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Hatha Yoga
Almost every style of yoga practiced in the west is some form
of Hatha Yoga. It includes asanas, breathing exercises, relaxation,
and meditation. Each of the individual forms of yoga has a
different emphasis, but classes usually include some combination
of these elements.
Ashtanga
This is a very fast paced, intense style of yoga. It follows
a series of postures, which are always done in the same order
and are connected with the breath. Each posture flows directly
into the next one, so it is a very demanding practice. Ashtanga
can be a good choice for physically fit individuals who like
a challenge.
Iyengar
This type of yoga, which was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar,
is focused on proper body alignment. Poses are held for long
periods of time and the movement from one posture to another
is slower than some other styles. Props are often used to
help maintain proper alignment, so Iyengar can be a good choice
for those who have physical limitations. Since it focuses
so much on correct body alignment, it is also a good starting
point for beginners before they move into faster paced styles.
Bikram
This style of yoga was created by Bikram Choudhury and is
also known as ‘hot yoga.’ Classes are held in
rooms heated up to 100 degrees in order to allow your body
to stretch without injury and release toxins. Practitioners
move through a series of twenty-six postures, with each one
being held for a period of time. This is a strenuous style
and should be avoided by people with certain health conditions
unless they get clearance from their medical professional.
Power
Yoga
This is an intense workout that is a hybrid of Ashtanga, because
the postures do not necessarily follow a particular sequence
every time. Asanas move from one to another and they require
a great deal of strength and stamina. Power yoga is best suited
for athletic, well-conditioned individuals. It is my favorite
type of yoga, and even though I am in excellent physical shape,
I find it very challenging.
Kundalini
This type of yoga combines postures with specific breathing.
Its purpose is to release the Kundalini energy that is housed
at the base of the spine and allow it to move upward. Its
ultimate goal is spiritual enlightenment.
Kripalu
This style of yoga is meditation in motion. Its goal is for
the individual to gain a deeper inner awareness and to nurture
a relationship with his or her body. Classes include gentle
yoga postures with coordinated breathing and an emphasis on
alignment. They also include an extended period of meditation
and relaxation.
Integral
Created by Sri Swami Satchidananda, this type of yoga is very
gentle. Classes have a greater emphasis on the meditative
rather than the physical aspects of yoga. Integral Yoga is
included in Dr. Dean Ornish’s program, which has been
shown to reverse heart disease.
Viniyoga
This style was created by T.K.V. Desikachar and is a therapeutic
approach to yoga. It focuses on breathing in conjunction with
movement. Viniyoga encourages modified postures to meet an
individual’s specific needs and abilities. It would
be a valuable style for someone who is dealing with an injury
or other physical restriction.
Once you’ve chosen a specific type of
yoga, it doesn’t mean you have to stay with it forever.
You can choose to focus on another style for a while or mix
several different types depending on how your mind and body
feel. Whichever type you choose, the most important thing
is to continue doing it on a regular basis so you can enjoy
the rewards that yoga brings.
About
the Author
Della
Menechella is a yoga and fitness enthusiast who has been involved
in fitness for over thirty years. Her website http://www.beauty-fitness-yoga-source.com/
is filled with practical information about how you can make
yoga and fitness a positive part of your life. Visit the site
and get your free meditation e-book.
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