Different Styles of Yoga: A Beginner's Guide
You are thinking of joining a Yoga class or having finally decided to try one, you Google it only to find that you are totally confused with the search result. Which one to go for? Hatha? Or Ashtanga? What is Hot yoga? Vinyasa?? Naked Yoga ? Beer Yoga ??. Yes all these types do exist.
When you are spoilt for choice it is difficult to decide. Just this confusion can scare off a newbie and put them off the mat forever.
I am going to outline a few types of Yoga which might clear your confusion and help you decide. “Though not all classes are designed for all bodies, all bodies are absolutely designed for Yoga”.
Hatha Yoga
A branch of Yoga that uses physical exercises ( Asanas) along with pranayama ( breathing techniques) and meditation to connect the mind body and breath. This in turn helps you to connect with yourself for self transformation and growth.
Ha-Meaning Sun/masculine aspects- active and hot.
Tha-Meaning Moon/ feminine aspect- receptive and cool.
Thus, Hatha Yoga is a path towards creating balance and uniting the opposites.
It is a slow-moving practice where Asanas are held overtime as you concentrate on your breath to develop strength and balance. Stress reduction and a good workout are admirable fringe benefits but definitely not the highest goal. Hatha Yoga takes you on an inward journey towards the self.
Asthanga Yoga
If you are a type A personality, who is “can't sit still” kind then you need to book yourself a Ashtanga Yoga class. Power Yoga is the generic term used for a vigorous aerobic type of exercises derived from Ashtanga Yoga. It was codified and founded by Pattabi Jois. The students usually learn a set series of poses and practice at their own pace. It synchronises breath and movement to produce an internal heat that is believed to purify the body.
Vinyasa Yoga
Sequential movement that interlinks postures to form a continuous flow. This creates a movement meditation, by coordinating movement with breath to flow from one pose to the other. Ashtanga, Baptiste, Jivanmukti and Power Yoga are all considered Vinyasa Yoga. Care should be taken with this type of practice as there is less focus on the alignment it could lead to injuries. This practice suits experienced Yogi’s but with a good teacher ensuring you don’t overdo it beyond your capabilities everyone can benefit.
Kundalini Yoga
In Kundalini Yoga it is believed that there is a latent energy that lies coiled and dormant at the base of the spine. The asana and meditation practice are directed towards release of this energy to spiral upwards to the highest chakra for spiritual awakening. Chakras are energy centres at different anatomical locations along the spine.
This is best for those who are seeking a spiritual practice that is more than just physical.
Yin Yoga
This is a practice where the poses are held for a longer time period ranging from 1-10 minutes or longer. The meditative practice targets the deeper connective tissues like the cartilages, joints and bones. It is suitable for almost all levels of students, though initially it might seem slow, boring and passive, it can be quite challenging when practicing intense poses held over longer periods of time. These practices balance out the yang lifestyles and exercises.
Restorative Yoga
Though Restorative Yoga is also slow paced it helps restore a body back from ailment and is healing and nurturing. This practice uses a lot of props like bolsters, cushions and blankets to support and aid in the relaxation into the poses.
Iyengar Iyengar
Is a form of Hatha Yoga with emphasis on precision, alignment and details. They use props like blocks, straps and blankets to avoid injury and find the right alignment making it accessible to the young and the old. It was introduced by B.K.S. Iyengar.
Hot Yoga
Is practised in hot and humid condition to relax the muscles and get a deeper stretch. In cold climates the rooms are heated to replicate the hot and humid climates in India where Yoga originated.
This can be hard, hot work… so take a towel!
We are all unique and with Yoga, no one size fits all. Which style you gravitate towards will depend on whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner and, on what are you seeking from your practice?
About Me
I am a yoga teacher with 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training from a Registered Yoga School in Rishikesh, India. I am passionate about spreading the awareness of the multiple benefits of yoga and meditation to everyone. I help people connect their mind, body and breath, to ultimately connect with themselves, to attain their highest potential in all spheres of life.
When you are spoilt for choice it is difficult to decide. Just this confusion can scare off a newbie and put them off the mat forever.
Hatha Yoga
A branch of Yoga that uses physical exercises ( Asanas) along with pranayama ( breathing techniques) and meditation to connect the mind body and breath. This in turn helps you to connect with yourself for self transformation and growth.
Ha-Meaning Sun/masculine aspects- active and hot.
Tha-Meaning Moon/ feminine aspect- receptive and cool.
Thus, Hatha Yoga is a path towards creating balance and uniting the opposites.
It is a slow-moving practice where Asanas are held overtime as you concentrate on your breath to develop strength and balance. Stress reduction and a good workout are admirable fringe benefits but definitely not the highest goal. Hatha Yoga takes you on an inward journey towards the self.
Asthanga Yoga
If you are a type A personality, who is “can't sit still” kind then you need to book yourself a Ashtanga Yoga class. Power Yoga is the generic term used for a vigorous aerobic type of exercises derived from Ashtanga Yoga. It was codified and founded by Pattabi Jois. The students usually learn a set series of poses and practice at their own pace. It synchronises breath and movement to produce an internal heat that is believed to purify the body.
Vinyasa Yoga
Sequential movement that interlinks postures to form a continuous flow. This creates a movement meditation, by coordinating movement with breath to flow from one pose to the other. Ashtanga, Baptiste, Jivanmukti and Power Yoga are all considered Vinyasa Yoga. Care should be taken with this type of practice as there is less focus on the alignment it could lead to injuries. This practice suits experienced Yogi’s but with a good teacher ensuring you don’t overdo it beyond your capabilities everyone can benefit.
Kundalini Yoga
In Kundalini Yoga it is believed that there is a latent energy that lies coiled and dormant at the base of the spine. The asana and meditation practice are directed towards release of this energy to spiral upwards to the highest chakra for spiritual awakening. Chakras are energy centres at different anatomical locations along the spine.
This is best for those who are seeking a spiritual practice that is more than just physical.
Yin Yoga
This is a practice where the poses are held for a longer time period ranging from 1-10 minutes or longer. The meditative practice targets the deeper connective tissues like the cartilages, joints and bones. It is suitable for almost all levels of students, though initially it might seem slow, boring and passive, it can be quite challenging when practicing intense poses held over longer periods of time. These practices balance out the yang lifestyles and exercises.
Restorative Yoga
Though Restorative Yoga is also slow paced it helps restore a body back from ailment and is healing and nurturing. This practice uses a lot of props like bolsters, cushions and blankets to support and aid in the relaxation into the poses.
Iyengar Iyengar
Is a form of Hatha Yoga with emphasis on precision, alignment and details. They use props like blocks, straps and blankets to avoid injury and find the right alignment making it accessible to the young and the old. It was introduced by B.K.S. Iyengar.
Hot Yoga
Is practised in hot and humid condition to relax the muscles and get a deeper stretch. In cold climates the rooms are heated to replicate the hot and humid climates in India where Yoga originated.
This can be hard, hot work… so take a towel!
We are all unique and with Yoga, no one size fits all. Which style you gravitate towards will depend on whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner and, on what are you seeking from your practice?
About Me
I am a yoga teacher with 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training from a Registered Yoga School in Rishikesh, India. I am passionate about spreading the awareness of the multiple benefits of yoga and meditation to everyone. I help people connect their mind, body and breath, to ultimately connect with themselves, to attain their highest potential in all spheres of life.
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