Yoga comes from the ancient Indian Sanskirt word to mean "to yoke" or "union." It has been used as a method to unify body, soul and mind and has developed many branches through its evolution. In their textbook "The Science and Philosophy of Teaching Yoga and Yoga Therapy," authors Jacqueline Koay and Theodora Barenholtz detail the various benefits of the four types of yoga: Ashtanga, Iyengar, Bikram and Power yoga.
Ashtanga Yoga
Developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Ashtanga yoga is one of the more vigorous and challenging forms of practice. Ashtanga yoga relies on quick movements through a series of poses simultaneously matching the breath with movement. This style of yoga is designed to induce heat and energy in the muscles as well as produce sweat during practice, which helps detoxify organs and promote flexibility. Ashtanga yoga should be considered an athletic-style of yoga and is demanding for beginners looking to start a yoga practice.
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar yoga was developed more than 60 years ago by yogi B.K.S. Iyengar. It's designed to build strength, balance and endurance through a variety of poses. Iyengar yoga focuses on moving into and out of each pose slowly and holding each pose for at least a minute. The breath is used as a tool to help hold the pose for lengthier amounts of time and to allow you to move deeper into each pose in conjunction with deepening your breathing. Iyengar also promotes the usage of props like blocks, pillows, straps and towels to assist in building flexibility.
Bikram Yoga
Developed in 1963 by Bikram Choudhury, Bikram yoga is one of the most challenging types of practice you can choose. It is done in a heated studio, with temperatures between 95 and 110 degrees and a humidity level of at least 65 percent. Bikram yoga focuses on building strength, opening the lungs, gaining flexibility, working the heart and weight loss. BIkram yoga sessions include two breathing exercises and 26 postures done in the same sequence for the same amount of time during each practice, making Bikram yoga one of the most consistent types out there from studio to studio.
Power Yoga
Developed in the west, Power yoga is combination of Ashtanga yoga and Bikram yoga. It follows suit with Ashtanga practices through its flowing and fast-paced series of poses but is similar to Bikram in that it is also performed in a heated room. Power yoga focuses on offering practitioners a thorough and intense cardiovascular and strength workout and is designed to promote flexibility, build strength and teach meditative breathing.
References
- "The Science and Philosophy of Teaching Yoga and Toga Therapy"; Jacqueline Koay, Theodora Barenholtz, PT; 2010
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