A+ Yoga

When people think of yoga, they may picture folks chanting in a room while twisting into all kinds of shapes. It is only naturally for someone with no real world experience in yoga to assume one type fits all, or that there is only one type with one desired outcome. You may be surprised to learn there are many types of yoga.

Hatha yoga is the most popular types of yoga in the west and it is also the foundation for all yoga practices. It is also geared more towards beginners as opposed to other yoga practices. Hatha yoga focuses on the meditative benefits of yoga coupled with healthy and energetic exercises. “Ha” means sun and “Tha” means moon, highlighting the physical and mental benefits of this practice.

Ashtanga yoga is a more athletic style of yoga and it is not recommended for beginners. Ashtanga yoga translates from the ancient yoga texts as meaning “eight limbed yoga.” It is done with a continuous flow of postures which increase body heat. As the body temperature increases when you do ashtanga, your stretches intensify as does your breathing.

Bikram yoga is an intense endurance focused yoga practice. It is also the only form of yoga that has to be done in 105 degree heat and approximately 40% to 60% humidity. It involves intense 26 poses that are repeated twice in a 90 minute period. It is practiced primarily for detoxification and strength training purposes, and is one of the most physically challenging types of yoga taught by specially trained experts.

Please click here for more information about yoga exercise!

Kundalini yoga involves the chakras that line the spine from the base to the crown of the head. By doing Kundalini yoga, you awaken the energy that is blocked at the base of the spine. Poses are done with chanting along with meditative breathing techniques. By practicing this form of yoga, people claim to have unlocked pent up negative feelings and experiences in order to begin healing.

Mantra yoga is another one of the types of yoga that utilizes the meditative benefits of chanting. By repeating a mantra continuously, a state of elevation or enlightenment can eb reached as the poses are held. Many types of mantras work, however, “om” is the sound most associated with mantras. This is because the vibration made when “om” is repeated aids in focusing the meditative mind.

Raja yoga is also one of the types of yoga that focuses on the mental and spiritual benefits of yoga rather than the physical. Raja means royal. It involves intense concentration and focus on one particular point while doing the poses. Achieving self realization is the primary goal.

Vinyasa yoga is a very fast paced yoga practice and involves many different poses. While all sessions begin with sun salutation, each class can follow a different order after that.

Inyengar yoga is one of the only types of yoga that use props. Props such as blocks, straps and harnesses are encouraged to help reach maximum potential with ease. This form of yoga aims to improve physical alignment by holding poses longer.

Anusara yoga is a more free flowing type of yoga practice. It caters to all ability levels and classes are taught in a very upbeat and light manner.

Kripalo yoga is a variation of hatha yoga. It is great for beginners and is more meditative oriented. You learn the basics through a continuous flow of poses.

There are many new types of yoga being explored and taught as yoga grows in popularity. As yoga evolves, more and more people will be able to find a yoga practice that offers them everything they are looking for. Balancing the mind, spirit and physical body through yoga is something everyone can find a way to do if they take the time to learn the variety of options out there.

Please click here for more information about yoga exercise!

Comments are closed.