Yoga Types to Try

Yoga is the mind and body of ancient Indian civilization with a 5,000-year history. Different forms of yoga include physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation or relaxation. Types of yoga that you could try are: 1. Vinyasa Yoga - It's popular, and it's practiced in most gyms and studios. "Vinyasa" means air to move. Usually, postures are done in a sequence of fluids called "vinyasa flow." Fluid movements can be memorized and practiced as a moving movement, almost like a dance. The popularity of this yoga method derives from sensual movements, enjoyable music, typically done (but not always) in a dark room, or occasionally by candlelight and eyes closed. 2. Ashtanga Yoga - Ashtanga means "eight pieces" that include a yogic lifestyle. Ashtanga is most widely regarded as traditional Indian yoga. Ashtanga yoga asanas (postures) and Vinyasa yoga synchronize air with movement as you move through a series of postures. It was brought to the United States in the early 20th century by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. The set of postures, consisting of Sun Salutation A, Sun Salutation B, standing sequence and closing sequence, is performed in the same way each time. The exercise is usually done without words, and often without clear input (in silence). 3. Iyengar Yoga - It is also named after B.K.S. Iyengar, a famous Indian yogi, who focuses on the Eight Limbs of Yoga. It was popularized in the West at around the same time as the Ashtanga yoga. The emphasis of this approach is relaxation in the asanas through pranayama breath control and the use of supports (bolsters, caps, pillars and straps). Typically, this style of yoga is performed without music and at a slower pace, intended to help students move deeper into their postures. 4. Bikram Yoga - Bikram Choudhury, who brought the movement from India to California, was born in the 1970s. The preparation consists of the same twenty-six breathing exercises and two yoga poses. It's 90 minutes long and it's completed in a vacuum of 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40 percent humidity. Space is light and students face mirrors to test the right posture and orientation. Some music is available during the training session. 5. Jivamukti Yoga - Sharon Gannon and David Life formed Jivamukti Yoga Jivamukti in New York City in 1984. Jivamukti translates into a 'liberated being.' Practice includes Sanskrit singing, pranayama, and movement (Asanas), with a theme or lesson for each practice. It's a good combination of spiritual and physical activity. 6. Power Yoga - Power Yoga Action Yoga is a more involved alternative to traditional Hatha yoga poses. Ashtanga yoga positions are conducted quicker and with more core movements and upper body strength. The loops are not always the same, so the music is always cheerful. Vinyasa yoga can also be a strength exercise, depending on the gym or the studio where the class is taking place. 7. Sivananda Yoga - In 1957, Swami Vishnudevananda brought Sivananda Yoga to the United States. This is a style of yoga that focuses on the five principles of yoga: careful breathing, healing, eating, exercise, and positive thinking. They all work together to build a balanced lifestyle for yoga. Asana practice, with Sun Salutations and Savasana, typically consists of twelve basic Asana postures or combinations. There isn't any sound in there. 8. Yin Yoga - Yin Yoga is a meditative practice that helps the body relax in a position without having to do any effort (fortitude). It is also called Taoist meditation and is focused on the lengthening of the connective tissues of the body. It is intended to complement Yang Yoga or the practice of muscle-forming yoga. If Yang is aggressive, then Yin is passive, ensuring that the muscles contract with gravity and recover. This is generally done with the aid of instruments, but there is little or no music in the curriculum. There are several more forms and styles of yoga practice, and each of them is unique. If you find a group or a workshop that works for you, stick with it. Make your practice part of your life, and you will begin to reap the benefits of your commitment and consistency.