HOW LONG SHOULD A YOGA SESSION LAST?

Have you ever wondered how long should a Yoga session last?

How many times have you been coming to the end of a 60, 90, or even 120-minute session and thought, “Man, these classes ought to be shorter”? Or you’re powering through a 20-minute relaxation session and wished the class could go on longer?

The strange thing is that there really is a “sweet spot” for Yoga sessions, a duration that feels right for your training sessions.

Below, we’ll answer the question “How long should a Yoga session last?” and help you understand how much Yoga per day is enough.

How Long Should a Yoga Session Last? Longer Isn’t Always Better

If you take a Yoga class at a studio, the average session will last between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the type of Yoga. Some forms of Yoga will incorporate longer sessions because the pace is slower, so it takes longer to transition through all of the various poses included in the training session. Others can get away with a shorter session due to a faster pace.

However, there are “express” Yoga classes that will get you through a workout in 30 to 45 minutes. Or, if you log onto YouTube, you’ll find thousands of Yoga sessions in the 15 to 30 minute range. These are intended to be done at home by busy people who don’t really have enough time to do a longer class. They’re quick, easy, and can be done at any time of the day.

But the original question was “How long should a Yoga session last?” That question typically stems from two trains of thought:

• How can I get the maximum result from the least amount of training time? Working out is exhausting and time-consuming, so busy people will typically want to find a form of exercise that maximizes results in the least time possible.

• What is the right amount of training time to improve my fitness? For those who are concerned about their mobility and flexibility, or who want to enjoy the mental health benefits of a Yoga class, this is the priority behind their sessions. They’re okay with a longer class if it means they’ll walk away feeling better and moving more easily.

I’m going to start off by saying there is no “one size fits all” answer to this particular question. There is no “right” duration for a Yoga class. Sometimes, a fast-paced class can end after 30 minutes, and it will feel too short. Or, your slower-paced class will feel too long after a full 90 minutes.

Really, it comes down to the type of Yoga, the intensity of the workout, and the pace set by the Yogi leading the class.

If the pace is really slow and you spend a lot of time in each pose, really feeling the stretch and working toward the burn, you will burn fewer calories per hour, so you’ll need more time to really get the fitness results you want. A slower-paced class “should” run anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes—that’s the sweet spot that’ll help you make the most out of your training.

If the pace is faster and you’re constantly moving between poses, you’ll tire out faster, so you’ll want the class to end sooner before you fully run out of steam. Typically, a class of 30 to 60 minutes of high intensity, fast-paced Yoga will be more than enough to help you burn lots of calories and see the fitness-boosting results you want.

But there is an argument to be made for shorter classes. Some people can squeeze in short, efficient Yoga workouts in 5 or 10-minute intervals a few times per day. This is particularly common among busy working professionals who don’t get hours-long breaks, but who can set aside a few minutes in the morning, afternoon, and evening to spend some time stretching and practicing Yoga.

How Long Should a Yoga Session Last? Find Your Sweet Spot!

At the end of the day, it’s all about finding what works for you in your schedule and with your specific fitness level.

If a 20 to 30 minute session feels long, try shorter 10 to 15-minute sessions a few times a day. If those sessions feel too short, try upping it to 45 to 60 minutes. If you’re the kind of person who really wants to enjoy the slower pace and get into the spirit of Yoga, it may take you longer to really find your center, and once you’re there, you don’t want to leave. For you, longer sessions of 60 to 90 (or even more!) minutes may be just what you need to make the most of the training.

It all comes down to how you feel when you practice. Yoga is about finding your calm, connecting with your body, and pushing yourself safely to your limits. As long as you feel good and have the time, keep extending the practice until you find the right duration for your intensity. Or, if you have active days and days when you’re more tired, try classes of varying length—at a Yoga studio, gym, or even at home—that will fit into your busy day and work with your energy levels.

For anyone looking for a varied, highly effective Yoga practice, I highly recommend Get Yoga Lean. This practice is aimed specifically at improving your fitness and encouraging weight loss through daily practice. The classes are a bit longer (30 to 60 minutes) and will be fast-paced, so you’ll burn through a lot of calories and push your fitness to the next level. But you’ll have such a great time challenging yourself—and seeing long-term results—that you’ll want to keep up with the longer classes.

Hopefully, that provides the answer to your question “How long should a Yoga session last?”