If you are looking to add yoga to your healthy lifestyle you may be wondering what type of yoga to choose. We are here to break down the many varieties and help you decide which path is best for you. Below is a brief overview of the most popular yoga practices today.
Vinyasa – Movements and breaths are coordinated in a fast pace type of yoga. Each asana (pose) is balanced with a counter pose to create a harmonized mind and body. Vinyasa yoga has influenced many other styles of yoga that all keep the idea of balance and synchronicity throughout.
Ashtanga – This is a type of Vinyasa yoga that follows a series of asanas that constantly flow, allowing each movement to receive a breath. Ashtanga is a Sanskrit (an ancient language in India) work meaning “8 Limbs”. Ashtanga yoga is sometimes better known as “power yoga” because of the demand on the body.
Iyengar – This a type of yoga designed by the famous yoga guru B.K.S. Iyengar. His style of yoga places a great emphasis on proper alignment by encouraging the use of yoga props such as bands, blocks, pillows, etc. while holding each pose for a longer amount of time than most other yoga styles.
This style is great for beginners or those who have not exercised in a while because the props help to compensate for any lack of flexibility that comes with continued practice.
Bikram – Otherwise know as “Hot Yoga”, this style of Vinyasa yoga is taught in heated rooms of 105 degrees F or warmer. It is meant to duplicate the climate in India where yoga originated. There are 26 specific asanas that are performed in the same order.
Bikram yoga follows the belief that the muscles in the body should be warmed up and worked in this order to create the fullest potential of energy in the body. Because of the extreme heat this type of practice is meant for those in extremely fit shape.
Kundalini – This yoga style focuses on the spiritual aspect of yoga; the mind, body, soul connection with the goal of taking the yoga participant to a place beyond just the physical body. The main goal of Kundalini yoga is to activate and balance the seven chakras in the body, the kundalini energy found in the spine.
Different parts of the body and brain are awakened by performing breathing, mantras, body locks, meditation, etc. in order to unlock the different layers of consciousness found in every individual. Kundalini yoga is ideal for anyone looking to take their yoga practice beyond the physical attachment.
Hatha - In Sanskrit Ha means “sun” and Tha means “moon”. This is a mellow slow paced type of yoga that places great emphasis on using the basic poses to relieve stress in the body and mind. Hatha yoga is perfect for reflecting at the end of the day. It is also ideal for beginners wanting to practice connecting the body with the mind through a gentle series of flow movements and meditative breaths
No matter what type of yoga seems best for you on your computer screen. We encourage you to take part in several styles of yoga classes and open your mind to the relaxing and energizing effects that the amazing practice of yoga offers you. Only after you are able to open and receive can you truly learn what is best for you.
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