{"id":15758,"date":"2013-07-15T13:35:24","date_gmt":"2013-07-15T18:05:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/daily-burn.sta.oomphcloud.com\/?p=15758"},"modified":"2021-09-18T06:01:15","modified_gmt":"2021-09-18T10:01:15","slug":"unexpected-yoga-classes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/fitness\/unexpected-yoga-classes\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Unexpected Yoga Classes to Try Now"},"content":{"rendered":"

Warrior pose can be difficult enough without the weight of a dog resting on your knee. But that\u2019s exactly how Doga, a new pet-friendly form of yoga, is keeping yogis at play. Yoga has long been a source of stress relief<\/a> and also a way to increase flexibility and body awareness. And now, more than ever, creative new styles are emerging that fulfill any particular fancy. Want to hit lotus pose while in swim trunks? Dive into Aqua Yoga. Prefer to hit the mat to a hip-hop soundtrack? There\u2019s a class for that. Read on for some seriously outside-the-box forms of yoga to breathe new life into your weekly exercise routine.<\/p>\n

\"AcroYoga\"
Photo: Kadri Kurgun \/ AcroYoga.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. AcroYoga
\n<\/b>Yoga isn\u2019t just a solo act anymore. AcroYoga<\/a> is a dynamic mix of yoga and acrobatics, all done with the help of a partner. Generally, one practitioner remains ground-based to provide a firm platform while the other partner performs a series of aerial exercises (check out DailyBurn\u2019s Briohny Smyth and her husband performing together in this breathtaking routine for Equinox<\/a>). AcroYoga is also believed to help improve communication, as both partners must work together to ensure safety and success. Worried about holding someone balanced in midair? Don\u2019t be. Instructors reinforce that technique matters more than strength<\/a> in this yoga form. Most studios can also match up participants without partners, so anyone who\u2019s ready and able can dive right in. To find a class near you, visit acroyoga.org<\/a>, which includes listings at a variety of studios around the world.<\/p>\n

\"Agua
Photo: Pond5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Aqua Yoga
\n<\/b>Looking for a relaxation method that requires nothing more than a bathing suit? Jump on in. As the name suggests, aqua yoga takes traditional yoga moves to the pool. Since the water removes much of the impact, this yoga form is a favorite among pregnant women<\/a>, older individuals and those prone to injury. The water also enables participants to strike poses that would otherwise be too difficult on dry land. Though aqua yoga hasn\u2019t made its way into most commercial gyms, curious yogis can look into class offerings at their local aquatic center or specialty studios to get their feet wet.<\/p>\n

\"Yoga
Photo: Pond5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Doga
\n<\/b>Can\u2019t bear leaving a furry friend at home? Doga, a dog-friendly style of yoga, allows participants to fit their practice in while offering Fido some relaxation as well. Many of the poses get dogs in on the action \u2014 like warrior pose with your dog<\/a> resting on your knee, or backbends with some extra love perched on your belly. Don\u2019t think your canine will be into chaturangas on command? Treats are used to encourage dogs to change poses throughout the class. Just keep in mind that since the trend is only just beginning to take off, instructors won\u2019t have any special certifications to teach the class, though recommendations can be found through your local Humane Society or SPCA.<\/p>\n