Let me tell you about the different types of Yoga
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Yoga is finally getting accepted in Western world today. You no longer have to leave your neighborhood to take a yoga class. So how do you choose which type of yoga is right for you? You can choose from Hatha, Ashtanga, Power, Iyengar, Bikram, and Vinyasa just to name a few.
I hope this article will help you to understand the difference between the most popular types of yoga so you can choose the one that’s right for you. Hatha Yoga in Sanskrit, this is an ancient classical language of India, Ha means sun and tha means moon. This type is relatively slow paced, and easy to do so it’s a good place to start if you’re completely new to Yoga and don’t know any of the asanas or poses.
Like all types of Yoga, Hatha’s purpose it to unite the mind, body and spirit. Ashtanga Yoga is the type of Yoga I practice on a regular basis, it means eight limbs in Sanskrit. It’s relatively fast moving, intense type of Yoga exercise and is based on a progressive set of sequences of asanas, synchronized with your breathing. Ashtanga can be very physically demanding as you constantly move from one asana in the sequence to the next. It’s a great way to increase your stamina as well as your flexibility and strength.
Power Yoga is a western interpretation of Yoga and is based on Ashtanga Yoga. A Power Yoga class may not necessarily stick to the exact sequence of poses like Ashtanga does, but it does involve moving from one series of poses to another without stopping and starting.
Iyengar Yoga is based on teachings by B.K.S Igengar and concentrates on the form and the correct alignment of the body. Unlike Ashtanga, there is an emphasis on holding each pose for a long period of time rather than moving constantly from one pose to the next. Iyengar Yoga uses props such as blocks and straps to help align the body into the different poses.
Vinyasa Yoga is breath synchronized movements and is another fast paced style, with an emphasis on breathing. A practice typically starts with sun salutations and moves on to more intense stretching. Throughout the practice each pose is balanced with a counter pose.
Bikram Yoga otherwise known as Hot Yoga, is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees, with a humidity of around 40%. Generally a sequence of 26 different poses is practiced during a class and the hot temperature helps to loosen muscles. Because of the high temperature you’ll sweat a lot during the class and this helps to cleanse the body of toxins.
If you’re just starting out or have never done any Yoga before, I recommend trying a few different types of Yoga to find out which one works for you the best.
Remember, there’s no rule that says you have to stick to just one type. I like Ashtanga the best, but I’ll also go to an occasional Iyengar or Hatha Yoga classes for a bit of variety.
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