Words like "hatha", "vinyasa", "ashtanga" and "yin" all sound equally mysterious until you try them. Yet the difference between styles is enormous: two classes with the same word "yoga" in the name can differ more than swimming and running. This guide is an honest breakdown of all eight classes at our Prague yoga studio: what happens in the room, how demanding it is, who it suits and who should pick something else.
Choosing a class in 30 seconds
If you don't have time for the whole guide, start with your goal rather than the name:
- My back hurts, I have a desk job — Healthy Back
- I've never done yoga — Yoga Beginners
- I want a workout and to break a sweat — Vinyasa or Ashtanga
- I want flexibility and to unwind — Stretching
- I can only practise early — Morning Yoga + Stretching
- I'm recovering from injury or childbirth — Reformer Class
- I want movement without the rush — Flow Yoga
Healthy Back — yoga for the back
Intensity: low. Level: any. Length: 60 minutes.
The most popular class at the studio, and the most therapeutic. It is built around four tasks: removing axial load from the spine, restoring mobility in the thoracic spine and hips, engaging the deep stabilising muscles, and re-establishing diaphragmatic breathing. There are no sharp movements, deep twists or jumps.
Suits: lower back and neck pain from desk work, rounded posture, coming back after a long break from movement, any age, and as a recovery session between strength workouts.
Doesn't suit: anyone looking for intense effort and sweat — you won't find it here.
Yoga Beginners — yoga for beginners
Intensity: low. Level: from zero. Length: 60 minutes.
This is the class where things get explained. Every pose is broken down: where the weight goes, what the pelvis does, where you should feel a stretch and where you definitely shouldn't. The pace is slow, there are pauses between poses, and there are always several easier options. Six to eight classes give you a foundation solid enough to move into any other style.
Suits: anyone stepping onto a mat for the first time, and anyone who practised long ago and wants to rebuild the basics properly.
Doesn't suit: those with an established regular practice — it will feel slow.
Flow Yoga — smooth practice in flow
Intensity: moderate. Level: some experience helpful. Length: 60 minutes.
Poses link into smooth sequences and the movement is continuous but unhurried. Attention goes to how the body feels rather than to achieving a shape. It is the middle ground between calm and dynamic formats: there is effort, but it doesn't distract from what is happening inside.
Suits: those familiar with the basic asanas who want to practise in motion; those who find static work dull and Ashtanga too strict.
Vinyasa Yoga — dynamic vinyasa
Intensity: high. Level: some experience needed. Length: 60 minutes.
Every movement is synchronised with an inhale or exhale, and the sequences are built fresh each class. It is cardio, strength work and concentration practice at once: holding an even breath at pace is no easier than the poses themselves. After vinyasa you usually feel pleasantly worked.
Suits: those who want physical effort and variety; those with a lot of energy and a busy head — dynamic work switches you over faster than stillness.
Doesn't suit: acute back pain, high blood pressure, or your first few weeks of practice.
Ashtanga Yoga
Intensity: high. Level: intermediate and above. Length: 60 minutes.
The only class with a fixed sequence: the asanas come in the same order every time. Through repetition your attention gradually shifts from "what comes next" to quality of execution and ujjayi breathing. Ashtanga builds noticeable strength and is highly disciplining.
Suits: those who value structure and want measurable progress; those who have tried dynamic yoga and want depth.
Doesn't suit: those who dislike repetition and rigid frameworks.
Morning Yoga + Stretching — morning yoga
Intensity: low to moderate. Level: any. Length: 60 minutes.
Purpose-built for the morning: breath and joint warm-up first, then gentle asanas, then stretching and a short relaxation. The aim is not to exhaust you but to wake the body and give steady energy for the day. The class finishes in time for work.
Suits: early risers and those who would like to become one; anyone whose evenings are unpredictable and who can realistically only practise before the working day.
Stretching — flexibility and range
Intensity: low to moderate. Level: any. Length: 60 minutes.
Focused work on flexibility and joint mobility: longer holds, blocks and straps, and always active elements so that new range becomes usable. It releases tension well and noticeably improves posture.
Suits: everyone without exception, and especially runners, gym-goers, cyclists and skiers as an essential complement to their main sport.
Reformer Class — Pilates reformer
Intensity: moderate. Level: any, including rehabilitation. Group: up to 10 people.
The reformer is a machine with a moving carriage and a spring system. Resistance can be dosed precisely and many exercises are done lying down, so load on the spine and joints stays minimal while effectiveness stays high. It reaches the deep core muscles that are hard to access in a regular class.
Suits: recovery after injury or childbirth, diastasis recti, a weak muscular corset, and anyone who wants precise, controlled bodywork.
Note: groups are smaller than in other classes, so it is worth booking ahead.
How many classes to find "your" style
One. But not one in total — one in each of the two or three formats that appeal to you. We created an intro pack of two classes precisely so you can compare without buying a membership blind. Conditions and prices are in the Prices section.
One more thing: choose by the schedule as well as by the style. A class you can comfortably get to always beats a perfect class you keep missing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I attend different classes on one membership?
Yes, memberships cover all group classes. Many people mix: something dynamic early in the week, something restorative closer to the weekend.
How is this different from classes at a big gym?
Group size — up to 12 people — and the fact that the teacher knows everyone. For back work and injuries that is essential.
Do you offer private classes?
Yes, personal sessions and Reformer can be booked one-to-one. That is a sensible option if you have significant health limitations.
Not sure where to start? Get in touch. We are at Ve Smečkách 592/22, Nové Město, Praha 1, and we will help you choose a class that fits your goal and your schedule.