There are many forms of yoga that range from meditative focus to power poses, and which form of yoga you choose to practice should be determined by the core aspects you are looking for from the class as well as your individual fitness level and needs. A beginners course in yoga can help prepare you for the intensity often found in many yoga studios.
Bikram
Bikram, or "hot" yoga, is practiced in a room with temperatures up to nearly 105 degrees. The humidity level is set at the official 40 percent during the class. The class, which originates from Los Angeles, uses only 26 different yoga poses. Bikram yoga allows beginners to practice proper alignment through the different poses taught by instructors. Women's Health Magazine states, that participants can burn between 350 and 600 calories in one class, which makes bikram ideal for weight loss. The heat loosens your muscles, so you must be vigilant about overstretching and getting hurt. You will also want to keep your core temperature in a normal range, so it is recommended to wear as little clothing as possible.
Kundalini
Kundalini yoga is a spiritual exercise where breathing and fluidity of your movements is paramount. While the poses and breathing styles of kundalini yoga are entirely different from any other form of yoga, Women's Health Magazine states that most teachers are willing to instruct new students. Those who practice kundalini yoga are constantly moving through their poses and meditating. Kundalini is best for those wanting more than just a yoga workout or who are looking to focus on abdominal muscles and around the spine.
Prenatal
Prenatal yoga is popular amidst expectant mothers. Yoga instructors who teach prenatal yoga have been taught which poses are safe for pregnant women, and how to modify others to allow for an overall workout. The extra breathing practice that yoga affords allow expectant mothers time to become comfortable with the breathing needed to get through labor. While prenatal yoga is recommended by many obstetricians, women must remember that their center of gravity has changed due to pregnancy. Always speak with your doctor before beginning a new yoga routine as your pregnancy may not be conducive to exercise.
Iyengar
Iyenger yoga is perfect for the true beginner. The nickname, furniture yoga, is derived from the use of props such as blocks and incline boards to help teach the perfect alignments for poses in iyengar yoga. The basics learned in iyengar yoga can be translated into most other forms of yoga, and the instructors that teach this form of yoga can be expected to correct your poses. Be prepared to spend time getting poses perfect versus just going through the motions. Iyengar yoga is also ideal for those wanting better muscle definition throughout their body.
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