Popular Types Of Yoga
Regular practice of Yoga provides excellent benefits to the physical, mental and emotional aspects of an individual.
It has different styles — from the physically demanding type to more meditative ones.
Although Yoga is for everyone, some types suit better to individuals with certain built or disposition.
One good advice is that you try different studios, instructors, and styles. Find out what works for you and dedicate yourself to the practice.
To minimize the confusion especially to the uninitiated, here is a comprehensive list of Yoga types. This will help you determine where to start or what to take up.
Vinyasa Yoga
This dynamic practice synchronizes movement and breathing together –– the so called ‘Vinyasa Flow’.
The flow of movements are continuous and at a faster rate. It’s a good exercise for HIIT lovers and athletes. It pushes you to your physical limits – strength, balance and flexibility.
Instructors are usually free to choreograph the sequence of the poses with great music, so you’ll feel like you’re dancing. Generally, it’s fun and perfect for beginners.
Iyengar Yoga
Precise and detailed poses are the main focus of this type. Props, like blankets and ropes, are needed to help you to work with safe movements and effective forms.
Each pose is held for a period of time to perfect the form and go deeper into each pose. Anyone can practice Iyengar, but is good for those with injuries who need to practice slowly.
Kundalini Yoga
This is a combination of a spiritual practice and physical workout. It involves repetitive body exercises (kriyas) with intense breath works – while chanting, saying mantra and meditating.
Since it gives emphasis on the spiritual aspects, it is said to release trapped energy and awakens higher awareness of your own potential.
Bikram Yoga
A hot and sweaty type of yoga which includes 26 precise sequence of postures and two breathing exercises, each performed in a room heated to 105 degrees and 40 percent humidity.
Bikram allows the body to stretch, detoxify, eliminate stress and heal pains like arthritis, joint aches, back problems and knee injuries.
Yin Yoga
A slow-paced type of yoga which held poses from 45 seconds to several minutes at a time. A meditative practice which promotes calmness, thus reduces stress and anxiety.
It balances mind and body, therefore improves the flow of chi or prana. It targets fascia restoring joint mobility, flexibility, and elasticity.
Ashtanga Yoga
A very physically demanding type. It involves progressive series of specifically-sequenced yoga poses to produce intense internal heat – causing the body to sweat profusely resulting to a satisfying detoxification.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha takes in most of other yoga movements and breathing exercises. A gentler form of yoga which helps you find balance, releases tension, eradicates trauma and creates space within yourself.
A great start for beginners in yoga practice.
Restorative Yoga
This type gives more importance to body relaxation after a long strenuous day. Poses are easier with props (pillows, blankets and bolsters) to enhance deep rest.
It helps cleanse and free the mind of disturbing factors from various stimuli.