The Most Common Types of Yoga

The Most Common Types of Yoga

There are so many different types of yoga these days, and this can create a problematic situation for beginners. It is best to choose a form of yoga that is appropriate for each individual’s level of fitness, physical and spiritual goals, and health condition.

Some of the most common types of yoga are listed below with a brief explanation to help you choose the best type of yoga to start practicing.

• Iyengar Yoga: these types of yoga are solely focused on body alignment and precise movements. Yoga props such as blocks and straps are often used with this type of yoga for beginners who are not as flexible as the experts and for practitioners who are compensating for injuries. These yoga props help a lot of people do the poses comfortably.

Because of its attention to detail and flexible pose modification, these types of yoga are often a good form of exercise for people with back or neck pain; people with these challenges are likely to benefit from the alteration to poses.

Practicing these types of yoga will give you a good foundation of knowledge in classical yoga poses so that whichever other style you practice, you will fundamentally understand basic positions.

In Iyengar Yoga, the teacher focuses more on external alignment and inner awareness. This awareness starts with the body and expands to other parts of self with continued regular practice.

• Ashtanga Yoga: these types of yoga are commonly put in the “power yoga” category because they are focused on powerful, flowing movements.

Such movements include pushups and lunges that focus on strength and stamina. These types of yoga are best for people who have successfully overcome back injuries and are looking for a more challenging practice.

People who are already athletic, such as runners, gymnasts and cyclists, and want to add more balance and concentration to their routines also utilize these types of yoga.

• Bikram Yoga: these types of yoga are also known as “hot yoga” as they are done in a very warm room. These types of yoga are excellent for increasing flexibility because the heat helps tissue stretch.

Keep in mind that hot yoga is not applicable for those who have developed cardio vascular diseases because of the additional strain placed on the body during vigorous exercise in the heat.

• Viniyoga: these types of yoga link focused breathing and movement in flowing exercises that are adapted to each individual. This yoga variety is often a good for those with back problems or neck injuries because it can be so easily adapted to anyone.
• Raja Yoga: these types of yoga aim for liberation through meditation. These types of yoga are geared for people who are capable of intense concentration.
• Bhakti Yoga: these types of yoga are generally known as devotional yoga. They focus on self-surrender in the face of the divine.
• Mantra Yoga: these types of yoga are referred to as the “yoga of potent sound”. Yoga of this variety aims to liberate through the verbal or mental repetition of empowered sounds such as “om”, “hum”, or “ram.”

There are so many yoga institutions to choose from and practice. Before going to a class, it is a good idea to talk with the teacher about his or her philosophies and beliefs. This discussion can help you find the most appropriate and personally appealing form of yoga for you.

Tagged as Excercise, Fitness, Flexibility, Goals, Train, Training, Workout, Yoga