What is the difference between a yoga class and therapeutic yoga?

Yoga is a terrific exercise program. Every bit of your body is pulled, squeezed and massaged for a full workout. Maybe you’ve discovered that it feels like something more.

Yoga emphasizes movement timed with breath. This creates a magic bridge between body and mind that leaves the practitioner feeling integrated and more coordinated than before the class.

Isn’t all yoga therapeutic then?

In a vast market such as fitness, there is room for all sorts of classes. Here are a couple key points that differentiate a yoga class from a therapeutic offering. And here’s what to look for if you want to use yoga as a transformational tool.

1. The level of training and experience of the teacher. To be considered a Yoga Therapist, the instructor should have over 1000 hours of dedicated training from a licensed school as well as hundreds of hour of practical experience.
2. The pace of the class. Since the practices are meant to have lasting impact, they need to be broken down and digested slowly. A fast paced class will not land the same way as a meditative flow class.
3. The adaptation to the individual. Each participant should feel that the class has been aimed at their particular needs. There will be a variety of props demonstrated.
4. The depth of information shared. Knowledge is power. It’s important for the participant to understand the “why” of this practice and for the practice to fit with their core beliefs and comfort levels.
5. The feeling of empowerment. Rather than desperately trying to keep up, or follow elaborate rituals, or pushing to graduate to another level, therapeutic yoga meets the participant in that sweet spot of competence, comfort and challenge. Language that encourages the participant to “push”, “achieve” or physical assists to that effect are absent.

In our group classes, Cheryl works diligently to create these standards for all participants. Unfortunately, many individuals have tried “yoga” and been disappointed. Seeking a therapeutic class may be a whole different experience.

Here’s another article about the power of taking therapeutic yoga online. Before the pandemic, Cheryl would never have guessed how much energy and impact could be shared via zoom.