Understanding Popular Forms of Yoga

As the world faces so much struggle and strife… war, natural disasters and economic collapse, people are desperate for ways to deal with it all.  Many people are turning to yoga.  With every business that sadly closes its’ doors due to the failing economy, surprisingly, a yoga studio seems to pop up in its’ place.

People are not only staying indoors more, from dining in to in-home entertainment, they are also looking inward… searching for some sense of inner peace.  Many think yoga is the answer.

The decision to take a yoga class can be very intimidating… all those lithe bodies streaming out of the yoga studio as you rush past, frazzled and late for your 2pm meeting. And there are so many different kinds of yoga?  What do all of those names mean anyway?  Hatha… Ashtanga… Iyengar???

I am here to tell you that you need not be afraid.  EVERYONE can do yoga and the best way to decide which kind is to try them all!  Whether you are looking to tone your body, release stress or embark on a spiritual journey, there is a yoga practice for you.  I started at my gym.  While not necessarily the most tranquil atmosphere in which to reach enlightenment, it’s basically free… and not everyone looks like Gisele!  My first class was a Flow, or Vinyasa Flow, class.

Vinyasa is a hatha yoga… and the word “hatha” simply describes the part of yoga that focuses on poses.  The word hatha can be used interchangeably with yoga.  Vinyasa is a hatha yoga, as is Iyengar and Bikram’s.  Vinyasa means “breath-synchronized movement” and describes the form of yoga that focuses on combining poses with the inhale and exhale of breath.  “Vinyasa flow” is often used in reference to the fluidity of the series of poses one does while practicing.  There are different types of vinyasa classes, some of which I will describe here.

But before I begin, remember this:

My best advice to you is try them all.  Be open. And have fun.  Namaste!

Here are five of the most popular types of hatha yoga:

• Ashtanga Yoga – This is a vinyasa style class which is both fast paced and physically demanding.  There are a series of poses performed, always in the same order.
• Bikram’s Yoga – Also known as hot yoga, Bikram’s yoga is a series of yoga poses done in a room heated anywhere from 90 to 100 degrees.  The intense heat aids in warming the body to induce profuse sweating and flexibility.
• Iyengar Yoga – This type of hatha yoga focuses on perfecting the poses thereby perfecting the alignment of the physical body.  Props like foam blocks and straps are often used in this practice.
• Anusara Yoga – The word “anusara” means “flowing with grace.”  This is, again, a form of vinyasa yoga founded on the belief that all beings are intrinsically good.  It focuses on opening the heart through alignment and backbends, as well as incorporating the spiritual lessons of yoga into daily life.
• Kundalini Yoga – Kundalini is also a very spiritually focused type of practice.  While physically demanding, this practice also includes breathing exercises, meditation and chanting.  Both a physical and mental challenge.

Guest post by: Chris of Fatty Weight Loss where you can learn about the best exercises to help you reach your weight loss goals.

Tagged as: Understanding Popular Forms of Yoga, yoga for stress