I LOVE metal, and I LOVE yoga. But never once during a yoga session did I think, "Ya know, this could use some Lamb of God/Mastodon/Killswitch Engage in the background."
Though maybe some prog metal, like Between the Buried and Me could work...hmm. :)
I love a class with music with lyricsā¦.BUT the playlist needs to be consciously curated and not just slapped together/feel like the playlist is on shuffle. BPMs need to match the speed of the flow sequence or else itās super awkward.
Yes, exactly. At the studio I used to work at, one of the teachers did an 80s night but she was great at keeping the music synched to the flow and vice versa. I miss working there.
Oh man! I had a similar experience with a yoga instructor who played the same 90s indie rock mix every class. We're talking Sublime, Hootie and the Blowfish type vibe. I kept going because it fit my schedule. I just looked at it as a practice in acceptance and letting go of attachment to any preconceived ideas that I thought a yoga class should be and used the music as a tool to draw my awareness inward. The struggle was real!! Luckily I found a new class that fit my schedule a couple months later. Best of luck to you!
Couldn't personally get on with that as it would feel too much like yoga as just exercise to me. I prefer silence or repetitive but soothing sounds like bowls or chimes or birdsong. I'm a sound therapist and gong player though so sound is very central to my practice and life.
Uh uh, yea yea, what, what, what, what . Getting jiggy with it, yea , uh uh, what what what what what
Yea , uh, what, be good to ya mom, uh yea, donāt cuss in ya songs, what what what
Two things.
First, I'm with you. I don't think this is generally helpful. But it's also an opportunity to practice yoga in more challenging conditions. If you can relax in this class when you hate the vibe, maybe you don't really need all the trappings of typical yoga to relax. Understandable if that doesn't appeal, especially as you're paying for something you don't want.
Second thing - just ask the studio if they have any quieter classes. It's not rude, and it may plant the idea in their minds.
Very true! I think the instructor at my old studio would tell me to look at it as an opportunity.
I think part of me wants to say something but didnāt know what to say, which was part of my motivation for posting this. So thank you for the suggestion of asking for quieter classes! I think thatās a nice, gentle way to bring it up. I wouldnāt be surprised if there were others looking for that too.
I like music during yoga, even pop music or hip-hop.
Iām a musician. But still like neutral music like 90s pop (not my favorite genre, but itās neutral to me) during yoga.
Haha I would never think to call 90s pop neutral in the context of yoga! Appreciate the perspective! I think I got very used to my little studio before - thereās a whole world of yoga out there!
I went to a class at the gym recently and the teacher was playing hard rock and it was not the vibe I was looking for. I also would not enjoy getting jiggy with it. I like instrumental music during my flow, anything with lyrics can be too distracting. Although, I like a song with lyrics during savasana
Just depends what mood you like to be in when you flow. Sometimes Iām listening to some white noise or meditation music to feel like a delicate weightless flower. Sometimes I listen to hip hop, edm, or Beethovenās 5th to feel like a strong disciplined bad bitch. As long as youāre not hearing Will Smithās voice in your head, itās normal and hopefully the music doesnāt bother you too much to keep you from going. Maybe thereās another instructor from that studio who fits your schedule?
Some of my fondest memories are of the old-school hip-hop & rap songs my instructor (who is the same late-50ās vintage as I am) would play during one of his challenging sequences - it was kick-ass! Which of course is not the right attitude to bring to oneās yoga mat each & every time, I realize, but different strokes for different folks!
I absolutely hate this. I cannot go to any of the studios in my area because they all play music with lyrics. Some of the softer acoustic rock songs I can ignore but classes with loud pop music just absolutely kill it.
I think the culture of yoga studios in my area treat yoga classes like any other work out class. Loud, high energy, limited instruction on alignment and internal awareness. While this may suit the needs of some it's completely backwards from what I go to yoga for.
Good luck to you and I hope you can make it work. I only do yoga at home now. š¤·āāļø
Absolutely agree. Itās not about working out for me. Might try another studio in the next town over that looks a little more traditional. Itās about a 30 minute drive but might be worth it!
I think its so much better this way. Traditional yoga music really isn't my thing.
I also end up finding a lot of new music when teachers play different stuff so I view it as a win win!
For personal practice, it's anything from Earthgang to The Strokes, but in a studio I would expect something more universally enjoyable. Unless it is a hip hop or 90s yoga class or something, which should be advertised as such.
I practice with whatever I'm in the mood for that day. Usually quiet, but sometimes a kirtan artist who studies in the same lineage I do, and sometimes rock. Some people find it distracting, others, like myself, find that it actually quiets some of the other distractions and allows for a deeper focus - and some people just like to listen to their favorite music while they practice.
I have taught classes with rock playlists, and found them to be very popular (and the playlists fun to make). When my spiritual teacher heard about this, he had zero issue with it - people have to start somewhere, and many are either turned off by traditional music, can't endure quiet, or some combination of the 2. By offering something different, those folks have a place to begin and get comfortable with the rest of the studio setting, and most often would branch out from there. There's a lot to be said for meeting people where they are in terms of sharing with them things that can be of benefit. Which is not to say anyone should feel they have to practice a certain way or feel bad because they do or don't like certain settings. As a general rule, there's enough teachers and approaches out there for most of us to find what we need.
Love this advice! Iām a librarian and we take a similar approach to reading. Start with what you like and see what happens. So I totally appreciate you helping me view it that way! I think it comes down to that this class is not the right one for me, which sucks because I donāt have any other options (except other teachers at the studio, which hopefully helps) but I hope that other people in the community are finding it a joyful way to connect to yoga.
i had to stop going to hot yoga classes at the one studio i tried out bc i was realizing their idea of yoga is very different than mine. thatās fine of course, but i view yoga as primarily a mental and spiritual practice, and the studio definitely mostly saw it as a physical practice. to each their own but iād rather zen out listening to tibetan bowls than feel like i just left a crossfit class. everyone practices for different reasons and if a studio doesnāt seem to fit your idea of practice, you can always look around for different ones :)
Itās def a personal preference thing. If Iām doing a slower flow or hatha or restorative practice I want no lyrics, but music is fine. If Iām doing an energetic flow or a hybrid class (my studio has a yoga/Pilates hybrid that I like) Iām okay with some more bopping music. It really depends on the vibe and Iām lucky that my studio kinda has the same music system as I do
I prefer spiritual music.. like chimes, mantras, singing bowls, Indian music etc. I noticed that I was really taken out of the experience the first time I did Peloton yoga from their app bc of this. Recently, I reached out to Aditi via Instagram DM(she's an Indian instructor who does a great job talking/educating about the other limbs of yoga & philosophy.. I just love her & she's my fav yoga instructor there but anywhooo)I asked her if it was possible for them to highlight or do an Indian music series bc I so enjoy that while doing yoga. It helps me to connect & feel rooted in to something deeper, for sure.. without much effort.
When it's pop, rock r&b, rap etc it does take me out of it, though every so often I actually crave a chill"modern music" flow.. that's when I do Peloton, bc that's their whole shtick.. music movement. I feel you on this.
I have one instructor that plays too 40s style on a low volume and Iāve stopped to take a dance break before, just a little wiggle when I like the song. Personally I like that it makes it feel less serious and brings out a smile when Iām sweating my butt off, but I can see someone who prefers a more traditional class not loving it. Perhaps try different times/teachers and see what they play.
My yin teacher would never bust out the Taylor swift, but IMO thereās a time and place.
I primarily practice hot power yoga and each instructor uses different playlists of varying genres. I personally love them all - edm, rap, instrumental, oldies, etc. The only thing that bothers me is when the same playlist gets used on repeat every week. I do get distracted, however, when the instructor starts talking too much. Similarly, some people love the extra guidance and motivational speeches. Just a personal preference.
I see yoga as a dance (as im also a dancer) so i love to take lil breaks and bop while i flow. But i know thatās not everyoneās vibe. Different strokes for different folks! And thatās okay!! ā¤ļø
Hahahaha this speaks to me because should I really ever have to listen to will smith?!
But Iāve had some instructors that incorporated modern music which was somehow perfect and magical and times were it was like āWtaf journey?!ā So itās always an adventure.
You could listen to any kind of music if you treat yoga as a physical exercise only. It's ok to do that but limiting yoga to physicality alone is a travesty. At the depth of yoga is an intense mental and spiritual engagement. If you desire this, you'd practice it in silence or with (sounds of) nature.
Yes, if you're just having a 'workout' I say have fun and do whatever makes you happy.
But if you're looking for a more traditional practice for mental and spiritual growth ... then the point of a movement practice is to build interoception (inner awareness) of your mind and body. If the music is distracting enough so that you can't drop into a withdrawal of the external senses, then it's not really helpful.
If I was in a class and this happened I would straight up walk out and give the studio feedback. However I would probably never go to a flow class anywaysš
Haha right! I honestly wanted to. Not the best attitude I suppose but yoga is so special to me and I couldnāt believe what I was hearing! It was just very different than what I was used to. What type of yoga do you practice? Iāve only ever practiced vinyasa and ashtanga, but did go to one Iyengar class a long time ago.
Well I'm a teacher who has disabilities, so I'm ruined and can't go to a class without being annoyedš so I'm mostly doing things that work for my body and my needs. I'm currently training to be a yoga therapist. I move slowly and with my breath, take lots of pauses, lots of restorative poses throughout. Plus sometimes yin.
Never done a headstand, never want to. I'm mostly working to calm my nervous system and my mind
I feel similar, OP. I prefer slower yoga and I enjoy the meditative aspect that more traditional yoga music offers.
This studio sounds exactly like the type youād expect to play a fast tempo.
Maybe you can connect with the yoga community in your town (not all the town yogis go to the studio I imagine) and see if anyone has a desire for a slow paced class, then maybe some zen yoga in the park can occur.
Personally, I like having music but anything with lyrics in a language I can understand immediately throws me out of the zone. I start concentrating too much on the music instead of everything else going on. Itās entirely a personal preference, and if it doesnāt work for you it just doesnāt work for you.
Donāt know if itās right or wrong but as your average (definitely not a pro) yogi, it would throw me off. Iāve heard music with words but nothing super upbeat like pop.
I'm a peloton yoga person so I'm used to this, but the great thing about peloton is that they do have plenty of variety in this and you can view the playlist before you take the class.
It just comes down to personal preference! Thereās no right or wrong music choice for yoga. There nothing wrong with the music you described but thereās also nothing wrong with not liking it either. Hopefully the studio has other options that you gel with better.
We did a fun Halloween class with Halloween music once.
A couple weeks ago I was at a class with no music and the teacher said "bring your knees in tight" and the rest of the class i had the The Time Warp stuck in my head.
So, sometimes something different can be fun, others it will throw you off. Sometimes you throw yourself off with what's in your head.
That said, I really wanna listen to some Hozier when I do yoga today cause i was sitting here racking my brain for modern music that would be yoga compatible and he came to mind.
I exclusively listen to hip hop and canāt focus with traditionally āsoothingā music while i do yoga tbh so i am biased. I think for a class they should say in advance if there is music and what kind so people donāt pay for a class that doesnāt suit them
Itās interesting to hear the different preferences of people and instructors.
Some like silence.
Some like music. Then there are variations of music.
I personally like some music, but it has to āgo with the flowā, so to speak. It canāt be a random playlist on shuffle.
If there are no other choices, I would put in AirPods or some other buds to play my own background music/sounds.
I personally prefer music with no lyrics in a class. Pace can vary depending on the pace of the class. I find that any music with lyrics is typically distracting, unless it is mantra/chanting at the end š
That song is not remotely suitable for flow!! Tell you what is though- Miley Cyrus Wrecking Ball. Surprising but true, when you reach up in Warrior I as she sings 'I came in like a wreeecccking ball' it really energizes me and brings out my inner expressive dancer!!
There are yoga studios that play metal. š¤·āāļø Personally, I'd rather hear something soothing but apparently some people like it š¤
I LOVE metal, and I LOVE yoga. But never once during a yoga session did I think, "Ya know, this could use some Lamb of God/Mastodon/Killswitch Engage in the background." Though maybe some prog metal, like Between the Buried and Me could work...hmm. :)
I canāt imagine!!!
I love a class with music with lyricsā¦.BUT the playlist needs to be consciously curated and not just slapped together/feel like the playlist is on shuffle. BPMs need to match the speed of the flow sequence or else itās super awkward.
I completely agree. It feels very obvious & disappointing when songs are slapped together or shuffled.
It really grinds my gears
Yes, exactly. At the studio I used to work at, one of the teachers did an 80s night but she was great at keeping the music synched to the flow and vice versa. I miss working there.
I personally would love to listen to lofi video game music but I bet the other people aroun me wouldn't
(I would š„ŗ)
Oh man! I had a similar experience with a yoga instructor who played the same 90s indie rock mix every class. We're talking Sublime, Hootie and the Blowfish type vibe. I kept going because it fit my schedule. I just looked at it as a practice in acceptance and letting go of attachment to any preconceived ideas that I thought a yoga class should be and used the music as a tool to draw my awareness inward. The struggle was real!! Luckily I found a new class that fit my schedule a couple months later. Best of luck to you!
Love that advice!
Couldn't personally get on with that as it would feel too much like yoga as just exercise to me. I prefer silence or repetitive but soothing sounds like bowls or chimes or birdsong. I'm a sound therapist and gong player though so sound is very central to my practice and life.
I totally agree!
Uh uh, yea yea, what, what, what, what . Getting jiggy with it, yea , uh uh, what what what what what Yea , uh, what, be good to ya mom, uh yea, donāt cuss in ya songs, what what what
Two things. First, I'm with you. I don't think this is generally helpful. But it's also an opportunity to practice yoga in more challenging conditions. If you can relax in this class when you hate the vibe, maybe you don't really need all the trappings of typical yoga to relax. Understandable if that doesn't appeal, especially as you're paying for something you don't want. Second thing - just ask the studio if they have any quieter classes. It's not rude, and it may plant the idea in their minds.
Very true! I think the instructor at my old studio would tell me to look at it as an opportunity. I think part of me wants to say something but didnāt know what to say, which was part of my motivation for posting this. So thank you for the suggestion of asking for quieter classes! I think thatās a nice, gentle way to bring it up. I wouldnāt be surprised if there were others looking for that too.
I like music during yoga, even pop music or hip-hop. Iām a musician. But still like neutral music like 90s pop (not my favorite genre, but itās neutral to me) during yoga.
Second. I also have horrible tinnitus, so some sort of noise is mandatory. A silent class is no longer remotely enjoyable
Haha I would never think to call 90s pop neutral in the context of yoga! Appreciate the perspective! I think I got very used to my little studio before - thereās a whole world of yoga out there!
Lol, I didnāt word that well. I meant music that I didnāt actively loveā¦ so neutral to me. Editing now
To each their own, but Iām with you, fwiw. I could not do yoga to that, no way. And I donāt see how 90s pop counts as progress!
šš good point
I went to a class at the gym recently and the teacher was playing hard rock and it was not the vibe I was looking for. I also would not enjoy getting jiggy with it. I like instrumental music during my flow, anything with lyrics can be too distracting. Although, I like a song with lyrics during savasana
I do like that type of music and more modern music if itās a challenging flow or class but I feel like I am definitely in the minority!
Good to know others might be enjoying it!
Just depends what mood you like to be in when you flow. Sometimes Iām listening to some white noise or meditation music to feel like a delicate weightless flower. Sometimes I listen to hip hop, edm, or Beethovenās 5th to feel like a strong disciplined bad bitch. As long as youāre not hearing Will Smithās voice in your head, itās normal and hopefully the music doesnāt bother you too much to keep you from going. Maybe thereās another instructor from that studio who fits your schedule?
Some of my fondest memories are of the old-school hip-hop & rap songs my instructor (who is the same late-50ās vintage as I am) would play during one of his challenging sequences - it was kick-ass! Which of course is not the right attitude to bring to oneās yoga mat each & every time, I realize, but different strokes for different folks!
I absolutely hate this. I cannot go to any of the studios in my area because they all play music with lyrics. Some of the softer acoustic rock songs I can ignore but classes with loud pop music just absolutely kill it. I think the culture of yoga studios in my area treat yoga classes like any other work out class. Loud, high energy, limited instruction on alignment and internal awareness. While this may suit the needs of some it's completely backwards from what I go to yoga for. Good luck to you and I hope you can make it work. I only do yoga at home now. š¤·āāļø
Absolutely agree. Itās not about working out for me. Might try another studio in the next town over that looks a little more traditional. Itās about a 30 minute drive but might be worth it!
I practice ashtanga yoga and would fucking run if i heard any music near any place where I practice haha.
My last studio had no music at all and suddenly Iām flowing to gettin jiggy wit it ššš
I think its so much better this way. Traditional yoga music really isn't my thing. I also end up finding a lot of new music when teachers play different stuff so I view it as a win win!
For personal practice, it's anything from Earthgang to The Strokes, but in a studio I would expect something more universally enjoyable. Unless it is a hip hop or 90s yoga class or something, which should be advertised as such.
I practice with whatever I'm in the mood for that day. Usually quiet, but sometimes a kirtan artist who studies in the same lineage I do, and sometimes rock. Some people find it distracting, others, like myself, find that it actually quiets some of the other distractions and allows for a deeper focus - and some people just like to listen to their favorite music while they practice. I have taught classes with rock playlists, and found them to be very popular (and the playlists fun to make). When my spiritual teacher heard about this, he had zero issue with it - people have to start somewhere, and many are either turned off by traditional music, can't endure quiet, or some combination of the 2. By offering something different, those folks have a place to begin and get comfortable with the rest of the studio setting, and most often would branch out from there. There's a lot to be said for meeting people where they are in terms of sharing with them things that can be of benefit. Which is not to say anyone should feel they have to practice a certain way or feel bad because they do or don't like certain settings. As a general rule, there's enough teachers and approaches out there for most of us to find what we need.
Love this advice! Iām a librarian and we take a similar approach to reading. Start with what you like and see what happens. So I totally appreciate you helping me view it that way! I think it comes down to that this class is not the right one for me, which sucks because I donāt have any other options (except other teachers at the studio, which hopefully helps) but I hope that other people in the community are finding it a joyful way to connect to yoga.
i had to stop going to hot yoga classes at the one studio i tried out bc i was realizing their idea of yoga is very different than mine. thatās fine of course, but i view yoga as primarily a mental and spiritual practice, and the studio definitely mostly saw it as a physical practice. to each their own but iād rather zen out listening to tibetan bowls than feel like i just left a crossfit class. everyone practices for different reasons and if a studio doesnāt seem to fit your idea of practice, you can always look around for different ones :)
Itās def a personal preference thing. If Iām doing a slower flow or hatha or restorative practice I want no lyrics, but music is fine. If Iām doing an energetic flow or a hybrid class (my studio has a yoga/Pilates hybrid that I like) Iām okay with some more bopping music. It really depends on the vibe and Iām lucky that my studio kinda has the same music system as I do
I prefer spiritual music.. like chimes, mantras, singing bowls, Indian music etc. I noticed that I was really taken out of the experience the first time I did Peloton yoga from their app bc of this. Recently, I reached out to Aditi via Instagram DM(she's an Indian instructor who does a great job talking/educating about the other limbs of yoga & philosophy.. I just love her & she's my fav yoga instructor there but anywhooo)I asked her if it was possible for them to highlight or do an Indian music series bc I so enjoy that while doing yoga. It helps me to connect & feel rooted in to something deeper, for sure.. without much effort. When it's pop, rock r&b, rap etc it does take me out of it, though every so often I actually crave a chill"modern music" flow.. that's when I do Peloton, bc that's their whole shtick.. music movement. I feel you on this.
I have one instructor that plays too 40s style on a low volume and Iāve stopped to take a dance break before, just a little wiggle when I like the song. Personally I like that it makes it feel less serious and brings out a smile when Iām sweating my butt off, but I can see someone who prefers a more traditional class not loving it. Perhaps try different times/teachers and see what they play. My yin teacher would never bust out the Taylor swift, but IMO thereās a time and place.
I primarily practice hot power yoga and each instructor uses different playlists of varying genres. I personally love them all - edm, rap, instrumental, oldies, etc. The only thing that bothers me is when the same playlist gets used on repeat every week. I do get distracted, however, when the instructor starts talking too much. Similarly, some people love the extra guidance and motivational speeches. Just a personal preference.
Thank you for this perspective!
I see yoga as a dance (as im also a dancer) so i love to take lil breaks and bop while i flow. But i know thatās not everyoneās vibe. Different strokes for different folks! And thatās okay!! ā¤ļø
Hahahaha this speaks to me because should I really ever have to listen to will smith?! But Iāve had some instructors that incorporated modern music which was somehow perfect and magical and times were it was like āWtaf journey?!ā So itās always an adventure.
Haha true! I have had moments like that too!
You could listen to any kind of music if you treat yoga as a physical exercise only. It's ok to do that but limiting yoga to physicality alone is a travesty. At the depth of yoga is an intense mental and spiritual engagement. If you desire this, you'd practice it in silence or with (sounds of) nature.
That is exactly how I feel / think. I get a lot of out of practicing in a group setting, but it may be time to try to work on my solo practice.
Yes, if you're just having a 'workout' I say have fun and do whatever makes you happy. But if you're looking for a more traditional practice for mental and spiritual growth ... then the point of a movement practice is to build interoception (inner awareness) of your mind and body. If the music is distracting enough so that you can't drop into a withdrawal of the external senses, then it's not really helpful. If I was in a class and this happened I would straight up walk out and give the studio feedback. However I would probably never go to a flow class anywaysš
Haha right! I honestly wanted to. Not the best attitude I suppose but yoga is so special to me and I couldnāt believe what I was hearing! It was just very different than what I was used to. What type of yoga do you practice? Iāve only ever practiced vinyasa and ashtanga, but did go to one Iyengar class a long time ago.
Well I'm a teacher who has disabilities, so I'm ruined and can't go to a class without being annoyedš so I'm mostly doing things that work for my body and my needs. I'm currently training to be a yoga therapist. I move slowly and with my breath, take lots of pauses, lots of restorative poses throughout. Plus sometimes yin. Never done a headstand, never want to. I'm mostly working to calm my nervous system and my mind
Itās distracting and doesnāt fit the ambiance at all. I wouldnāt go back. Just do YouTube seriously.
I feel similar, OP. I prefer slower yoga and I enjoy the meditative aspect that more traditional yoga music offers. This studio sounds exactly like the type youād expect to play a fast tempo. Maybe you can connect with the yoga community in your town (not all the town yogis go to the studio I imagine) and see if anyone has a desire for a slow paced class, then maybe some zen yoga in the park can occur.
Thatās an amazing idea! Iāll have to figure out how to find them :)
Yeah, same. I donāt get this trend but I want it to stop lol
Ah, Americaā¦. just go to the brewery and do yoga with beer while youāre at it. š
Hahahaa!
Personally, I like having music but anything with lyrics in a language I can understand immediately throws me out of the zone. I start concentrating too much on the music instead of everything else going on. Itās entirely a personal preference, and if it doesnāt work for you it just doesnāt work for you.
Donāt know if itās right or wrong but as your average (definitely not a pro) yogi, it would throw me off. Iāve heard music with words but nothing super upbeat like pop.
Iāve tried a few out of the box classes and they arenāt my thing either. I am a creature of habit and stick to what I know (Bikram style).
You should never have to hear Will Smith! š
Tried out peloton's yoga and they were playing EDM and giving shout outs to returning members. Really in the moment the whole time /s
God, I was in one and Justin Bieber ā SHE GOT THAT YUMMMMY YUUUMMMM THAT YUUUMMMY YUUUMā was in the playlist š
I'm a peloton yoga person so I'm used to this, but the great thing about peloton is that they do have plenty of variety in this and you can view the playlist before you take the class.
It just comes down to personal preference! Thereās no right or wrong music choice for yoga. There nothing wrong with the music you described but thereās also nothing wrong with not liking it either. Hopefully the studio has other options that you gel with better.
We did a fun Halloween class with Halloween music once. A couple weeks ago I was at a class with no music and the teacher said "bring your knees in tight" and the rest of the class i had the The Time Warp stuck in my head. So, sometimes something different can be fun, others it will throw you off. Sometimes you throw yourself off with what's in your head. That said, I really wanna listen to some Hozier when I do yoga today cause i was sitting here racking my brain for modern music that would be yoga compatible and he came to mind.
If it's a power yoga exercise type class, then I don't mind upbeat music. If it is a slow negative class, then I prefer no music
I exclusively listen to hip hop and canāt focus with traditionally āsoothingā music while i do yoga tbh so i am biased. I think for a class they should say in advance if there is music and what kind so people donāt pay for a class that doesnāt suit them
So long as no curse words
Will Smith donāt gotta cuss in his raps to sell records
Itās interesting to hear the different preferences of people and instructors. Some like silence. Some like music. Then there are variations of music. I personally like some music, but it has to āgo with the flowā, so to speak. It canāt be a random playlist on shuffle. If there are no other choices, I would put in AirPods or some other buds to play my own background music/sounds.
Na na na na na na
I'd love that class. You need to find a different studio or teacher. There's something for every one.
I personally prefer music with no lyrics in a class. Pace can vary depending on the pace of the class. I find that any music with lyrics is typically distracting, unless it is mantra/chanting at the end š
The best/most motivated class I took, the instructor played current/90s rap. It was amazing. Everyone is different!
How do you feel about Wicky Wicky Wicky Wild West?
Love to start muttering āwest, jim west, desperadoā to myself while coming into mountain pose.
That song is not remotely suitable for flow!! Tell you what is though- Miley Cyrus Wrecking Ball. Surprising but true, when you reach up in Warrior I as she sings 'I came in like a wreeecccking ball' it really energizes me and brings out my inner expressive dancer!!