The 3 Most Popular Types of Yoga

There are many styles and types of yoga classes available, ranging from physically demanding lessons, such as Ashtanga Yoga to gentle flowing restorative types such as, Anusrara Yoga.

Here, we look at three popular styles - Sivananda, Iygenar and Bikram Yoga.

What Does Yoga Mean?

The word 'yoga' originates from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means to yoke, union, join together. Traditionally "yoga" was seen as a way to achieve balance -physical and spiritual in your life.

What Is Yoga?

A typical class consists of various exercises and techniques which encourages you to release stress and tension from your body and promotes a sense of inner calm and wholeness to your spirit. Most classes consists of a series of yoga exercises known as "asanas", breathing exercises, known as pranayama, relaxation techniques and in some classes, meditation and chanting.

What Are The Different Types Of Yoga?

Traditionally, there is only one "type" of yoga which is hatha yoga. Hatha yoga is the generic term, however within this broad term there exists variations of styles and schools of yoga. "Hatha", a Sanskrit word, means the joining of the moon and sun. "Ha" represents the sun or active masculine principle and "tha" refers to the moon or receptive female principle. This union, creation of balance between the inner and outer, strenuous and restorative aspects of our body underpins all types of yoga

Three Popular Types of Yoga

As previously mentioned, in this article we look at three popular types of yoga, Sivananda, Iygenar and Bikram Yoga.

1. Sivananda Yoga

Sivananda Yoga is considered one of the more traditional forms of yoga and is generally regarded as a gentle to moderate practice with emphasis on the more spiritual side of yoga.

Founded by Swami Sivananda (1887-1963), Sivananda Yoga consists of the Sun Salutation, breathing exercises, chanting and twelve core yoga poses. The teachings are based on five key precepts which Swami Sivananda believe improves your physical health and emotional wellbeing. These five key teachings are proper exercise (yoga) proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet (vegetarianism) and positive thinking and meditation.

2. Iygenar Yoga

Iygenar Yoga was founded by Sri B.K.S. Iygenar (b.1918) and is a very popular style practiced in the West. In Iygenar Yoga emphasis is placed on the anatomy and postural/structural alignment of the body in the poses. Props (such as sandbags, straps, blocks and chair) are also used to support you in the pose. Sri Iygenar wrote the classical book "Light in Yoga".

3. Bikram Yoga

Bikram Yoga has to be the most well-known type of yoga practiced today. Founded by Bikram Choudhury (b. 1946), Bikram Yoga is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Classes are 90 minutes long and consist of a series of 26 poses, starting from Standing poses, Backbends, Forward Bends and Twists and two breathing exercises.

To close, although there are many types of yoga, all schools comes under the generic term of "hatha yoga". Regardless of which type you practice - Sivanada, Iygenar or Bikram the goal is the same, to improve your health and achieve a sense of inner harmony and balance.

And now, if you would like to find out more about the benefits of other types of yoga, then I invite you to visit my blog http://www.yogainspires.co.uk/subscribe/ Plus when you subscribe you will get your Free Instant Access to "Yoga For Beginners-All The Facts And Advice You Need To Start Your First Yoga Class" eBook. Click here for more info> http://www.yogainspires.co.uk/subscribe/

Thank You

Stay Blessed and Be Well

From: Ntathu Allen, Yoga and Meditation Teacher

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The Many Different Types of Yoga

What are the differences between the many types of yoga whose names you see floating around on various blogs and webpages? Really there isn't much difference. Some are more popular than others, and some are practiced more widely. As someone new to yoga, it makes sense to take the time to find a style of yoga that fits your preferences and needs. The benefits of each type of yoga are subtle, but all of them improve your health!

I would do a fair amount of research to find out what type of yoga would be best suited to your physical requirements. What do I mean by physical requirements? I am referring to your physical fitness levels and your overall health. It is highly recommended that you talk to your doctor before beginning any style of yoga.

One of the most common types of yoga is called Iyenga yoga, which focuses thoroughly on your alignment and performing the positions as accurate as possible. When doing this type of yoga props are often used to help the beginner, such as straps or blocks. These props help the beginning student relax and become more comfortable which helps with the overal

Ashtanga yoga is often referred to as power yoga. This style of yoga is well known for its powerful movements. Lunges and pushups are part of this style of yoga, which tends to focus on stamina as well as strength. If you're looking for a challenge, then this is your yoga. Ashtanga yoga is often practiced by athletes who are on the quest for better balance and better concentration.

Bikram yoga is also referred to as hot yoga. This type of yoga is practiced in a room where the temperature is increased to make the room very very warm. The thought is that this warmth is good for muscle flexibility and stretching your body tissue, which should result in a much better session.

If you have any health issues, such as cardiovascular problems, this type of yoga isn't for you. The routines practiced are quite vigorous and can cause a fair amount of strain on your body. Combined with the hot room, this style of yoga is very intense.

Raja yoga is another style of yoga which focuses heavily on meditation. Concentration is the number one factor here.

As you can see, there are numerous styles of yoga to practice. Take your time and do your research so that you can find the style of yoga that is best suited to your needs.

Namaste!

Find out more Physical Benefits of Yoga by clicking here!

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