Yoga comes in many forms, practiced all across the United States and right here in Dubuque, Iowa. It can be fast or slow, hot or cool, and almost everything in between. With so many styles, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but don’t let that stop you from starting your yoga journey.

This quick guide should help clear things up.

Types of Yoga: Yin and Yang

Yoga generally falls into two categories: Yin and Yang.

• Yang Yoga focuses on strengthening and lengthening the muscles. It includes styles like Vinyasa, Flow, Power Yoga, Hatha, and Ashtanga. These are more active forms of yoga that keep the body moving.

• Yin Yoga involves longer holds and works on the fascia, connective tissues, ligaments, and joints. It’s a slower, more meditative practice, often referred to as gentle stretching.

At The Well Yoga Dubuque, we offer both Yang and Yin classes. Our Yang classes include Morning Movement and Meditation, Yoga Fundamentals, Slow Flow Yoga, and Feel Good Vinyasa. For Yin practices, we offer Stretching, Somatics and Meditation, and Gentle Yoga (Yin). Click here to view all our offerings.

What is Hot Yoga?

Yang yoga can be practiced in either a heated or cool room. Hot yoga, specifically, is performed in a room heated to over 90°F with 45% humidity. This environment can enhance flexibility and promote detoxification.

While some people thrive in hot yoga, others find it exhausting, and certain medical conditions can make it difficult to tolerate the heat. Dubuque currently has two hot yoga studios: B-1 Yoga in downtown Dubuque and Soul Revolution in Wacker Plaza. Both offer non-heated classes in addition to their heated yang classes.

At The Well Yoga Dubuque, we don’t offer hot yoga because we understand that heat can sometimes trigger stress, anxiety, trauma, and depression symptoms. Additionally, some medications for depression and anxiety can affect how well a person handles heat and humidity.

What is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy is similar to yoga and is mainly Yin in nature, but it can also include some Yang movements like pelvic tilts, cat/cow stretches, and shoulder rolls.

Which Style of Yoga Should I Choose?

Traditionally, yoga was designed to prepare the body for meditation, with Yang practices building the strength and flexibility needed for long periods of sitting still. Today, yoga offers numerous benefits, which is why it’s become so popular.

To maintain balance in your life, aim for a mix of Yin and Yang practices. The right balance depends on your body and lifestyle. If you’re unsure where to start, schedule a free 1:1 consultation with us at The Well Yoga Dubuque, and we’ll help you find the best approach.

Finally, incorporating meditation, prayer, and reflection into your daily routine can greatly improve your brain health. Quiet time can be a chance to connect with your body and breath or spend time with God. At The Well Yoga Dubuque, we believe in one God—Creator of all things—existing as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that we are all sinners, and only through God's saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled, and renewed. The more we practice gratitude for God and all His goodness, the happier we will be.