subject: Choosing The Right Type Of Yoga [print this page] More and more places are offering Yoga classes, and Yoga is becoming a more popular activity every day. It's easy to become confused with all the types of Yoga to choose from: Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and many more. Read on to learn more about what these types of Yoga are, and how they can help you.
Hatha Yoga - The names of Yoga schools are usually in Sanskrit, the ancient classical language of India. "Ha" means "sun" and "tha" means "moon". If you are new to Yoga, Hatha Yoga is a good place to start. It is a relatively slow-paced, gentle Yoga based on asanas or poses. Like all types of Yoga, Hatha Yoga aims to unite the mind, body and spirit.
Ashtanga Yoga - Ashtanga ("eight limbs") is a fast-paced, intensive Yoga that will move you through a progressive series of asanas, synchronized with your breath. Since you will be constantly moving, Ashtanga Yoga is physically quite demanding and will improve your flexibility, strength and stamina.
Power Yoga - A Western interpretation of Ashtanga Yoga. Ashtanga Yoga requires an exact sequence of poses. Power Yoga emphasizes a freer but continuous series of poses without stopping.
Iyengar Yoga - Based on the work of B.K.S. Iyengar, this form of Yoga is concerned with the correct alignment and form of the body. Iyengar Yoga emphasizes holding each asana (pose) for a long time, rather than moving continuously to new poses. It also uses props such as blocks and straps to help you understand and maintain the different poses.
Vinyasa Yoga - Vinyasa is also a fast-paced type of Yoga with an emphasis on synchronizing breath and movement. Your practice will typically start with a "sun salutation," a stretching asana, then move on to more stretching poses. Each pose is matched with a counter-pose.
Bikram Yoga - This Yoga is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees, with a humidity around 40%, so you can understand why it's called "Hot Yoga!" Bikram Yoga usually involves a sequence of 26 asanas. The heat will help loosen your muscles and the sweat will help cleanse your body of toxins.
There's no reason why you have to stay with one type of Yoga. If you are starting out, try a few different types to see what seems to suit you. Many people find the right style after they have given a few a chance.
by: Jon Bjarnason
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