It’s highly likely that you have tried a yoga class at some point in your life. Most of us have, whether through a complimentary session at the gym or a half-hearted attempt at an online yoga challenge. There are many reasons why yoga might not quite have stuck — just as there are equally as many ways to kickstart a long and rewarding relationship with this ancient form of physical and mental exercise.
Sunset yoga is one such way. A class at sunset promises to provide a unique and captivating experience and is an excellent way to wind down at the end of a long day.
Why practise at sunset?
Yoga has been practised for thousands of years. Originating in Northern India, the meditative exercise quickly spread to all points of the globe and in the process, evolved considerably. There are many different types of yoga, each with a different intention and end goal. Finding the right pace and intensity is key to developing a yoga practice that you will stick to.
A sunset yoga class can be an excellent form of introduction. Yoga offers many benefits to the body and brain, all of which have been associated with reduced stress and improved sleep. With that in mind, giving your body a dedicated point at which it can wind down and turn off is the best way to capitalise on everything that yoga has to offer.
Yoga has always been strongly linked to the sun. The sun, after all, provides life for all things on Earth. Yoga encourages us to slow down and contemplate the connections we hold with those around us. Sunrise yoga is very popular in that it gives us the chance to salute the sun (also known as Surya Namaskar); sunset yoga offers the same opportunity to bid it farewell for the day.
How to prepare for your sunset yoga class
If you have never taken an in-person yoga class before, there are a few things that you need to know in preparation.
Sunset yoga is like any other yoga in that it’s important for you to wear clothing that is appropriate and easy to move in. You should also check with your instructor if you need to bring any additional equipment. They might ask you to provide your own mat or towel.
Depending on the nature of your class, you may have the opportunity to meet with the instructor beforehand and discuss your background in yoga. If you are undertaking a private or semi-private class, the instructor will be able to tailor the movements for your abilities and experience. If you are trying sunset yoga as part of a larger group — for a getaway with friends or a corporate retreat — the instructor will be able to ascertain what the group is hoping to achieve through the class.
Finally, arrive at your sunset yoga class with the understanding that you are being presented with a unique chance to clear your mind and engage with the natural world around you. Such opportunities are rare and should be treasured.
