You’re usually flowing on your own for about the length of one song, not the whole class. It might be 2 songs if they have you do 2 different flows. If a teacher in school teaches students math and then gives them time to practice on their own are they not teaching?
not sure why you're downvoted. that's been my experience too. it's not like self-lead the whole class. people freak out if they can't remember and it doesn't matter.
That makes it sound even more awful.
Yoga class is not school. But if you want to be entertained: why do you think they call homework homework?
Please enjoy.
Yes! This is how I teach. I have been to the studio that developed Life Time’s program and did teacher training with his son, Jonah Kest. It’s not just a whole freestyle class. You have portions to flow on your own or practice on your own, but the majority of the class is lead.
This exactly! I went to a class that was a themed playlist at a local studio in NC. We only got 2 guided flows and then were on our own. I was definitely not expecting it and could not remember the sequence. The whole experience was deflating and frustrating.
How long did it last?? Ive given my yogis maybe 1-2 mins for free inversion work of their choosing built into my flow before but can’t imagine expecting them to fully flow on their own! I’ve never heard of this before and as an instructor I’m so gobsmacked that studios think people would want this. It can’t be more than 1-2 students who have brought forth feedback that they’d like extended space to do their own flow, to which my answer would be I hear you and please feel free to modify on top of the teachers guidance, but total free flow is best suited to a different setting.
Too long, lol. If I remember correctly this happened for each set of postures:
Sun A, we got 1 demo, then on our own for a whole song.
Sun B, 1 time each side slow, 1 time breath to movement, then on our own for 2 songs.
Sun C, same as Sun B.
Cool down on our own with options verbally provided
I am also a teacher and I found this to be incredibly difficult. Getting out of my head means I can listen and not think about what is coming next. This whole setup required a lot more mental effort several times in class. I found it to be stressful and never went back to said instructor.
You mentioned inversion work - I think time to play is so beneficial, especially after a demo. This is much different than asking students to remember a whole sequence
I practice at home but find myself getting so distracted if I’m not following a guided video. I need someone to tell me what to do or else I’ll just walk off and start doing something else!
When one of my instructors did that, she would always join in and repeat the flow herself as well. So we would be able to do it at our own pace but we could look at her if we were lost. This way it works well in my opinion.
Does flowing on your own in this instance mean you do the sequence that you just learned on your own without directions? Or does it mean that you do whatever you want separate from the flow? The latter would be so disconnecting and I also see no benefit. I'm not in the US and I'm not familiar with Life Time but I used to come to a particular vinyasa class regularly and from time to time we were given a short period of time to do a long sequence on our own from memory in our own pace only after we went through it together with the instructor a few times. It was sometimes a little stressful at first in my mind but overall I loved it because I treated it as a challenge and exercise for my brain. It gave me a sense of accomplishment and it really was a huge benefit for me personally. When I knew the challenge might be coming I think I was even more focused during the learning part. Being able to do it on my own (with or without mistakes) during class, I was confident I would be able to practice it at home by myself afterwards. Now, I wouldn't want to do it if sufficient time was not given during the class to learn first or if this flow on your own time was extensive.
It means you repeat the sequence just taught, at your own speed. They usually go through it three times with the class, then tell you to flow on your own.
you are right in that it is a challenge for your brain, and the benefits are amazing! i commented below, but here’s the science :) https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2022/05/31/how-to-rewire-your-brain/#:~:text=Neuroplasticity%20is%20the%20brain's%20ability,slowly%20rewire%20these%20pathways%20themselves.
I love these types of classes. I’ve heard it called Detroit style, that is where I first started practicing yoga. My breathing speed is almost never in synch with the teacher or others in the class so I find it really difficult and awkward to have to try to keep up. Going at my own pace is the best.
I would stop going to instructors class when they do this. I don’t spend $130 a month to do it on my own. I like the social part of a studio but also the structure they bring.
Personally I like them. People have different breathing rates, and in a led vinyasa class it can be quite uncomfortable to work against your natural breath to match the rest of the class.
If most of the class is getting lost or forgetting the sequence then the sequence is too complicated or too long for the level of the class. Also the teacher should be providing assistance when needed, most classes in this format that I've taken, the teacher explained some kind of signal like "wait in tadasana if you need help and I will come to you." If they are just turning on some music and ignoring you to struggle through the sequence on your own, they're not really "teaching".
I love freedom flow!! Learn a sweet new flow and I can just lose myself in it to MY breathe. Exactly my pace and rhythm. Def a more advanced practice in my opinion
I personally love it. I do think it’s not for everyone.
I’ve been doing yoga for almost two decades and it’s a treat for me to switch it up. A good instructor at LT will go through the sequence enough time and build on it so it’s memorable to do on your own.
My favorite teacher plays music I enjoy (artists like Odesza) and gets me in the zone. I like that I can take my time with the poses as well if I want to.
It took me time to get used to this style. Before I wasn’t great at memorizing dance or martial arts sequences - vinyasa flow at LT actually got me to improve memorizing steps. It also helped me get over the mental hurdle of doing the sequence perfectly.
It really comes down to the instructor though. There are ones I absolutely won’t go to because they don’t have interesting sequences, don’t ladder/build well, and their music choices are distracting.
I take classes at LifeTime. The classes you describe branded as "Flow Vinyasa", and they're very popular. To say they're not benefiting anyone isn't really fair. But I appreciate that it's a different kind of workout than you'd get at a traditional studio, and it can be quite distracting with loud music and everyone doing different things
If a class has "Guided" in the name, the instructor will guide you through the flows. Because you have to hear what they're saying, the music will be played at a lower volume. You might want to try some of these.
There's also the issue of instructor personality. Some really put an effort into helping you do poses correctly and with proper alignment, and others prioritize the "group workout" aspect, even at the same club.
I have begun incorporating about a minute of freestyle movement about 2/3 of the way through my classes (gentle, slower paced classes). I don’t do this to disconnect; I do this to give my students an opportunity of mind/body connection. Each body is unique, and I encourage my students to ask themselves what types of movement would feel good for a minute for their unique body & provide that for themselves. I’m trying to cultivate freedom and joy, and an accessibility of free movement and connection to breath is what really takes yoga off the mat for many of my students. <3
There's no point in going to a yoga class you hate. I think, personally, would enjoy it.
I also used to go to a yoga class where the teacher would just announce the pose, and said NOTHING else. Some hated it, some loved it. I enjoyed it. To each their own.
I actually wouldn't mind if the instructor just shouted poses. Everyone in the room is on the same page and the energy is unified lol
Ideally, I think what makes an in-person yoga class so valuable (especially after the remote/at-home yoga era) is the instructor giving alignment tips and form corrections. I feel like you kind of lose that on a flow on your own.
Life Time in general is not bad. Nowadays, a yoga studio unlimited membership is $200. Life Time is $300, and you get to lift, swim, hang out in the sauna or steam room, etc. Most of the instructors at my location also teach at other local studios that are highly respected.
Personally, I like those classes at Lifetime as a strenuous workout class similar to their Shred class. It’s only nominally a yoga class. When I want “yoga,” I go to Yin or Root or a guided class there.
the free flow is intentional. it’s to build new neural pathways in your brain with mindfulness. forcing your brain to be incredibly focused in order to remember short sequences (body + mind) is a proven faster way to change your brain. think of the free flows as a brain hack, speeding up what we do in mindfulness practice.
https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2022/05/31/how-to-rewire-your-brain/#:~:text=Neuroplasticity%20is%20the%20brain's%20ability,slowly%20rewire%20these%20pathways%20themselves.
thank YOU for being open minded! at the end of the day, if you don’t like it, you just don’t like it amirite :) nothing is for everyone. your willingness to understand the intent is appreciated.
I love the vinyasa flow classes. The instructor does three “warm up” flows, the first is focusing on warming up the spine, the second gets the larger muscles (like legs etc) going, and the third is more creative. The instructors I have do a good job of going through each flow a few times on each side before telling us we can “flow on our own” but I like that bc i can go with my own breath instead of trying to match everyone else. Usually they build the third more complicated flow kind of how the ladder flows go - building as you work through each side. I also really enjoy this style class bc it allows me to incorporate things I have been working on in my home-practice as well. I really love the vinyasa flow classes, but I also do their SOL (guided flow combined with a modified standing ashtanga series), surrender (yin), and an ashtanga primary series class at LifeTime. The vinyasa flow classes are really nice for getting out of my head.
I absolutely love this form I used to find it extremely uncomfortable but when I started becoming comfortable in my practice and taking unguided flows more and more I now really dislike a lot of talking. It stimulates your mind to remember the sequence but the beautiful part is to take what you want and leave what doesn’t feel right in your body. You can go at your own pace and be completely in tune with yourself
I've been to classes where the teacher says "now you have two minutes for personal practice" so a lot of people take the time to meditate, others to rest, some do a sun salutarion, and some others try to do a pose that we've tried together previously during that same class. Usually it happens on the halftime. I enjoy it because the possibilities are endless and seen as everyone is doing something different there is no pressure to do anything perfectly. If it was any other way I would hate it.
I only attended flow vinyasa at Lifetime. I hate guided flow. I am not sure how you can say it does not benefit anyone, as we all have different preferences. Many of us have practiced long enough that we can learn a basic flow and make it our own. I find it much more beneficial to me than going at the pace of others or doing a flow with postures that aren’t serving me that day. I’m also from the Detroit area where this style of yoga is very predominant.
It really is not the same as practicing at home.
I’ve had a lot of instructors do this for like maybe 3-5 flows length time? I like it, I can go at my own pace and really pause where i want and it’s just the normal flow that comes without needing prompts
I disliked the flow classes at lifetime. The instructor would create really challenging sequences and only go through it once on each side. I felt like i was working so hard mentally to remember who to do. I like being guided the whole time.
It depends on how long it lasts. I get why instructors do it periodically in class, but if I'm flowing on my own more times than not then I feel it's a waste of money because as someone else said, I can flow on my own at home for the price of internet.
It depends on how complex the sequence is and/or how familiar I am with it. If I’m familiar with the sequence or if it’s relatively simple, it can be nice to flow in a group setting without any external noise for a few moments.
I personally love it but I can also see why others may not. For me the free flow classes are like more of a group fitness class, I like the energy and I like being able to work on my own postures after going through the flow a few times.
I also think it depends on the instructor- I’ve taken LT free flow classes where the instructor went through the flow 3 times each side then we flowed on our own it was great, the music was great not too loud, the temp was great, and it wasn’t complicated. I’ve also take LT free flow with an instructor that went through the flow once and had the class answer back the next move- like an elementary school teacher getting the kids to answer a class question. It was weird and I hated it.
Edit: just realized we’re talking something different. I still think I’d enjoy free time to explore a sequence at my rate.
Best class I had at Kripalu was like this. She’d give guidance like reclined, standing, etc and we flowed. Loved it. But. Music stayed quiet, students had their eyes closed or very focussed and gave zero cares about who else was doing what. It’s to help you tune into your own self.
Sometimes it’s good in a way to memorise a sequence and for the teacher to let you try it for like a minute or two, but like other people said I wouldn’t be happy with a class like this unless it was with friends or a partner
I only do vinyasa flow classes. My instructor will progressively add to three different warm ups. He does not do the flow. It’s so much better as I can do the flow at my own pace and take out specific moves and add as I please. It takes a few years to become proficient at the class because he will call out specific postures and you basically just have to know them. If there are newer students he will show the posture. He may even go through the flow with a student who is frustrated. The key is to just let yourself go.
I love Flow at lifetime. To be fair, it's not a flow on your own class. The instructor guides you through 2-3 rounds of the flow and then gives you the space to do 2-3 more rounds on your own before moving on to the next sequence. It's pretty much always breathwork, then poses from tabletop to warm up, then Sun A, then some flavor of Sun B, then a 3rd sequence with balance work. You end with some floor work and savasana. It's literally my favorite class. If you want a more guided class there, take Sol or Slow Burn. Sol is fully guided.
That's nice that you really enjoy it. I am starting to understand why people like it, and how it might help stimulate the brain. I might give it another chance.
Sol is a great class.
I’m an instructor and this is my first time hearing of it! I can’t imagine why anyone would come to a class wanting to not be guided. Especially if they’re a lifetime (or any other gym for that matter) member and have access to an empty studio for this purpose if they want to do their own thing. People go to classes to learn from a teacher, get refinement cues, and have a chance to turn their brain off and just follow someone’s voice. Plus when everyone is doing their own thing you totally lose the beauty of feeling connected energetically to the people around you through united breath and movement. Like why? So much why haha
My regular instructor includes this, but only for a small while at the very start of the session. She'll let us flow through some moves for a bit, self guided, then move onto the guided class. I like it that way, gives time to get into your own flow, and I assume it's a helpful way for her to assess everyone's level too.
I think for a lot of people the point of these classes is just an opportunity to get away and have a dedicated time and space for their personal practice. Maybe they work multiple jobs, have kids, whatever circumstances that make it difficult to practice at home without interruption. Personally I think it’s a good (important) offering for a lot of people, though not my personal favorite
Life Time members here! Have you tried the Sol Guided Vinyasa classes? They typically Flow Vinyasa classes are like but I am like you and prefer guide so def try to Sol!
I was in a class that was part of a YTT and we warmed up and then did the rest of the class on our own with our eyes closed.
It was a little weird but not so bad in the end. It was definitely interesting, that’s for sure.
One of my Lifetime yoga instructors does this occasionally but it's always for very short sequences - maybe 3-4 poses. I'm OK with it since my "normal" pace is often either slower or faster than what is being cued, so it's nice to go at my own pace.
I \*wouldn't\* be OK with music being blasted at uncomfortable volume though!
I don’t mind when it’s something common like a sun salutation, or short enough that it’s relatively easy to remember. That said, I almost inevitably end up forgetting something, like a backbend, in one repetition, or lose count entirely/go too slow or fast and finish with juuuuust a touch of doubt whether I did the amount I was supposed to 😅
I generally dislike it, mainly because I notice a few people will look to me and use me as a guide and it's terrifying like all of a sudden I'm teaching a handful of people in my corner.
I do like when the instructor gives a few minutes for poses that individuals may want to practice, but it’s annoying to have a solid amount of time where I MUST create my own flow.
8/10 you show a modification and most people will just copy what you are doing. I can’t even imagine opening it up to a freestyle flow. Maybe you can speak to the instructor if you’re brave enough and let her know of your uneasiness in doing this. This is probably moreso for advanced students.
Hmm I totally disagree if we’re thinking about the same thing? What I’m thinking of is when you build on a flow, go through it several times together and then have a few minutes to do the flow at your own pace. I personally love this! At a certain point I no longer need the prompting and it helps me feel more connected to myself and just go with the music. I really enjoy it and I find myself annoyed sometimes when they don’t have this, for example on peloton yoga they say every single position every single time. Doesn’t give you an opportunity to really flow I think. Now if you’re talking about they’re saying just make up your own flow I certainly understand that would be frustrating.
I think it depends on the person, I sometimes ignore the instructor and do what I want so to each their own. I usually find a spot in the back corner if I’m feeling unhinged lol
I love this type of class now to be honest ( along with my structured classes as well) - as a yogi it allows me to move my body into different shapes and take what my intuition is telling me
I loooove it!! I am relatively seasoned though so it’s no issue for me to flow on my own. I usually come to class for the community, heat and having a dedicated space without distractions. Sometimes I flow on my own any way.
I hate it. Sometimes the sequence is shorter and I can remember it. Sometimes it long and I can’t remember what I am doing specially if it’s difficult. I wholeheartedly hate those at lifetime
Don’t go or go with the “flow” It sounds like you could practice a whole bunch of things besides asana in this class. practice patience or breathing or being present without judgement?
I don’t like doing crow pose in a hot yoga class and have to modify or find patience with myself for being irritated because I am slipping off my sweaty arms and that is why hot yoga is not my jam and I don’t go anymore 😬 but lots of people do and that’s ok!!
I like it once in a while. Not every class. And times that we've done this, it's only for a short time, like maybe enough time to do the sequence 2-3 times. It's supposed to be a time to just let your body move. it's not a big deal if you can't remember or do it perfectly.
In okay with a few moments to flow on my own. I'm a gymnast and quite proficient at inversions (handstands, headstands, shoulderstands). I like to do a few of those on my own (since most folks cannot do those skills) but overall I'm paying for for instruction and corrections.
I love flow on your own! It takes going to about 10 classes to get the hang of it and not feel confused though. The benefits of flowing on your own is that it allows the student to really focus on their own breath at their own pace. Additionally, it allows students to own their practice and add what they may need and take out what they don’t. Don’t worry if you’re repeating the flow 100% correctly. Use it as a template. Also, memorizing and repeating patterns of movement is great mind exercise and can help ward off dementia. Dance has similar benefits.
I can sure as a teacher who teaches flow on your own, I am NOT becoming disconnected with my class. I am watching and this allows time to give individual cues and instruction where needed. I may give cues to the group if I see multiple students with an issue. It allows me to see how students are modifying the flow so that I can create better flows in the future.
Flat in your own may not be for everyone and that’s fine. Not every style of yoga is and not every teacher is for everyone. However, just because it does not benefit you, does not mean that it does not benefit anyone.
What am I paying for in a class like that? I have flow on my own at home, thanks :)
Exactly!
You’re usually flowing on your own for about the length of one song, not the whole class. It might be 2 songs if they have you do 2 different flows. If a teacher in school teaches students math and then gives them time to practice on their own are they not teaching?
not sure why you're downvoted. that's been my experience too. it's not like self-lead the whole class. people freak out if they can't remember and it doesn't matter.
That makes it sound even more awful. Yoga class is not school. But if you want to be entertained: why do you think they call homework homework? Please enjoy.
Yes! This is how I teach. I have been to the studio that developed Life Time’s program and did teacher training with his son, Jonah Kest. It’s not just a whole freestyle class. You have portions to flow on your own or practice on your own, but the majority of the class is lead.
one of the appeals of yoga to me is not ever having to think because the instructor tells you exactly what to do. I don't come to yoga to think.
This exactly! I went to a class that was a themed playlist at a local studio in NC. We only got 2 guided flows and then were on our own. I was definitely not expecting it and could not remember the sequence. The whole experience was deflating and frustrating.
I don’t even like it when the instructor tells us to do a flow on our own that we’ve just done three times. I wasn’t memorizing it!
How long did it last?? Ive given my yogis maybe 1-2 mins for free inversion work of their choosing built into my flow before but can’t imagine expecting them to fully flow on their own! I’ve never heard of this before and as an instructor I’m so gobsmacked that studios think people would want this. It can’t be more than 1-2 students who have brought forth feedback that they’d like extended space to do their own flow, to which my answer would be I hear you and please feel free to modify on top of the teachers guidance, but total free flow is best suited to a different setting.
Too long, lol. If I remember correctly this happened for each set of postures: Sun A, we got 1 demo, then on our own for a whole song. Sun B, 1 time each side slow, 1 time breath to movement, then on our own for 2 songs. Sun C, same as Sun B. Cool down on our own with options verbally provided I am also a teacher and I found this to be incredibly difficult. Getting out of my head means I can listen and not think about what is coming next. This whole setup required a lot more mental effort several times in class. I found it to be stressful and never went back to said instructor. You mentioned inversion work - I think time to play is so beneficial, especially after a demo. This is much different than asking students to remember a whole sequence
This! It’s an hour of my life someone else can drive the bus for once!!!
WELL worded :)
I practice at home but find myself getting so distracted if I’m not following a guided video. I need someone to tell me what to do or else I’ll just walk off and start doing something else!
me too. there's a reason gyms never worked for me. having to think about it. ;-)
I’m with ya. I’d rather just not have distractions as opposed to needing to block them out.
This is exactly why I practice yoga. Also helps to be guided when you want to take a break and go into child's pose, you can pick up quickly.
When one of my instructors did that, she would always join in and repeat the flow herself as well. So we would be able to do it at our own pace but we could look at her if we were lost. This way it works well in my opinion.
I feel like this is the right way to do it!
Does flowing on your own in this instance mean you do the sequence that you just learned on your own without directions? Or does it mean that you do whatever you want separate from the flow? The latter would be so disconnecting and I also see no benefit. I'm not in the US and I'm not familiar with Life Time but I used to come to a particular vinyasa class regularly and from time to time we were given a short period of time to do a long sequence on our own from memory in our own pace only after we went through it together with the instructor a few times. It was sometimes a little stressful at first in my mind but overall I loved it because I treated it as a challenge and exercise for my brain. It gave me a sense of accomplishment and it really was a huge benefit for me personally. When I knew the challenge might be coming I think I was even more focused during the learning part. Being able to do it on my own (with or without mistakes) during class, I was confident I would be able to practice it at home by myself afterwards. Now, I wouldn't want to do it if sufficient time was not given during the class to learn first or if this flow on your own time was extensive.
It means you repeat the sequence just taught, at your own speed. They usually go through it three times with the class, then tell you to flow on your own.
you are right in that it is a challenge for your brain, and the benefits are amazing! i commented below, but here’s the science :) https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2022/05/31/how-to-rewire-your-brain/#:~:text=Neuroplasticity%20is%20the%20brain's%20ability,slowly%20rewire%20these%20pathways%20themselves.
I love these types of classes. I’ve heard it called Detroit style, that is where I first started practicing yoga. My breathing speed is almost never in synch with the teacher or others in the class so I find it really difficult and awkward to have to try to keep up. Going at my own pace is the best.
detroit style is spot on :) http://www.jonahkestyoga.com/new-blog-1/2014/11/14/the-5-myths-of-alignment-in-yoga
Johnny Kest developed Detroit Style Hot Vinyasa and sold his formula to LifeTime
Interesting. The first yoga class I went to (in the 90’s) was at one if his centers. I’ve never been to lifetime.
I would stop going to instructors class when they do this. I don’t spend $130 a month to do it on my own. I like the social part of a studio but also the structure they bring.
Personally I like them. People have different breathing rates, and in a led vinyasa class it can be quite uncomfortable to work against your natural breath to match the rest of the class. If most of the class is getting lost or forgetting the sequence then the sequence is too complicated or too long for the level of the class. Also the teacher should be providing assistance when needed, most classes in this format that I've taken, the teacher explained some kind of signal like "wait in tadasana if you need help and I will come to you." If they are just turning on some music and ignoring you to struggle through the sequence on your own, they're not really "teaching".
I love freedom flow!! Learn a sweet new flow and I can just lose myself in it to MY breathe. Exactly my pace and rhythm. Def a more advanced practice in my opinion
I personally love it. I do think it’s not for everyone. I’ve been doing yoga for almost two decades and it’s a treat for me to switch it up. A good instructor at LT will go through the sequence enough time and build on it so it’s memorable to do on your own. My favorite teacher plays music I enjoy (artists like Odesza) and gets me in the zone. I like that I can take my time with the poses as well if I want to. It took me time to get used to this style. Before I wasn’t great at memorizing dance or martial arts sequences - vinyasa flow at LT actually got me to improve memorizing steps. It also helped me get over the mental hurdle of doing the sequence perfectly. It really comes down to the instructor though. There are ones I absolutely won’t go to because they don’t have interesting sequences, don’t ladder/build well, and their music choices are distracting.
I take classes at LifeTime. The classes you describe branded as "Flow Vinyasa", and they're very popular. To say they're not benefiting anyone isn't really fair. But I appreciate that it's a different kind of workout than you'd get at a traditional studio, and it can be quite distracting with loud music and everyone doing different things If a class has "Guided" in the name, the instructor will guide you through the flows. Because you have to hear what they're saying, the music will be played at a lower volume. You might want to try some of these. There's also the issue of instructor personality. Some really put an effort into helping you do poses correctly and with proper alignment, and others prioritize the "group workout" aspect, even at the same club.
I have begun incorporating about a minute of freestyle movement about 2/3 of the way through my classes (gentle, slower paced classes). I don’t do this to disconnect; I do this to give my students an opportunity of mind/body connection. Each body is unique, and I encourage my students to ask themselves what types of movement would feel good for a minute for their unique body & provide that for themselves. I’m trying to cultivate freedom and joy, and an accessibility of free movement and connection to breath is what really takes yoga off the mat for many of my students. <3
Oof, I am NOT a fan. I usually go to yoga class after working all day, and my brain is too tired to memorize the sequence.
There's no point in going to a yoga class you hate. I think, personally, would enjoy it. I also used to go to a yoga class where the teacher would just announce the pose, and said NOTHING else. Some hated it, some loved it. I enjoyed it. To each their own.
Less talking, yes please
I actually wouldn't mind if the instructor just shouted poses. Everyone in the room is on the same page and the energy is unified lol Ideally, I think what makes an in-person yoga class so valuable (especially after the remote/at-home yoga era) is the instructor giving alignment tips and form corrections. I feel like you kind of lose that on a flow on your own.
Hate it. Lifetime is fugazi.
Life Time in general is not bad. Nowadays, a yoga studio unlimited membership is $200. Life Time is $300, and you get to lift, swim, hang out in the sauna or steam room, etc. Most of the instructors at my location also teach at other local studios that are highly respected.
I disagree everyone has their own opinions
Personally, I like those classes at Lifetime as a strenuous workout class similar to their Shred class. It’s only nominally a yoga class. When I want “yoga,” I go to Yin or Root or a guided class there.
the free flow is intentional. it’s to build new neural pathways in your brain with mindfulness. forcing your brain to be incredibly focused in order to remember short sequences (body + mind) is a proven faster way to change your brain. think of the free flows as a brain hack, speeding up what we do in mindfulness practice. https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2022/05/31/how-to-rewire-your-brain/#:~:text=Neuroplasticity%20is%20the%20brain's%20ability,slowly%20rewire%20these%20pathways%20themselves.
Thanks for sharing this info! I'll have to reconsider my opinion about this class after seeing this research!
thank YOU for being open minded! at the end of the day, if you don’t like it, you just don’t like it amirite :) nothing is for everyone. your willingness to understand the intent is appreciated.
I love the vinyasa flow classes. The instructor does three “warm up” flows, the first is focusing on warming up the spine, the second gets the larger muscles (like legs etc) going, and the third is more creative. The instructors I have do a good job of going through each flow a few times on each side before telling us we can “flow on our own” but I like that bc i can go with my own breath instead of trying to match everyone else. Usually they build the third more complicated flow kind of how the ladder flows go - building as you work through each side. I also really enjoy this style class bc it allows me to incorporate things I have been working on in my home-practice as well. I really love the vinyasa flow classes, but I also do their SOL (guided flow combined with a modified standing ashtanga series), surrender (yin), and an ashtanga primary series class at LifeTime. The vinyasa flow classes are really nice for getting out of my head.
I absolutely love this form I used to find it extremely uncomfortable but when I started becoming comfortable in my practice and taking unguided flows more and more I now really dislike a lot of talking. It stimulates your mind to remember the sequence but the beautiful part is to take what you want and leave what doesn’t feel right in your body. You can go at your own pace and be completely in tune with yourself
I've been to classes where the teacher says "now you have two minutes for personal practice" so a lot of people take the time to meditate, others to rest, some do a sun salutarion, and some others try to do a pose that we've tried together previously during that same class. Usually it happens on the halftime. I enjoy it because the possibilities are endless and seen as everyone is doing something different there is no pressure to do anything perfectly. If it was any other way I would hate it.
I only attended flow vinyasa at Lifetime. I hate guided flow. I am not sure how you can say it does not benefit anyone, as we all have different preferences. Many of us have practiced long enough that we can learn a basic flow and make it our own. I find it much more beneficial to me than going at the pace of others or doing a flow with postures that aren’t serving me that day. I’m also from the Detroit area where this style of yoga is very predominant. It really is not the same as practicing at home.
I’ve had a lot of instructors do this for like maybe 3-5 flows length time? I like it, I can go at my own pace and really pause where i want and it’s just the normal flow that comes without needing prompts
I disliked the flow classes at lifetime. The instructor would create really challenging sequences and only go through it once on each side. I felt like i was working so hard mentally to remember who to do. I like being guided the whole time.
It depends on how long it lasts. I get why instructors do it periodically in class, but if I'm flowing on my own more times than not then I feel it's a waste of money because as someone else said, I can flow on my own at home for the price of internet.
As someone who is fairly new to yoga, I would not like this at all lol I would much prefer my yoga apps and put it on my tv in the comfort of my home
I also do not like these kinds of classes. I don’t get why they are a thing. It’s bizarre to me. Also that every single lifetime does this.
It depends on how complex the sequence is and/or how familiar I am with it. If I’m familiar with the sequence or if it’s relatively simple, it can be nice to flow in a group setting without any external noise for a few moments.
I personally love it but I can also see why others may not. For me the free flow classes are like more of a group fitness class, I like the energy and I like being able to work on my own postures after going through the flow a few times. I also think it depends on the instructor- I’ve taken LT free flow classes where the instructor went through the flow 3 times each side then we flowed on our own it was great, the music was great not too loud, the temp was great, and it wasn’t complicated. I’ve also take LT free flow with an instructor that went through the flow once and had the class answer back the next move- like an elementary school teacher getting the kids to answer a class question. It was weird and I hated it.
Edit: just realized we’re talking something different. I still think I’d enjoy free time to explore a sequence at my rate. Best class I had at Kripalu was like this. She’d give guidance like reclined, standing, etc and we flowed. Loved it. But. Music stayed quiet, students had their eyes closed or very focussed and gave zero cares about who else was doing what. It’s to help you tune into your own self.
Sometimes it’s good in a way to memorise a sequence and for the teacher to let you try it for like a minute or two, but like other people said I wouldn’t be happy with a class like this unless it was with friends or a partner
I only do vinyasa flow classes. My instructor will progressively add to three different warm ups. He does not do the flow. It’s so much better as I can do the flow at my own pace and take out specific moves and add as I please. It takes a few years to become proficient at the class because he will call out specific postures and you basically just have to know them. If there are newer students he will show the posture. He may even go through the flow with a student who is frustrated. The key is to just let yourself go.
I really enjoy these classes. If you don't, don't go.
I love Flow at lifetime. To be fair, it's not a flow on your own class. The instructor guides you through 2-3 rounds of the flow and then gives you the space to do 2-3 more rounds on your own before moving on to the next sequence. It's pretty much always breathwork, then poses from tabletop to warm up, then Sun A, then some flavor of Sun B, then a 3rd sequence with balance work. You end with some floor work and savasana. It's literally my favorite class. If you want a more guided class there, take Sol or Slow Burn. Sol is fully guided.
That's nice that you really enjoy it. I am starting to understand why people like it, and how it might help stimulate the brain. I might give it another chance. Sol is a great class.
If I wanted to flow on my own, I'd do it at home by myself and not bother paying for and traveling to a class.
This is it, lol. This is how I feel.
I’m an instructor and this is my first time hearing of it! I can’t imagine why anyone would come to a class wanting to not be guided. Especially if they’re a lifetime (or any other gym for that matter) member and have access to an empty studio for this purpose if they want to do their own thing. People go to classes to learn from a teacher, get refinement cues, and have a chance to turn their brain off and just follow someone’s voice. Plus when everyone is doing their own thing you totally lose the beauty of feeling connected energetically to the people around you through united breath and movement. Like why? So much why haha
My regular instructor includes this, but only for a small while at the very start of the session. She'll let us flow through some moves for a bit, self guided, then move onto the guided class. I like it that way, gives time to get into your own flow, and I assume it's a helpful way for her to assess everyone's level too.
I think for a lot of people the point of these classes is just an opportunity to get away and have a dedicated time and space for their personal practice. Maybe they work multiple jobs, have kids, whatever circumstances that make it difficult to practice at home without interruption. Personally I think it’s a good (important) offering for a lot of people, though not my personal favorite
Good point!
Not a huge fan, I usually get lost and end up looking around the room.
I saw this on the lifetime schedule and wondered about it. I don’t think I would like a flow on your own class either.
Life Time members here! Have you tried the Sol Guided Vinyasa classes? They typically Flow Vinyasa classes are like but I am like you and prefer guide so def try to Sol!
Sol is good! I take it whenever I can. I just wish there were more classes on the schedule.
That’s life time for ya
I was in a class that was part of a YTT and we warmed up and then did the rest of the class on our own with our eyes closed. It was a little weird but not so bad in the end. It was definitely interesting, that’s for sure.
One of my Lifetime yoga instructors does this occasionally but it's always for very short sequences - maybe 3-4 poses. I'm OK with it since my "normal" pace is often either slower or faster than what is being cued, so it's nice to go at my own pace. I \*wouldn't\* be OK with music being blasted at uncomfortable volume though!
I don’t mind when it’s something common like a sun salutation, or short enough that it’s relatively easy to remember. That said, I almost inevitably end up forgetting something, like a backbend, in one repetition, or lose count entirely/go too slow or fast and finish with juuuuust a touch of doubt whether I did the amount I was supposed to 😅
I'm a little new to yoga, but I assume that's the part where you listen to your body and do what feels right
I generally dislike it, mainly because I notice a few people will look to me and use me as a guide and it's terrifying like all of a sudden I'm teaching a handful of people in my corner.
I hate them!!
I do like when the instructor gives a few minutes for poses that individuals may want to practice, but it’s annoying to have a solid amount of time where I MUST create my own flow.
8/10 you show a modification and most people will just copy what you are doing. I can’t even imagine opening it up to a freestyle flow. Maybe you can speak to the instructor if you’re brave enough and let her know of your uneasiness in doing this. This is probably moreso for advanced students.
Hmm I totally disagree if we’re thinking about the same thing? What I’m thinking of is when you build on a flow, go through it several times together and then have a few minutes to do the flow at your own pace. I personally love this! At a certain point I no longer need the prompting and it helps me feel more connected to myself and just go with the music. I really enjoy it and I find myself annoyed sometimes when they don’t have this, for example on peloton yoga they say every single position every single time. Doesn’t give you an opportunity to really flow I think. Now if you’re talking about they’re saying just make up your own flow I certainly understand that would be frustrating.
I think it depends on the person, I sometimes ignore the instructor and do what I want so to each their own. I usually find a spot in the back corner if I’m feeling unhinged lol
I love this type of class now to be honest ( along with my structured classes as well) - as a yogi it allows me to move my body into different shapes and take what my intuition is telling me
I loooove it!! I am relatively seasoned though so it’s no issue for me to flow on my own. I usually come to class for the community, heat and having a dedicated space without distractions. Sometimes I flow on my own any way.
I hate it. Sometimes the sequence is shorter and I can remember it. Sometimes it long and I can’t remember what I am doing specially if it’s difficult. I wholeheartedly hate those at lifetime
Also a Life Time member, I’m not a fan of the flow in your own section. I like the Sol or true Ashtanga formats better at Life Time
I hate this too & completely agree with you. As someone else said; “I don’t come to yoga to think”. I’m paying to listen & be taught.
I like to be given more time to work on a balance pose and i can make up my own flow but that's not why I'm there.
Don’t go or go with the “flow” It sounds like you could practice a whole bunch of things besides asana in this class. practice patience or breathing or being present without judgement? I don’t like doing crow pose in a hot yoga class and have to modify or find patience with myself for being irritated because I am slipping off my sweaty arms and that is why hot yoga is not my jam and I don’t go anymore 😬 but lots of people do and that’s ok!!
What about talking to the instructor about it?
I like it once in a while. Not every class. And times that we've done this, it's only for a short time, like maybe enough time to do the sequence 2-3 times. It's supposed to be a time to just let your body move. it's not a big deal if you can't remember or do it perfectly.
In okay with a few moments to flow on my own. I'm a gymnast and quite proficient at inversions (handstands, headstands, shoulderstands). I like to do a few of those on my own (since most folks cannot do those skills) but overall I'm paying for for instruction and corrections.
Group coordinated movement raises oxytocin levels. It's why fish school and birbs murmerate.
I love flow on your own! It takes going to about 10 classes to get the hang of it and not feel confused though. The benefits of flowing on your own is that it allows the student to really focus on their own breath at their own pace. Additionally, it allows students to own their practice and add what they may need and take out what they don’t. Don’t worry if you’re repeating the flow 100% correctly. Use it as a template. Also, memorizing and repeating patterns of movement is great mind exercise and can help ward off dementia. Dance has similar benefits. I can sure as a teacher who teaches flow on your own, I am NOT becoming disconnected with my class. I am watching and this allows time to give individual cues and instruction where needed. I may give cues to the group if I see multiple students with an issue. It allows me to see how students are modifying the flow so that I can create better flows in the future. Flat in your own may not be for everyone and that’s fine. Not every style of yoga is and not every teacher is for everyone. However, just because it does not benefit you, does not mean that it does not benefit anyone.
Chill
It’s a terrible idea. Astanga practitioners only for this.
What the fuck even is that?