Yoga - What are the Different Types?
If you are considering taking up yoga, then it is important to understand that there are a variety of types to choose from, each with their own philosophy and techniques. As you embark on your personal yoga journey, it may help to understand the alternatives so you can choose the one that is right for you.
I have experience with four different types of yoga; these being Iyengar, Hatha, Ashtanga and Bikram yoga, so this article will focus on them. There are plenty of others so please don't feel restricted by my experience.
Iyengar
Iyengar yoga is the most popular style of yoga. It is widely practiced and there are a large number of schools available. I found Iyengar yoga enjoyable and challenging. My main struggle initially was with holding static poses and managing my breathing for the length of time that was required. Over time, I definitely improved and felt a real sense of accomplishment for doing so.
There are a huge variety of poses which means that a good teacher will focus each class on different objectives relating to both your body and state of well being. For me, that meant that I did not get bored or complacent, because there were lots of different things for me to try.
Hatha
Hatha is a really lovely, gentle form of yoga. It is excellent for all age groups and fitness levels because you are very fluid in your movements. If you are feeling a bit intimidated by yoga, then this would be the one that I would recommend as a starting point.
It is very accessible so that if you are lacking experience you can still easily manage a Hatha yoga class. As this practice is inherently gentle, it is an excellent form of relaxation combined with exercise. You may feel some exertion at times, but certainly not the intensity that Iyengar or Bikram yoga provides. The breathing techniques offer a great opportunity to observe your body and create a sense of stillness in your mind.
Ashtanga
I have had the least experience with Ashtanga yoga but I really enjoyed it. It is somewhere between Hatha and Iyengar in that it combines movement with breathing (Hatha) but also has poses that are maintained for a period of time (Iyengar).
This had a really positive effect overall, as I felt that the class was a bit more physically challenging but still gave me a presence and clarity of mind that I expect from any form of yoga. I would definitely be interested in exploring this method further however it is not as common in Australia, which makes it difficult to find instruction.
Bikram
Bikram, or hot yoga as some will know it, is rapidly growing in popularity and numbers. Whilst the philosophy of Bikram emerged from India, the trend was born in Los Angeles. Bikram outlines a set of standing and floor-based poses that are designed to work each part of your body over the course of the session. It is recommended that you practice in a hot room (approx. 38 degrees Celsius) to elevate the heart rate and improve muscle movement. Each session follows the same format, offering limited variety. For that reason, a common complaint is that people get bored over time.
As a yoga practice, Bikram has a tendency to polarize people. You either love it or loath it. Those that are devoted to Bikram will go three to four times per week and become extremely committed. Those that loath it, will go once or twice and then choose to leave it there. It really comes down to personal preference. I did not have a great experience to be honest but I have met plenty of people that are devoted to Bikram so don't let me put you off!
As you can see, all of these techniques are extremely different from each other and no matter which you choose, you will find some huge benefits. For me, I would encourage you to explore yoga because it brings a full awareness to your body and helps create a sense of well being across so many different dimensions. Good luck!
(ArticlesBase SC #603402)
Article Tags:
Health
,Yoga
,Fitness
,Exercise
,Yoga Poses
,Australia
,massage
,Hot Yoga
,Ashtanga
,stretching
,yoga fitness
,bikram
,Hatha
,iyengar
Hot Yoga Workout
Zuzana shows you how to put together your own Yoga workout at home. 8 types of postures - one great workout. (03:16)
How to Choose Formal Wear for Different Torso Types
Learn some fashion tips with Project Runway finalist, Wendy Pepper, like choosing wear for different torso types. (04:04)
How to Choose Formal Wear for Your Body Type
Learn some fashion tips with Project Runway finalist, Wendy Pepper, like choosing formal wear for your body type. (01:12)
How to Choose the Right Type of Ski
Learn how to choose the right type of ski in this video with Chris Bunch from the Alpine Ski Shop. (01:29)
How to Choose Types of Wedding Paperie for Receptions
Learn how to choose types of wedding paperie for receptions in this video with Haute Papier creator and owner Sarah Meyer Walsh. (04:01)
Hatha yoga is a physical practice that includes controlling breath techniques and both mind and soul partials. Advanced learners call it as moving meditation. Hatha yoga is one of the physical practices of yoga, more comprehensible than some other types.
The key aim of Yoga is to attain the complete simplicity that comes with the mind having a sense of order and calm that is brought about by the practice of breathing techniques and specific body postures. For the beginner in the practice of Yoga, it would be difficult for anyone to expect them to attain the highest degree of peace that comes with meditation. So the process of learning goes one logical step after another.
The world as we know it has become so much consumer oriented that competition has become the order of the day. The results of this lifestyle are there for all to see, the confusion that we see in all the systems that are running our current world. Most people live in a really confused state of mind and they are in search of themselves.
There are many questions and doubts that abound in the minds of many people who are skeptical in regards to the practice of Yoga and whether or not it is a religion. Some people get a feeling that it is a religion due the kind of dedication and concentration they see involved in those who practice it. The truth of the matter is that the practice of Yoga does not come anywhere near any definition of religion as we know it.
There is a lot of scientific proof today that shows that the practice of Yoga, which instructs on how to relax and controlled breathing exercises can actually deliver general stability and help in reducing stress apart from helping participant be in touch with their inner being. And for those who are afraid of aging like the general population, Yoga helps your body age very gracefully.
The greatest discovery many people have made is that Yoga is actually a real complete physical fitness program because it causes your brain to release endorphins just like any other everyday exercise activity. The many postures that are involved will flex, stretch and even extend your spine and at the same time pump up your muscles and joints while keeping your body in the best form possible.
A teacher requires being professional in every aspect of learning. It needs dedication and hard work in order to be a successful teacher someday. Being a yoga instructor is just like any other teachers. It is a rewarding job wherein you can let yourself grow and at the same time serve others. You will help your students to increase their strength and flexibility, improve their self-esteem and awareness and provide them with peace and joy...
Yoga is a scientific system which engages in spiritual touch. It is actually originated in India. Yoga derives from Yoke which is a Sanskrit language. Mental and physical peace is the main purpose of yoga. It needs you to follow or abide from certain rules or else more harm will be produced than good. If you are a yoga expert or perhaps a yoga instructor bound with growing students, a yoga studio is your main objective at this moment...
Bums and thighs are two areas that many people want to improve upon. My favourite exercises that help work on my bum and thighs are listed here. If you have others that you enjoy, I would love to hear about them!
Corporate yoga has increased in popularity as it is a relatively accessible form of exercise that can easily be accommodated in the workplace. During stressful times such as these, an initiative such as in-house yoga classes can be an effective, low cost method to help improve the wellbeing of your employees. If you are considering a corporate or in-house yoga session for your workplace, this article outlines what you will need to get started.
The start of a new year always seems to bring about a new set of resolutions. But we all know that most people struggle to stick to these within a couple of weeks of the New Year. So, whether your resolution relates to fitness, health, wellbeing, weight loss or personal development; here are some tips to helping your stay true to your resolutions.
This is a time of year where it can be easy to over-indulge. Who can resist splashing out on festive foods, enjoying the celebrations whilsts taking a break for a few days? This is also the time of year where it is easy to fall out of your normal exercise routine or eat more than your fair share of holiday treats. So, here are my tips for staying healthy in the holiday season.
Most of us understand the importance of rest. We know that we should aim for greater balance throughout our lives, take holidays and ensure that we have sufficient downtime. But for a lot of us, that is far easier said than done. To illustrate my point, I am currently on holiday and writing this article. So, as I sit here, mentally abusing myself for continuing to work on my holiday, I felt it was a great time to reflect on the importance of rest.
For many people the thought of morning exercise is just too much to take on. Most people opt for the evening under the guise that they are unable to get out of bed earlier. However, there are some genuine benefits that may make you consider building morning exercise into your routine.
Self massage is a technique that enables you to ease the aches and pains in your muscles as a supplement or replacement for professional massage treatment. Self massage is great when your budget is a bit stretched or you have an immediate pain that needs to be addressed for your own personal comfort. When you are performing self massage, there are a number of techniques that you can use to ease muscle tension and relieve pain.
Most people assume that if they cannot fit structured exercise such the gym, a run or a yoga class into their routine, then they have to miss out. And I think most of us would agree that work is typically the prohibitive factor. So to help you get a little bit of exercise, even when you are at work, I thought I would give you some practical ideas for incorporating incidental exercise into your working day.
