Relaxing yoga classes

This branch of yoga involves focusing completely on your breath, and whether it's practiced sitting or lying down, the intention is to balance the mind and the emotions. Brooke Myers, a teacher with three decades of experience, guides a class of about 20 through a gently paced sequence of different breathing techniques, such as imagining the scent of a wonderful fragrance. Although the practice might seem subtle, the result is a clear mind and revitalized body. 212-691-9642, iyengarnyc.org. Wed 5:30–7:30pm; $25.—Sophie Harris

Referred to as the yoga of awareness, Kundalini yoga focuses on raising individual and group consciousness. Hari Kaur taught alongside Kundalini master Yogi Bajan in India and Mexico for a decade, and her joyful, humorous approach to the practice is mesmerizing and addictive. The Gong class begins with a breathing exercise and segues quickly into a kriya (a combination of poses, mantras, breath work and meditation) chosen to promote a different kind of healing during each session. The class winds down with a 20-minute meditation, punctuated by the chimes of Kaur's gong. You'll open your eyes to the sight of complimentary cookies and tea, and leave feeling completely blissed out. 212-465-0606, harinyc.com. Mon 7pm; $15.—Sharon Steel

Before students settle into a series of relaxing poses, anatomy expert Ariel Kiley walks them through a deep-tissue self-massage, accomplished by rolling the upper-back muscles over soft rubber balls. It's agonizing at first, but the release of muscle tension allows you to relax more deeply into the poses that follow. Using imaginative language (students "Machu Picchu" their blankets, stacking them in stair-step fashion) and imagery (they make circles with their knees the size of kiwifruit, then oranges, then cantaloupes), Kiley brings a sense of humor to the serious work of vegging out. 718-541-1382, yogasole.com. Sun 5:45–7pm; $15.—Megan Gendell

To complete instructor Lorraine Shea's sequence of soothing poses, students use a combination of props (bolsters, blankets, blocks and straps) and gravity to help the body rejuvenate. Whether you're sitting with your legs up on the wall or lying down propped up with blankets, you'll soon feel tight spots, overworked muscles and achy joints start to open up. By the time you emerge from the final savasana, you'll be as good as new. Since the annex space of this studio can only hold five students, it's essential to reserve your spot online. 212-334-9960, elenabrower.com. Sun 6–7:30pm; $30.—Alex Schechter