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Yoga
is a complex, ancient spiritual
practice originating in India.
It exists as a part of religion,
spirit and exercise. I want to
discuss the styles of exercise
associated with yoga.
Yoga is a great supplement to your fitness program. It's a thorough stretch that rejuvenates muscles, relaxes the mind and is sometimes a tough, sweaty workout. I don't think people should only use yoga as a way to get in shape. There is a lot of hype out there and although a lot of it is true, some of it is not. Yoga won't help you shed a ton of weight or build muscle alone. Yoga WILL make your posture better, which ultimately makes your physique look better. Yoga has the ability to correct posture problems and even the dreaded chronic low back injuries. When you are starting out, all the options are confusing. Yoga types are named, usually by the yogi (great teacher) that invented it or the school it was developed in. I want to separate the different yoga types and explain each one. That way you can chose the right yoga style for your needs and goals. Hatha- This is probably the yoga you think of first. Introduced by Yogi Swatmarama, Asanas (postures) held with Pranayama (breathing techniques) are used as a meditative and physical way to lengthen muscles, limber the joints and free the mind. This yoga teaches you concentration, focus and when you finish practicing you feel elated and dreamy. Ashtanga Vinyasa- This is the most popular yoga style these days. Ashtanga yoga (or yoga flow) introduced by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, doesn't hold positions nearly as long as other types and doesn't go as much in to breathing techniques, aside from inhale and exhale. Postures flow from one to the next with fluidity. The purpose of ashtanga yoga is to create heat in the body, which leads to purification of the body through increased circulation and sweating. This style is also called "power yoga." It's the most physically challenging style and best suited for someone who wants the benefits of yoga but a good workout as well. Let me tell you something, you will be sore! Iyengar- This type of yoga was introduced by B.K.S. Iyengar. This style stands out because of the use of props (belts, blocks, cushions, benches, sandbags) as an aid to students to allow them to experience asanas earlier than they normally would, without years of practice. Iyengar is a type of Hatha and focuses heavily on structural alignment of the body through the development of asanas to gain stamina, flexibility concentration and balance. Unlike other styles where students are encouraged to "find their way" by copying the yogi's asanas, in iyengar the class is very verbal and precise with misalignments being pointed out and corrected. This style is very well known for being a good match for the ill, tired, depressed, insomniacs and chronic pain sufferers. |
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