Factors, Benefits and Guidelines • Yoga Basics

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just embarking on your yoga journey, the question of how long to hold yoga poses has surely crossed your mind. There is no definitive answer to this question, as the appropriate length of time varies from person to person, and can depend on factors such as experience level, physical ability, and personal preference. However, there are some general guidelines that can help practitioners determine the appropriate duration for holding yoga poses.

What is a hold time?

The length of time you hold a yoga posture or asana is known as the hold time. It refers to the duration for which you stay in a single pose during a yoga class. Knowing a yoga pose’s hold time is an essential aspect of practicing yoga correctly and safely. Holding a pose for too long or too short could lead to injury or prevent you from reaping the full benefits of the posture.

In yoga, hold time is counted in breaths rather than seconds. A full inhale and exhale is considered a single breath. The length of a breath will vary from person to person, from about a six second breath to a ten second breath. A short hold time is between 1-2 breaths, a medium hold is between 3-5 breaths, and a long hold is 6 or more breaths.

Why is the number of breaths used for hold times?

Breathing is a crucial element in yoga practice and a central point of focus while holding a yoga pose. Holding a pose for a specific number of breaths is an easy and accessible way to know how long to stay in a pose. When using your breath to count the hold time, it is essential to use a slow deep diaphragmatic breath.

How long to hold yoga poses for beginners

In general, beginner yoga students should not hold the poses very long. About 2-4 breaths should allow them to get a feel for the alignment of the pose and start to build strength and flexibility. Holding the pose for longer may cause strain or injury. As you progress and become more comfortable with the poses, you can gradually increase the time you hold them.

There are benefits for both long and short hold times, so it is important to find a balance between the two. While hold times are an important guide in your practice, becoming overly attached to specific lengths of time may hinder your progress. It’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your practice accordingly. Yoga is a journey, and it’s not about how long you can hold a pose, but about finding a mindful and comfortable practice that works for you.

It is recommended for beginners to work with a qualified yoga instructor who can guide you through proper alignment and help you determine the best hold time for each pose.

Benefits of short holds

Shorter hold times allow for a more dynamic and flowing practice , which can be beneficial for building strength and endurance. Moving through poses quickly can also help to increase your heart rate and improve your cardiovascular health. Shorter hold times can help to improve mental focus and concentration, as practitioners are required to move mindfully and intentionally from one pose to another. Moving with an inhale and exhale between poses warms up the muscles to prepare for more challenging poses and it synchronizes your breathing with your movements to create a meditative experience. Shorter hold times can be a good option for beginners or those with injuries, as it allows them to gradually build up their practice without putting too much strain on their bodies.

However, it is important to note that while shorter hold times can be beneficial, they should not be the only focus of your practice. Holding poses for longer periods of time can help to deepen your practice and provide additional benefits.

Benefits of long holds

While the length of time you hold a pose should be tailored to your skill level and physical abilities, incorporating longer holds into your yoga practice can provide many benefits. The longer you hold a yoga pose, the more time your body has to stretch and strengthen. When you hold a pose for an extended period of time, your body can sink deeper into the stretch and work on building endurance and stamina. This can lead to increased flexibility and range of motion, improved balance, increased muscle endurance and better overall body awareness and control.

Long hold times can also help you cultivate mindfulness and mental clarity. As you hold a pose, you become more aware of your breath and your body’s sensations. This can help you reduce stress and develop patience, inner peace, and focus, which can translate into other areas of your life outside of the yoga studio. For example , you might find that you’re more patient with your family members or coworkers, or that you’re better able to concentrate on tasks at work.

Factors that affect how long to hold a pose

Determining the duration of a hold can be challenging, as it varies depending on a variety of factors. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in determining how long to hold a pose, and should be carefully considered to create a safe and effective practice. Here are four main factors to consider when deciding how long to hold a yoga pose:

• Your experience level
  If you are practicing an asana that is unfamiliar to you, it’s important to start with a shorter hold time and gradually work your way up. As you become more familiar with the pose, you can increase the hold time to challenge yourself further.
• Your physical condition
  If you have any injuries or limitations, you may need to modify the pose or adjust the hold to accommodate your body’s needs. Always prioritize safety and listen to your body. If you feel any discomfort or pain, release the pose immediately.
• Your fitness level
  Your current fitness level is a crucial factor in determining hold times. If you’re out of shape, you probably will want to start with shorter hold times and gradually work your way up as your strength and flexibility improve. If you are fit and strong, you may be able to hold strengthening poses for longer periods of time without experiencing discomfort. If you are very flexible, you may be able to hold stretching poses for longer periods as well.
• The type of pose
  Different poses have different hold times, depending on their intensity and complexity. For example, a gentle pose like child’s pose can be held for many breaths, while a more challenging pose like Warrior III may require you to come out quickly. Generally, poses that stretch the muscles require longer hold times, while poses that aim to build strength may require shorter hold times. It is essential to understand the purpose of the pose and how it affects your body to determine the appropriate hold time.
• Your intention for the practice
  The goal or purpose of your practice will guide the duration of your holds. Are you looking to build strength, flexibility, or relaxation? Each intention requires a different approach to your practice and how long to hold each asana.
• Your mental state
  Your mental state plays a significant role in how long you should hold a yoga pose. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, you may find it difficult to hold a pose for an extended period. If you are feeling focused and calm, you may hold a pose for longer.
• Your breath
  Your breath is a powerful tool in determining how long to hold a pose. As you hold a pose, focus on your breath and use it to gauge when it’s time to come out of the pose. If you can maintain a steady breath, you can hold the pose for a longer time, but if you are struggling to breathe, modify, or release the pose.
• Your energetic state
  Your energy level plays a vital role in determining how long to hold a yoga pose. If you’re feeling tired or lethargic, it’s best to stick to shorter hold times. On the other hand, if you’re feeling energized and focused, you may want to challenge yourself with longer hold times to deepen your practice.

Hold times based on yoga style

There are many types of yoga , each with its own unique style and approach to poses. As such, the recommended number of breaths for each pose can vary depending on the style of yoga you are practicing. Regardless of the style of yoga you practice, it’s important to listen to your body and never push yourself beyond your limits.

• Vinyasa yoga, Power yoga and Ashtanga yoga
  These fast-paced styles of yoga use a dynamic flow of movement linked with an inhalation or exhalation. The focus is on building strength, endurance and flexibility through continuous movement, rather than holding poses for extended periods of time. The recommended holds for these types of yoga classes are generally very short, typically ranging from 1-5 breaths per pose.
• Hatha yoga and Iyengar yoga
  These yoga classes focus on slower movements, proper alignment and deeper stretches. Expect to hold each pose 5-10 breaths or more depending on the class. The slow and steady approach allows for a deeper connection with your body and breath, and a chance to fully explore the pose.
• Hot yoga and Bikram yoga
  Practicing in a heated room can make poses feel more intense, so it’s important to be extra mindful of your body’s abilities. In these styles, poses a medium hold time is often used, typically around 5 breaths or more, to take advantage of the heated environment.
• Restorative yoga
  In this form of yoga, the poses are held for longer periods of time, usually anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. The emphasis is on using blankets, bolsters and other yoga props to support the body and allowing yourself to fully deeply relax to calm the nervous system and release deeply held stress and tension.
• Yin yoga
  In this style, poses are held for longer periods of time, typically up to 3-5 minutes or more. This allows for a deeper stretch and release of tension in the muscles and connective tissue.
• Partner yoga
  When practicing with a partner, the holds can vary depending on the pose and the level of comfort between partners. It’s important to communicate with your partner and find a comfortable hold time for both individuals. The holds can range from a few breaths to several minutes, depending on the complexity of the pose and ability of both partners.

Recommended hold times for common yoga poses