It s easy to get lost and think you have missed the boat when it comes to the widespread popularity of yoga in the west. Yoga is essentially a spiritual path or practice, says Shawna Suzyn, a yoga instructor at Strength and Grace. Physical yoga is so people can calm their mind and their emotions so they can connect with themselves on a deeper level and prepare for meditation.
Different classes focus on different things.
The same goes for instructors. Some are more physically challenging and require more physical fitness. Other classes concentrate more on breathing and meditation. Classes usually run 90 minutes at studios and an hour at health clubs. It is the physical aspect and original basic yoga that focuses on breathing and basic poses, says Suzyn.