Looking for the perfect Father’s Day activity? Our guide shows you how to take your dad to a relaxing yoga class, making it a fun family activity. Destress together and give the gift of wellness this Father’s Day. Discover the benefits of yoga and create lasting memories with your dad!
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Why Yoga?
Why not?
Your dad is more than likely an older individual with a stressful job and some time of joint pain. If this sounds like your dad (or even yourself), then a Father’s Day yoga session makes a fantastic gift and bonding time.
Benefits of Yoga:
- Improves circulation
- Lowers stress
- Increased flexibility
- Increased strength
- Better sleep quality
And so much more…
Source: Harvard Health
Types of Yoga Classes
The type of yoga class that you choose will ultimately make or break your whole experience.
If you or your dad are newbies to yoga, the last thing you would want to sign up for is a heated Power Yoga class. That is the easiest way to immediately detest yoga.
The best classes to start with are:
- Yin
- Restorative
- Slow Flow
- Vinyasa
Yin
Yin yoga classes are designed for relaxing deep stretches.
These types of classes usually feature a thoughtful meditation and theme as you hold poses for 3-5 minutes.
The goal is to breathe into the tightness of your deep myofascial tissue, releasing emotions you didn’t know you had stored within your muscles.
Pro-tip: Some people cry in Yin classes due to the physical emotional release that can occur. It doesn’t happen often but it’s a real possibility.
Restorative
For the arthritic dads out there.
Restorative yoga is similar to Yin yoga, but it utilizes an array of cozy props and tools to help you sink into your relaxing poses.
Many of the poses in Restorative classes are held for around 5-7 minutes. These types of classes are designed to help you mellow out through meditation and deep stretches.
Pro-tip: My dad fell asleep in a Restorative class. It was a very relaxing experience but he was embarrassed from snoring too loud. The teacher and students congratulated him for finding relaxation in his first class but he wants to do a more active class next time.
Slow Flow
The perfect starting point for anyone.
Slow Flow is a type of Vinyasa class, which essentially means “linking breath with movement.” As the name suggests, these flows are, in fact, slow.
The poses are usually held for around 3-5 rounds of breath, with a mindful warm up as well as cool down session.
Meditation shows up usually in the beginning or end of the session, brief and thoughtful to tie the flow together.
Pro-tip: Slow Flow doesn’t necessarily mean easy. These classes are challenging in their own way by engaging muscle groups with mindful and controlled movement.
Vinyasa
As stated above, Vinyasa classes link breath to movement.
These classes usually flow 1 breath per movement, often during standing poses.
Depending on the teacher’s personal style, Vinyasa can range from more of a slower flow to almost a Power style class.
Pro-tip: Vinyasas can either be slow or fast. I recommend signing up for classes in public settings such as parks or breweries, as the style is more inclusive for beginners.
Preparing for Your Father’s Day Yoga Class
What to Wear
Short answer: Lightweight workout clothes, comfy shirt, or joggers.
I forgot to brief my dad on this topic and he showed up in jeans. As a yoga teacher, I take full accountability since I assumed yoga meant exercise for most people.
Footwear isn’t a factor, as most classes are barefoot or with socks.
Long answer:
For a vinyasa class, especially if you are anticipating an outdoor class on a hot day, stick to lightweight fitness apparel because cotton might get sweaty.
Joggers and cotton shirts work best for Yin or Restore classes, as those are usually indoor and don’t generate as much body heat.
Socks are optional, but more recommended for Yin or Restorative classes. Wearing socks might affect your standing balancing poses in Slow Flow or Vinyasa classes, but they are still doable.
Pro-tip: I wear socks to pretty much any flow if my toes aren’t done.
What to Bring
The essentials:
- Yoga Mat
- Water bottle
- Face towel
- Props (totally optional)
Yoga Mat
You absolutely need to bring a yoga mat to yoga.
Most studios carry extras to lend out but they charge a small rent fee depending on their policies.
What to Look for in a Yoga Mat
- Grip
- Thickness
- Material
Gaiam is one of the most recognizable yoga brand.
Their mats are comfortable and affordable, especially for beginners not wanting to break the bank on yoga props.
Props & Tools
Common Yoga Props:
- Blocks
- Bolster
- Blankets
- Stretching Strap
Most studio classes offer props as needed. Many Yin and Restorative will lay the props out before you set your mat down.
To learn more about the types of tools used in yoga, I wrote a post about the essential props to deepen your practice.
Sources
Thanks for Reading!
