Did you know that more than 37 million people in the United States practice yoga? The number has been growing steadily over the years. Yoga’s benefits, such as improved flexibility, fitness, stress relief, and overall health, have contributed to its surge in popularity.
Yoga, which is a traditional Indian discipline, nurtures the mind and the body. Different types of yoga have emerged over the years. Even the most experienced yogi can hardly disentangle all the yoga types.
If you have an interest in yoga, this article will be a great guide. Keep reading to know the different types of yoga and the one that would fit you perfectly.
1. Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is arguably the most popular type of yoga you’ll get in a typical gym. It incorporates most aspects of traditional yoga, including meditation, breathing, and body awareness. It focuses on posture, which makes it an ideal introduction to yoga classes.
The term Hatha is from two words; ‘Ha,’ meaning the sun, and ‘Tha,’ which refers to the moon. As such, Hatha Yoga involves the balancing and unifying dual energies found in humans like yang and yin, feminine and masculine, and sun and moon. The unification causes enlightenment.
Hatha Yoga classes involve an intense but slow practice incorporating breathing exercises, postures, meditative elements, or purification practices. The types of yoga pose under Hatha yoga include the mountain, tree, and cobbler poses. Other than relieving stress, you’ll strengthen your feet’s tendons and ligaments.
2. Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga, also referred to as the yoga of warriors, is one of the most demanding yoga types. The postures have a sequence, which is usually in harmony with breathing. They work on the body’s suppleness and endurance while relaxing the mind.
This 8-limbed yoga points out that eight spiritual practices lead to enlightenment. The practices include;
- Posture
- Self-purification and study
- Sense control
- Breathe control
- Absorption into your universe
- Meditation
- Concentration
- Moral codes
If you’re new to Ashtanga yoga, get a personal trainer to reap all the yoga type benefits. You will enjoy increased blood flow, detoxification, and relaxation. This form of yoga is also a great way of toning the lower abdominal muscles.
3. Hot Yoga
Hot yoga refers to the different yoga types usually practiced in heated or warm rooms where the temperatures are often from 85 degrees to about 105 degrees. During the yoga session, increasing the heat makes the yoga class more intense. It enhances the detoxifying impact of the practice.
The class is about 90 minutes long. Participants perform 26 postures in a specific order and a set of breathing exercises. You need to be well hydrated for this yoga.
You can practice Hot yoga in the comfort of your home. If anything, you might find it more beneficial since you’ll be doing it at your own pace. You can tweak the temperatures depending on how your body is responding.
4. Kundalini Yoga
About 50% of people practicing yoga reported that they donate a significant part of their time to community work. Yoga encourages spiritual and humane values. Kundalini yoga is among the types of yoga that focuses on the spiritual aspect of meditation.
Kundalini yoga blends three forms of yoga that include Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Shakti Yoga. Raja Yoga concentrates on meditation for physical and mental control. Shakti Yoga delivers expression of energy while Bhakti Yoga practices chanting and devotion.
Kundalini yoga is not as physically demanding as most other forms. The postures are relatively simple, focusing on clearing the participant’s mind and getting inner peace. It further awakens the energy within one’s body through the stimulation of the spine.
5. Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa yoga is a practice that involves the arrangement of body party in different yoga poses that keep changing at a slow pace. You have to be conscious when practicing Vinyasa for your inner voice to rise. Vinyasa’s dynamic movement allows you to be in tune with your breath, body, and mind.
The standard yoga poses when practicing Vinyasa include the mountain pose, downward-facing dog, and twisted low-lunge. These poses will tone your muscles and improve functional strength. They also enhance your body’s core strength.
Vinyasa yoga is perfect for reducing stress, addictions, anxiety, and insomnia. It helps shun some of the distractive thoughts you might have.
6. Power Yoga
If you’re a fitness enthusiast, power yoga might interest you. This is one of the types of yoga based on fitness due to its vigorous nature. It incorporates cardiovascular and exercises and athleticism.
You can apply the rules for effective training with power yoga. With the right approach to this yoga practice, you’ll have a quality session to pump your heart and burn some calories. The benefits you’ll reap from power yoga include;
- Improved stamina and flexibility
- Strengthening the upper body and core
- Cure for some physical ailments like arthritis
- Shaping body features
7. Iyengar
Iyengar is an ancient type of yoga that was initiated by a renowned yoga teacher, B.K.S Iyengar. The yoga teacher popularized the practice across the world. Iyengar is characterized by strict attention to detail, precision, and alignment.
It focuses on the time one spends on the poses. Some of the props it utilizes include cushions, blocks, and straps for enhancing alignment. This yoga is ideal for elderly persons and those who have suffered injuries.
The sessions involve executing the postures slowly. Participants have to hold the position for a minute as they concentrate hard. The benefits of these types of yoga include improved body toning, posture, and flexibility.
The Different Types of Yoga Have Their Distinct Benefits
If you have been contemplating to join yoga classes, you stand to benefit extensively. Various types of yoga will suit your physical and mental needs. Understanding some of the popular forms of yoga practiced will make it easier for you to choose the best option.
You’ll reap significant emotional, spiritual, and physical benefits with yoga practice. It would help to research further on types of yoga practiced in the world as the list isn’t comprehensive.
Are you wondering where to start with your yoga training? Fitness Quest is your perfect partner in matters of fitness and wellness. Join us today and enjoy the fantastic benefits of fitness.