Why every course has a tempo

The numbers are seconds: breathe in, sometimes hold, breathe out. They are in the schedule, on the course pages and in the circle that moves on this website. You should know the rhythm of a class before you come.

Vinyasa 4/4: in and out the same length, one movement per breath. It keeps you warm and even, like walking at a good pace.

Pilates 3/2: shorter and more active. Breathe out when your core works. The short rhythm helps you hold tension without holding your breath.

Yin 5/7: the out-breath is longer than the in-breath. That is why a pose held for four minutes feels like resting, not like work.

Atem 4/7/8: breathe in, hold, breathe out slowly. This is the lunchtime class for heads that are too loud. Holding is optional: if it gets uncomfortable, leave it out.

None of these tempos is a rule. It is a handrail to hold on to when your mind wanders. If you have your own rhythm, keep it.