Yoga is one of the more popular types of workouts all over the world. This is because it has a lot of great benefits to the body. Anyone who wants to start doing yoga should learn about it first. But when a person searches online about yoga, he might get overwhelmed with all the information out there! One of the first things people should learn about is all the different types of Yoga. There are different types available out there though some people don’t know much about them.
There are a lot of times when people get intimidated by yoga. This may be because they aren’t aware of the different types. There are types of yoga which are meant for beginners while others are meant for the more experienced ones. But one doesn’t have to fear yoga. Just like other types of workouts, incorporating various types into one’s routine can help make one more balanced.
Also, yoga isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” practice. A person needs to try different types of yoga to see which one works the best for him. Sometimes the perfect routine for a person would even be a combination of the different types of yoga. This is because different people have different levels of flexibility. While some people are very limber, there are also some people who want to try yoga even though they’re quite stiff. With all the different types of Yoga out there, where does one start? First, let’s look at the various types to give you a better idea of what’s out there:
Hatha
This is one of the more basic types of yoga. Joining a Hatha Yoga class would involve slower movements where one would have to hold their poses for a few breaths. In most yoga studios, people consider the Hatha classes as a simpler form of yoga.
In Sanskrit, the term “hatha” refers to any yoga which teaches physical poses. In fact, it’s a physical practice of the body which balances two energies. So, all types of yoga are considered as hatha yoga. This type is best for beginners because it has a slower pace. So, anyone who is just starting the practice of yoga should consider starting with this one.
Hot
Hot Yoga, just like Bikram Yoga is done inside a room that’s heated. But the difference is, the teachers don’t have to follow a specific sequence for the whole class. In Hot Yoga, people often feel like they can move deeper into their poses. This is because of the heat provided by the room.
Of course, it may also become easier to overstretch, especially for the beginners. So, it’s important for the person to listen to his body and not push beyond his capacity. This type of yoga is perfect for hardcore workout and sweat lovers. So, anyone who enjoys tough workouts which would leave them drenched in sweat, Hot Yoga would be perfect.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa Yoga is one of the more dynamic types of yoga out there. People who would like to learn the flow yoga would enjoy Vinyasa Yoga. This type of yoga links breath and movement together in a way that’s like dancing. In a lot of the classes, the participants don’t stay in each of the poses for a long time. The pace of Vinyasa Yoga is quite fast so by the end of the class; he would experience an elevated heart rate.
In Vinyasa Yoga classes, teachers would typically play some upbeat music. The tunes would match the beat and the sequences of all the poses. This is another type of yoga which would be enjoyed by people who enjoy intense workouts. Endurance athletes and runners enjoy this type of yoga because of the faster pace and the constant movement.
Kundalini
This type of yoga has a lot of followers even celebrities. But Kundalini Yoga is quite different from a “typical” yoga class. It’s a lot more challenging both mentally and physically, and it looks a lot different too. People who do Kundalini Yoga will typically perform kriyas. These are physical exercises which are repetitive and are done with breath work that’s intense. Aside from this, the practitioners would also perform singing, meditating, and chanting.
The goal of this type of yoga is to break through the person’s internal barriers. This helps release any untapped energy which resides within the person. Then this, in turn, would bring forth a higher level of self-awareness. Kundalini Yoga is perfect for people who are looking for a spiritual type of yoga practice. If a person’s goal is to work out while seeking a more spiritual connection will enjoy this type of yoga. This is because Kundalini Yoga focuses more on the internal aspects of the practice namely spiritual energy, meditation, and breath work.
Iyengar
Iyengar Yoga is one of the more precise types of yoga. Those who practice this type of yoga would focus on the small details such as the alignment of the body in each of the poses. Iyengar Yoga classes involve a lot of yoga props too. These include a ropes wall, straps, blankets, blocks, and more. All these will help the practitioners work with movements safely and effectively. Unlike Vinyasa Yoga, the person would have to linger in each posture for a specific amount of time.
Beginners may try Iyengar whether they’re totally new to yoga or if they’ve already tried the other types. But it’s best, to begin with a level-one class to become familiar with the practice. This type of yoga is perfect for those who are detail-oriented. Those who like to focus on movement, form, and even anatomy. Usually, teachers of Iyengar Yoga classes share a lot of useful information during their class. This type of yoga can be practiced no matter what age the person is in. It’s also beneficial for people with injuries if they consult with their doctor first.
Yin
This type of yoga is perfect for those who want to find their zen. Practicing Yin Yoga is a great way to balance and calm the mind and body. It’s the opposite of faster-moving yoga types like Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga. In this yoga type, the participants would hold the yoga poses for minutes at a time. Yin Yoga is a form of meditative practice that’s designed to target the deeper fascia and tissues. It helps restore a person’s length and enhance elasticity too.
In this type of yoga, the practitioners also use props. They use these items to help release the body into the posture instead of engaging the muscles actively. Just like meditation, Yin Yoga may make people feel fidgety in the beginning. But those who stick with the practice soon get hooked because of its restorative benefits. This is perfect for people who need to unwind and stretch regularly. However, it’s not recommended for those who already have excellent flexibility. Also, it’s not ideal for those who suffer from connective tissue disorder.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga Yoga is both challenging and orderly. It consists of 6 series of yoga poses which are specifically sequenced. The practitioners breathe and flow through each of the poses to generate internal heat. This type of yoga involves the same types of poses which are done in the same order each time. Some see this as a downside because it’s not varied enough.
In some yoga studios, the teacher would call out the poses when the participants must do them. But there are other studios which require the practitioners to perform the sequence of poses on their own. Of course, there would always be a teacher in the class to assist those in need especially the beginners. Ashtanga Yoga is perfect for “A-Type” individuals. Perfectionists and people who like things structured and organized will surely appreciate the strict routine and guidelines of this type of yoga.
Restorative
People who practice Restorative Yoga may feel like they’re not doing much. In fact, this is the main point of this type of yoga. It has a slow-moving and mellow pace. In this type of yoga, the people would hold the poses longer. This gives their bodies an opportunity to tap into their parasympathetic nervous system. When this happens, it allows them to experience a more profound state of relaxation.
In Restorative Yoga, the practitioners make use of different props. These include bolsters, yoga blocks, and blankets. They use the items to support their body as they perform each pose completely. This type of yoga is suitable for everyone. It’s a great yoga practice for those who don’t want to “slow down.” It’s also ideal for those who suffer from anxiety or insomnia. Finally, it’s also great for athletes on their recovery days.
Bikram
At the end of a Bikram Yoga class, all the participants would be drenched in sweat. This type of yoga consists of a distinct series of poses (26 in all) along with 2 types of breathing exercises. And classes are done in a heated room with a specific temperature and humidity. All the Bikram Yoga studios perform the 90-minute sequence for each class. So usually, the participants already know what to do when they lay down their mat.
The intense poses along with the heat and humidity of the room make the classes feel a lot more strenuous. Because of this, beginners to Bikram Yoga should take it easy. They need to hydrate themselves beforehand and rest if they need to. This type of yoga is ideal for people who prefer a set routine. Yoga beginners appreciate Bikram Yoga because of the predictable sequence of the routine.
The Benefits of Doing Yoga
Yoga has a lot of different benefits. Regularly practicing yoga can lead to good health, a calm mind, a flexible body, glowing skin, and more. A lot of times, people see yoga only as posing and breathing. They see it as a simple type of exercise routine to keep fit. In fact, it’s a lot more than that. We’ve talked about the different types of yoga already. Now let’s look at some excellent benefits of doing yoga:
It promotes overall fitness. Being healthy doesn’t just mean that a person doesn’t have any diseases. It’s more of dynamic expression of one’s life. A healthy person is loving, joyful, and enthusiastic about life. This is where yoga comes in. It helps promote overall fitness of the mind, body, and soul.
It helps people lose weight. This is one thing a lot of people want from their exercise routines. Fortunately, yoga helps with this aspect too. Regularly practicing yoga can help people become more sensitive to their food intake and eating habits.
It helps reduce stress. Just a few minutes of yoga each day can be a great way to reduce stress levels. It makes people calmer, and it relaxes the mind and the body. Meditation and breathing are effective ways to release stress.
It promotes inner peace. When people think of vacations, they immediately picture serene and peaceful places. They also prefer to surround themselves with natural beauty. But for those who don’t have time, going to such places seems impossible. Fortunately, one can do yoga. This practice can give a person inner peace the same way a relaxing vacation would do.
It can improve a person’s immunity. The body is made up of different systems. And when there’s any irregularity, it can cause issues in the immune system. When this happens, the body becomes weaker. One can avoid this by practicing yoga regularly. The different poses help strengthen the muscles and massage the organs. The meditation and breathing techniques can also help improve the immunity to make the body stronger.
It makes people more aware of themselves. The mind is always involved in different thoughts and activities. Usually, though, people aren’t aware of all these things. But those who regularly do yoga can achieve a better awareness of themselves. When this happens, they can focus, live in the moment, and enjoy the present more.
It helps build better relationships. Since yoga affects the different aspects of life positively, it can also help improve how people relate to others too. Yoga practitioners are happier, more relaxed, and more content with their lives. This helps them be more sensitive towards others too.
It increases the energy levels. Yoga is great for people who always feel tired and drained. It may seem counterproductive to work out after a long day’s work. But performing yoga can give a much-needed energy boost to keep the mind and body fresh for the next activities.
It improves posture and flexibility. People who practice yoga regularly will notice their bodies becoming more supple, stronger, and more flexible too. Yoga poses to stretch and tone the muscles to make them stronger. It also helps improve the posture as the person sits, stands, walks or even sleeps.
It makes intuition better. The meditation part of yoga can help improve a person’s intuitive ability. Regularly practicing yoga will help a person be more spontaneous. He will know how to get the positive results he desires. Intuition is a great part of life and yoga benefits this too.
