Learning About The Various Types of Yoga
Do you ever get so busy you can’t even think straight? Do you frequently suffer from headaches and feel lethargic? Instead of indulging in all the “one-pill cures” on late night television, why not take an hour of your day to do yoga? Millions of Americans are finding a sense of peace and relaxation, while improving circulation, muscle definition and flexibility.
Iyengar yoga helps individuals with coordination, balance and circulation by emphasizing concentration and slow, methodical stretching. The breaks between positions and props (like straps, mats and blocks) take some of the strain off the body, making this ideal for older participants and beginners. Practitioners are encouraged to find a sense of oneness and peace through regulated breathing and posture.
Fitness yoga aims to increase flexibility, muscle strength and improve energy and cardiovascular systems. This is a more modern approach to the ancient principles and targets certain areas like the gluteus muscle or abdomen to tone and strengthen. Similarly, Pilates yoga is one of the most popular forms, with over 11 million regular practitioners in the US and over 14,000 instructors. The core postural muscles and spinal cord are emphasized, in addition to utilizing flowing movements to strengthen and define.
Ashtanga Vinyasa (also known as “power yoga” or “Raja yoga”) is derived from an ancient Indian manuscript called “the Yoga Kurunta.” The word “ashtanga” literally translates to mean “eight limbs,” which refers to eight positions: yama (moral codes), niyama (self-purification and study), asana (posture), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sense control), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (contemplation). Vinyasa means “breath-synchronized movement.” After warming up with “Sun Salutations,” the different postures are repeated with smooth flowing movements and specific breathing patterns. This advanced style of yoga attracts people who may typically be the cardio types, participating in kickboxing or step classes, and is intended to help extroverted high-stress personalities find their inner quietude.
A couple of forms of yoga are used for therapeutic purposes. Bikram yoga (also known as “hot yoga”) occurs in a sauna-like room maintained at 95-100 degrees to induce sweating, leading to body cleansing and additional weight loss. These twenty-six positions loosen the muscles in a relaxing way. The Forrest style meditation yoga from Santa Monica California is intended to release inner emotional pain, purify the body of toxins and strengthen the abdomen through deep breathing and stretches.
Some styles focus on the spiritual side, with chanting, meditating and contemplating, borrowing inspiration from the eight principles of ashtanga. Jivamukti and Kundalini use chanting and rapid repetitive movements to free trapped energy. Karma yoga is derived from the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient sandskrit Hindu scripture and is based around the idea of “union through action.” It is believed that one can express love for God by giving up selfish desires and participating in “detached, selfless action,” which will eventually result in liberation. The Anusara style is a form of meditation yoga for beginners because teachers believe in positive communication to open the heart and mind. All levels are welcomed and there is a philosophical belief in the intrinsic goodness of humankind. This light-hearted approach to alignment is a good springboard to more intense forms.
There is a yoga class for you. Some people like fitness yoga, while others prefer meditation yoga. Either way, you’ll enjoy the increased flexibility, toning, happiness and mental clarity long after your yoga lesson is over.
The world is a fantastic place filled with diversity and new discoveries at every turn. One of these discoveries for the Western world came in the form of Yoga. This ancient practice was known primarily in Eastern religions such as Buddhism or Hinduism but has since become a very popular form of exercise. It is more than that though. It is a process of centering the mind and body into one fluid machine that is highly aware of itself and surroundings. Yoga can be performed by anyone of any age and is great for those beginning their trek into a healthier lifestyle. If you are ready to begin your trek, click here for more information: Hatha Yoga Techniques and at Basic Yoga also at Yoga Teacher Training Courses
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