What are the phases of a yoga class?

Most classes move through arrival/centering, warm-up, sun salutations (in flow styles), a standing series, peak preparation and the peak pose, floor work, cool-down, and rest (savasana). Slower styles like yin compress or skip the heat-building phases.

How long should each phase of a yoga class be?

As a rough guide for a 60-minute flow: a few minutes to arrive, 5–10 to warm, 10–15 of salutations, 10–15 of standing work, 5–10 building to and expressing a peak, 5–10 of floor and cool-down, and at least 5 minutes of savasana. Slower and restorative styles shift far more time toward arrival, long holds, and rest.

The phases of a yoga class, and how they shift by style

A class moves through phases: arrival, warm-up, sun salutations, a standing series, peak preparation, the peak pose, floor work, cool-down, and rest.

How styles differ

Vinyasa, Power, Ashtanga are peak-driven: warm, build heat through salutations, prepare and meet a peak, then descend.
Hatha is a plateau: no salutations, longer holds, a sustained working middle.
Slow Flow is a wave: the same arc, stretched out with longer breaths.
Yin & Restorative are a descent: little to no heat; long, passive holds and deep rest.
Kundalini is a wave: a fixed kriya of repetitive movement and breath.

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