There are a lot of different types of yoga today, so if you
are starting out and feeling confused, you are normal.
It is best to start with a type of yoga that is appropriate
for your own level of fitness, physical and spiritual goals
and health condition.
The 8 most common types of yoga are described in this article
and briefly explained to help guide you in choosing the
best type of yoga that you can start with.
Physical-Focused Types of Yoga
Iyengar Yoga: Iyengar yoga is focused solely on body alignment
and executing precise movements. Yoga accessories such as
blocks and straps are normally used by beginners who are
not as flexible as the experts.
Yoga accessories help assist all sorts of people to be
able to do the poses comfortably.
Because of its attention to details and the flexible modification
of poses, Iyengar yoga is often considered a good form of
exercise for people with neck or back pain, as they are
likely to benefit from the random movement in the poses.
Practicing Iyengar yoga will give you a good knowledge
on the classics in yoga poses so that whatever other style
you eventually practice, you will have the basic fundamentals
on how to do each position.
In Iyengar yoga the teacher focuses more on alignment and
inner awareness. This awareness starts with the body and
expands to other parts of the self as one continues to practice
regularly
Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga yoga is commonly called "power
yoga" because it is focused on a powerful flowing movement.
The movements include pushups and lunges, which deals with
strength and stamina. Ashtanga yoga is best for people who
have a strong back, or have successfully overcome back injuries
and are looking for more challenging practice.
Athletic people such as runners, cyclists and gynmasts
who wish to add more balance and concentration to their
routines are also fans of Ashtanga yoga.
Bikram Yoga: Bikram yoga is also known as the "hot yoga"
because it is done in a very warm room. Bikram yoga is an
excellent tool to increase flexibility because the heat
helps you to stretch.
Keep in mind that Bikram yoga is not safe for anyone who
has developed cardio vascular diseases, because vigorously
exercising in the heat places strain placed on the body.
Mental-Focused Types of Yoga
Bhakti yoga: or commonly known as devotional yoga. Bhakti
yoga focus on self surrender in the face of the divine,
if you know what that means.
Mantra yoga: Mantra yoga is known as the "yoga of potent
sound". Mantra yoga aims at liberation through the verbal
or mental repetition of empowered sounds, such as "om,"
"hum," and "ram."
Viniyoga: Viniyoga yoga links breathe and movement in flowing
exercises that are modified to each individual. Viniyoga
is a good form of yoga for those with back problems or neck
injuries because it can be easily adapted by everyone.
Raja Yoga: Raja yoga aims for liberation through meditation.
Raja yoga is meant for those people who are capable of intense
concentration.
As you can see, there are many types of yoga to choose
from. It is a good idea to discuss the type of yoga practiced
before engaging in any yoga class. In particular, learn
which philosophy the teacher uses, so you'll know if it
will be a gentle, passive yoga, or a bone crunching form.
Both you and the teacher will be glad you knew what you
were getting into, before the class begins.
About The Author
Jack Sinclair is an avid yoga devotee. Learn everything
about yoga for free at http://www.types-of-yoga.com
admin@types-of-yoga.com
