Recently we shared the basics of the Baptiste Methodology and what you can expect when you try your first class at Yoga Body Shop. If you missed that blog post, check it out. As you further explore Baptiste Yoga, we thought we would set a few “facts” straight with a session of Baptiste MythBusters.
Baptiste Myth #1: Baptiste Yoga is too hard and too fast for beginners.
In Baptiste Yoga, breathing is your guide. We do one breath per movement or hold poses for 5 breaths. It’s a breath-based practice, so you are truly moving at the pace of your own breath. You can adapt every pose to your physical ability. In addition, Baptiste trained instructors move continually through the room guiding you from one pose to another while looking, listening and giving you tools in order to expand your yoga experience. It also means your instructor is watching the Baptiste inspired flow unfold in the moment during each class, offering modifications or enhancements depending on the students in the studio.
Baptiste Myth #2: Baptiste Yoga isn’t yoga because it’s so athletic.
Baptiste Yoga is an athletic, dynamic style of power yoga that is deeply physical. We don’t deny that students often notice and comment that they are amazed that such potent and concrete results can be produced so quickly when practicing Baptiste Yoga. However, being athletic and being physical are often two separate states.
In Baptiste Yoga we talk about physicality, or the first entry being through the body. We live in such a fast-paced, stressed-out world that we often feel disconnected from our bodies. Baptiste Yoga is so physical that it demands your full presence and places you deeply in your body. When you are in your body in the present moment, you can tap deep into yourself allowing you to find your power on and off the mat.
Baptiste Myth #3: Baptiste Yoga isn’t spiritual.
Baptiste Yoga isn’t just physical—mediation is also a large part of the methodology. Three main elements exist in all Baptiste Yoga classes: asana, the physical practice of yoga postures; meditation, the practice of focusing the mind; and inquiry, the practice of self-transformation. Meditation clears the mental chatter and makes space for you to align yourself with what’s most important to you. It’s important to understand why you are doing the things that you do. The inquiry work we do helps you pull back the layers you are carrying and clarify your purpose.
Baptiste Myth #4: The room is heated to 105 degrees.
People think the room is heated to 105 degrees. It is not, at Yoga Body Shop, we heat the room between 95 to 100 degrees, depending on the type of yoga class and level, using the heat as a tool to deepen your physical presence. When you step into the heated room, move and breathe with the heat, it helps you get into your body faster. The heat also makes the body sweat, releasing toxins and raising your metabolism. When you start to sweat, the muscles get pliable, helping you see the results of your practice faster. Also, being able to stay in the heat for an extended period teaches you to “stay” when uncomfortable—an incredible tool to have in modern-day busy life.
Still curious about the Baptiste methodologies? Want to experience Baptiste Yoga for yourself? Yoga Body Shop is ready to help you start your physical and spiritual transformation. Check out the class schedule today.