Yoga - Which Type's Right for You?
Yoga - Which Type's Right for You?
There seem to be endless different types of yoga available these days.
It's impossible to cover them all, but we've listed a brief overview of some of the more popular options to help you make an Informed choice about the right yoga class for you.....
Iyengar Yoga
A softer classical style of yoga. Iyengar is perfect for beginners and those who haven't exercised in a while. It uses props such as pillows to compensate for a lack of flexibility - helpful for anyone with back or joint problems. Each pose is held for a longer time than in most other yoga styles.
Benefits include toning muscles, eliminating tension and easing chronic pain.
Ashtanga (Power Yoga)
This is the preferred choice for athletic types, Ashtanga yoga concentrates on developing strength and stamina. The poses are more difficult than those performed in other styles. You move quickly from one pose to another in an effort to build strength and flexibility.
Ashtanga is suitable for anyone in reasonable physical condition but should be avoided by those who are new to exercise. Even the "beginners" routines pose a physically demanding workout.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga is practised in a hot room ie 38C or higher. It focuses on 26 postures that are performed in a certain order. The exercises are very physical and intensity is high.
This style is recommended for yoga veterans and extremely fit individuals only.
Benefits include removing symptoms of disease and chronic pain in the body, which works with regular practice.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is a relaxed form of yoga that focuses on simple poses that flow from one to the other at a very comfortable pace. Participants are encouraged to go at their own pace, taking time to focus on the breathing and meditation in their practice.
This yoga is ideal for winding down at the end of a tough day.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga incorporates mantras (chanting), meditations, visualisations, and guided relaxation. It focuses on healing and "purifying" the mind, body, and emotions. Kundalini yoga is designed to activate the kundalini energy in the spine.
This is achieved with poses, breath control, chanting, and meditation. Kundalini yoga is beneficial in dealing with addictions, and many people find it a natural way of releasing endorphins just by breathing and doing the poses.
Kripalu Yoga
Kirpalu Yoga is more spontaneous, flowing, and meditation orientated. The essence of Kripalu yoga is experienced through a continuous flow of postures whilst meditating, for gentle yet dynamic yoga.
Sivananda Yoga
Sivananda Yoga has a series of 12 poses, with the Sun Salutation, breathing exercises, relaxation, and mantra chanting as the basis.
Where can I practise Yoga locally?
If you run a local yoga class please e-mail us your details and we will add them to our list - thanks
Do YOU have a favourite yoga class you'd like to tell others about? Leave a comment below....
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