WELCOME TO INNER EMBASSY
Are you looking for yoga classes in The Hague to start your practice? You’ve come to the right place – at Inner Embassy we offer over 60 classes per week that are suitable for beginners. Learn more about what yoga is, how you will benefit from it, and what Inner Embassy has to offer you as you begin to explore the world of yoga.
WHAT IS YOGA?
Yoga is a system of practices that helps bring balance into your body and mind. It’s an ancient philosophy rooted in India that can involve physical practice (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation. But also includes self-enquiry, how you relate to other people and eating habits – yoga extends far beyond the mat! In the western world, yoga tends to focus mainly on the physical asana practice.
At Inner Embassy you can find a wide variety of asana centred and meditation classes, but a membership will also give you access to events and workshops that focus on other yogic practices and philosophy, and that will help you deepen and broaden your practice.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF YOGA?
A regular yoga practice has many proven benefits, on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. Yoga will make you stronger, more flexible and will improve your balance. It improves breathing, metabolism, energy, fitness, cardiovascular and circulatory health. It can reduce pain and stress and improve your posture. On a spiritual level, yoga teaches you self-awareness and awareness of your surroundings – in other words, mindfulness.
In short, yoga is a journey of self-discovery, personal growth and physical transformation.
You will feel some of these benefits very quickly if not immediately after starting your practice, like the release of tension and improved strength and flexibility. Every person is different and it depends on how often you practise, but you will experience more and more benefits as you keep practising.
WHAT YOGA STYLE SHOULD I START WITH?
At Inner Embassy we offer 16 different yoga styles and all classes are suitable for beginners. Read on or come and talk to us if you’re unsure what yoga style is best for you. We also suggest you try a few different styles and teachers, because that’s the best way to find out what serves you best.
Hatha yoga is the ancient yoga style that is based on the historic yoga teachings, all other yoga styles are based on Hatha yoga. It’s a yoga style in which postures can be held for a longer time, which makes it a good style to start with and familiarise yourself with the yoga postures. Hatha also includes breathing exercises and meditation.
But it also really depends on what you are looking for and why you are starting yoga. If you want to reduce stress and relax, Restorative yoga and Yin yoga are good options for you. These classes are lower paced and poses are held for a long time, facilitating deep relaxation and working deeply into your body, targeting deep lying connective tissues.
If you want a more dynamic practice, or if you want to build strength and fitness, Vinyasa and Ashtanga might be good options for you.
If you have an injury or pain, we recommend gentle styles like Restorative or Healing Yoga, but also other forms of yoga could serve you. Whichever style you choose, make sure to take it easy in class and don’t force it. Always let your teacher know about any pain or injuries before or during class.
As a first way to orient yourself, we’ve grouped our yoga styles into the following three categories:
| GENTLE & RELAXING | DYNAMIC & INVIGORATING | CALM & STRENGTHENING |
| Yin | Ashtanga Led | Gentle Vinyasa |
| Yoga Nidra | Ashtanga (Beginners) | Hatha (and Breathwork) |
| Restorative | Vinyasa | (Gentle) Yin Yang |
| Restorative & Sound | Vyayam | |
| Healing Yoga & Meditation | Pralaya | |
| Lu Jong/Tibetan Healing Yoga | Do-In Yoga | |
| Meditation | Prenatal Yoga | |
| Silent Sit | Postnatal Yoga | |
| Care Circle |
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions, or would like more personalised recommendations.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO CLASS?
Make sure to wear comfortable clothes, and in the cold seasons, bring an extra layer to keep you warm during the final relaxation pose. You can bring your own mat, or you can use the mats we have in the studios. Mats are cleaned after each class. We also have all the props you might need during class, as well as blankets. Read more practical information about our yoga school.
Ready to start? We would be thrilled to guide you on your new yoga journey!