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.
For beginners, Hatha yoga is slow-paced and gentle. It is believed that one cannot control the mind until the body is adequately prepared to receive spiritual guidance. By a series of postures, stretches, breathing and relaxation techniques, one can find focus, concentration and a sense of inner peace. This yoga is good for increasing flexibility and toning muscles. Iyengar yoga focuses on aligning the body to provide maximum results and minimal injury, making it another smart choice for beginners, including ill or elderly participants. Contrary to "flow" styles of yoga, Iyengar uses fewer positions and the stretches are held longer. Props to aid alignment include mats, blankets, straps and blocks. This style can improve coordination, balance and circulation, while building stronger legs.
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 it 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 it 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.
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Today's Tip On Yoga
First of all, you might be wondering what kind of yoga classes you should be looking for. There are almost limitless options and traditions and the best way to discover your favorite is to just try them! But basically, most beginners start with Hatha yoga, but Iyengar yoga is often appealing because it focuses on proper body alignment, allows instructor-student interaction and uses props like mats, buckles and blocks. Intermediate to advanced yoga enthusiasts get into Ashtanga and power yoga, which are more physically demanding. Bikram yoga is focused on internal cleansing and is practiced in a room that's 95 to 100 degrees, which causes a purifying sweating process. Kundalini is a type of yoga meditation and practice based around "spiritual awakening."
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