The 101 on rocket yoga

While the different types of yoga may seem similar to the novice, there are actually many nuances within each practice.

Though some people swear by hot yoga, and others prefer restorative sessions, rocket yoga - a modification of the traditional ashtanga yoga - is fast gaining popularity due to its blend of movement, sound, and breath.

"Rocket yoga is a strong power yoga class and incorporates some more advanced postures such as arm balances, inversions and backbends. It is thought of as a class for advanced practitioners, and while I wouldn't recommend it for complete beginners I would definitely say that you don't need to have an advanced practice to come to a rocket class," explained Jules McLellan, head of yoga at BLOK (bloklondon.com). "It's a playful and open practice and is more about having fun, challenging yourself, and finding ways to practice postures that suit your own unique body - there is almost always a modification for everyone!"

Rocket yoga has been around for 30 years, and forms a part of the Yang Yoga collective of yoga practices, such as power and vinyasa yoga. The active movement of the poses warms the body and stimulates, lengthens, and strengthens the muscles.

"With rocket yoga, everyone has the opportunity to experience all postures, regardless of whether they can perfectly practice the previous postures in the sequence," the expert continued. "We move rhythmically in a rocket class, working to keep the rhythm of our breath as we move through the sequence, creating a unifying meditative state.

"The rocket flow is yoga that is uniquely yours: if you can't get into a pose or struggle with one transition, then your instructor will work with you to ensure you can do it in your own way."