Those who are unfamiliar with yoga and its principles may mistakenly believe that yoga is just a series of poses practiced for health and fitness. In fact, yoga is a philosophy of well-being in the body and the mind. Each style of yoga approaches the achievement of mind, body and spirit in a different way. Whether through deep breathing, careful meditation or even temperature, the different types of yoga styles make it easy to find the one that you feel is the most enlightening.
Hatha
Hatha yoga is generally the most popular type of yoga practiced in the mainstream Western world. Hatha yoga is usually offered by health clubs and private instructors and focuses on poses to strengthen the body and create long, lean muscles. Hatha is slow moving and best for beginners.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa yoga is also good for beginners; it involves swift movements instead of slow, steady ones. Better for those looking for a cardiovascular workout, vinyasa combines swift movements with careful, controlled breathing,
Ashtanga
Ashtanga yoga, also called "power yoga," is a fast-paced and often strenuous type of yoga that requires enthusiasts to move quickly from one pose to the next in a series, always in the same order. Ashtanga is best suited to an advanced yoga enthusiast who already has a good grasp on various common poses, notes YogaMovement.com.
Bikram
Bikram yoga is sometimes called "hot yoga," since it is practiced in a room that is 90 to 100 degrees F. According to YogaSite.com, hot yoga is composed of 26 poses that are performed one after the other while the heat allows you to sweat and loosen up your limbs for greater flexibility.
Ananda
Ananda yoga is for those who crave enlightenment and relaxation with their yoga workout, says "Yoga Journal" magazine. A lower-key type of yoga, the emphasis is placed on harmony with the mind and body though slow, easy poses and quiet meditation.
Kundalini
Kundalini yoga focuses on the importance of breathing through the yoga poses. This means that breathing in time with quicker poses is emphasized, along with chanting and singing with the yoga instructor.
Iyengar
Iyengar yoga is all about the proper posture, alignment and symmetry of the body. Those who practice Iyengar yoga may use props like straps, balls and walls to properly align their bodies while in specific poses. Because there is so much emphasis on form, poses are often slower.
Svaroopa
A good choice for advanced to expert yoga practitioners, Svaroopa yoga teaches different ways of engaging in familiar and traditional yoga poses. Not typically used to increase athleticism, the goal of Svaroopa yoga is better consciousness while practicing.
Jivamukti Jivamukti
Jivamukti yoga was formulated by two American yoga teachers who wanted to bring back mediation and chanting to yoga classes across the country. Less fitness and more relaxation, Jivamukti is a good starting place for beginners and ideal for those hoping to achieve mind and body harmony through yoga.
Tantra
Contrary to popular belief, Tantra yoga is not sexual, but sensual. Meant to heighten the senses and create a greater connection to the body, Tantra yoga should always be practiced at the side of a qualified instructor. Tantra focuses on breathing, chanting and visualization to help practitioners connect better with their sensual sides.
Member Comments