According to yoga philosophy, weight gain represents an overall imbalance. This may be due to illness, poor diet or lack of exercise. Yoga is a holistic practice that teaches proper diet, breathing techniques, meditation and relaxation as well as physical fitness. Ashtanga, meaning eight-limbed, is the ancient practice in which modern yoga has its roots. Contemporary methods of yoga have been developed to help practitioners lose excess weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Power Yoga
Power yoga is based on a version of ashtanga yoga taught by Yogi Pattabhi Jois beginning in 1948. It is designed to help the practitioner achieve increased strength, flexibility and stamina. Hopping from one pose to the next is one characteristic that distinguishes ashtanga and power yoga from other styles. The constant movement provides a cardiovascular workout. Power yoga also helps to develop muscle mass. Larger muscles require more calories, and developing muscle helps to burn more energy. Proper breathing and concentration are also essential in ashtanga. Each pose is executed with proper focus and breath control, incorporating two more limbs of yoga into asana practice. Additionally, power yoga is designed to allow the practitioner to progress through a series of stages, starting at a beginner's level. The practice increases in difficulty as the practitioner improves in strength and endurance.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa yoga is another variation of ashtanga, developed by a contemporary of Pattabhi Jois, Krishnamacharya. He taught the basic sequences of asanas familiar to practitioners of ashtanga, but incorporated in his teachings principles of right living, self-awareness and self-care. Because of this focus on the individual, teachers of vinyasa yoga classes tend to be more involved with each student's practice, paying particular attention to proper breathing techniques, focus and concentration. If a student appears to be struggling in a pose, or uncomfortable, the teacher may give specific instructions to release tension and relax into the pose. Postures are held longer than in a power yoga session to allow for proper execution and precision. Both styles of ashtanga, vinyasa and power yoga are coupled with teachings on proper diet, breathing and relaxation.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga is also known as hot yoga because it is practiced in a room with a temperature of about 100 degrees. Although a typical bikram yoga session will only have 26 asanas, each one is held for an extended period of time to allow the practitioner to build strength and stamina. The heated environment promotes excessive sweating, and is believed to be cleansing for the body, releasing toxins and chemicals that can build up in the muscles and organs. Because heat also helps muscles to relax, practitioners often find they can go deeper into a pose than when in a cooler environment. Bikram yoga is not for the faint, and should not be practiced by those with heart problems or sensitivity to heat.
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