# Class types at a glance

Lesson 1 of [Boutique fitness foundations for new students](https://studiofinder.ca/academy/boutique-fitness-foundations.md), 12 minutes.

Boutique fitness studios teach many class types. Names differ between studios, so read the class description and not only the title.

## Yoga

- **Hatha or gentle**: slow pace. You hold poses. This suits a first class.
- **Vinyasa or flow**: poses link together with the breath. The pace is faster.
- **Yin and restorative**: you hold poses for a long time, often on the floor with props. The effort is low.
- **Hot yoga**: the room is heated. The heat is the main risk. Read the Studiofinder guide Hot Yoga Safety before your first class.
- **Prenatal**: made for pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before you start.

## Pilates

Joseph Pilates developed the method in the early 20th century and called it Contrology. Studios now teach it on the mat and on equipment.

- **Mat Pilates**: you work on a mat on the floor. Your body weight is the load. You may use small tools, such as a ring, a ball or a band.
- **Reformer Pilates**: a reformer has a flat carriage that slides on rails. Springs add resistance. The teacher changes the spring setting to suit you. A studio owns a fixed number of machines, so reformer classes are usually small.

Mat classes are often cheaper. Reformer classes often cost more. Prices differ by studio, so compare the listed drop-in price.

## Barre

Barre classes are based on ballet. You do not need ballet skills. A studio may ask for grip socks or bare feet.

## Aerial

All aerial classes take place off the ground. Safety matters more than in a floor class.

- **Aerial yoga**: you use a soft fabric hammock. Many poses keep your feet close to the floor. This is usually the easiest start.
- **Aerial silks**: two long pieces of fabric hang from the ceiling. You climb them, wrap your body in them and hold poses.
- **Lyra, or aerial hoop**: a steel ring hangs from the ceiling. You sit on it, hang from it and turn on it.

## Hoop dance

You keep a hoop moving around your waist, chest, arms and legs. Hoops for adults are usually bigger than toy hoops. Many beginner hoops are also heavier. A bigger hoop turns more slowly, so you have more time to react. Most beginner classes lend hoops.

## Pole fitness

Pole fitness is exercise and dance on a vertical pole. Beginner classes teach spins and walks around the pole. You do not need to be strong to start. Bruises on the legs and arms are common in the first weeks.

## Sources

- Studiofinder guide: How to Choose a Yoga Studio
- Studiofinder guide: Mat Pilates vs Reformer Pilates
- Studiofinder guide: Aerial Silks vs Lyra vs Aerial Yoga for Beginners
- Studiofinder guide: Hoop Dance for Beginners
- Studiofinder guide: Pole Fitness Myths and Your First Class
- Studiofinder guide: Hot Yoga Safety: Heat, Water and When to Stop
- Studiofinder class type categories (site taxonomy)

Also on the [web page](https://studiofinder.ca/academy/boutique-fitness-foundations/class-types-at-a-glance).