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Understanding The Different Types Of Yoga
Suzanne Morrison
Yoga is becoming a more and more popular activity in the
Western world today. The number of places holding Yoga classes
is on the increase and there is a plethora of different types
of Yoga. With a choice of Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Power
Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and many more
it can be easy to get confused.
The article will help you to understand the difference between
the most popular types of Yoga so you can choose which type
is right for you.
Hatha Yoga - in Sanskrit (an ancient classical language
of India) "Ha" means "sun" and "tha" means "moon". This type
of Yoga is relatively slow paced, gentle type of Yoga and
is a good place to start if you are completely new to Yoga
and don't know any of the asanas (poses). Like all types of
Yoga, Hatha Yoga aims to unite the mind, body and spirit.
Ashtanga Yoga - this is the type of Yoga that I practice
on a regular basis and means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit. It's
a fast moving, intense style of Yoga practice and is based
on a progressive set sequence of asanas, synchronized with
the breath. Ashtanga Yoga can be quite physically demanding
as you constantly move from one asana in the sequence to the
next, so you'll find that it will improve your stamina as
well as your flexibility and strength.
Power Yoga - this 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
Yoga does, but it does involve practicing a series of poses
without stopping and starting.
Iyengar Yoga - This type of Yoga is based on teachings
by B.K.S Igengar and concentrates on the correct alignment
and form of the body. Unlike Ashtanga Yoga, 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 - Vinyasa means breath synchronized movement
and is another fast paced type of Yoga, 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 Bikram Yoga class and the hot temperature helps to
loosen muscles. Due to the high temperature most people 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
what you like best.
Remember, there's no rule that says you have to stick to one
type of Yoga. I like Ashtanga Yoga best, but I also go to
occasional Iyengar and Hatha Yoga classes for a bit of variety.
Copyright Suzanne Morrison - http://www.yogamentor.com
Suzanne Morrison
To find out more about the different types of Yoga visit http://www.yogamentor.com
- your free online Yoga Guide.
Article Source:
www.hotlib.com
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