally, restoring energy and balance.
Yoga, at its heart, isn’t about rushing to fit into a schedule; it’s about finding harmony between breath, body, and mind. By honouring the breath and its natural pace, we cultivate a sense of ease and resilience that extends beyond the mat. Let your breath lead you - it knows the way.
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