There are many Types of Yoga. Choose the right kind for you.
Yogi Bhajan was a teacher and spiritual leader who introduced this type of yoga to the West in late 1960s. In Sanskrit, "Kundalini", which means "life force energy", is also known as prana and chi in the yoga community. It is believed to be tightly coiled at its base. These yoga sequences have been carefully planned to activate or unlock this energy, as well as to reduce stress and negative thoughts. "You can elevate your consciousness and feel amazing," says Veronica Parker (certified kundalini Yoga teacher).
Vinyasa yoga is also called "flow yoga" or "vinyasa flow". It is a very common style. 3 Week Yoga Retreat offers flow yoga for beginners. This flow yoga was inspired by the more structured ashtanga practice of a few decades back. Vinyasa is a term that means "place in an unusual way", which can be interpreted to mean linking breath and movement. Vinyasa, flow, and words such as slow, dynamic, mindful are often used to describe the intensity of a practice.
Hatha yoga is named after the Sanskrit words sun and moon. It's meant to balance opposing forces. Hatha yoga balance might be achieved through strength and flexibility, mental and physical energy, breath and the body. Jennifer Campbell-Overbeeke E-RYT 500, says that "Hatha" is a broad term for many schools and'styles of' yoga. It is often used to describe yoga's physical side. The term "Hatha" refers more to the aspect if concentration and regular practice than to applying excessive force to the body.
Ashtanga yoga is a series of six specific poses that are taught in a particular order. When a teacher determines that a student has mastered the previous series, each pose and every series are "given" to them. This is a physical, flow-style yoga that has spiritual components. You might be familiar with it from Madonna's performance in the late 1990s. Each student is given a personalized practice by Ashtanga teachers, who will adjust them in Mysore-style classes (named after Sri K. Pattabhi Jois).
B.K.S. is the founder of this organization. B.K.S. Iyengar, who created his alignment-based, classical practice in India. This style of yoga was popularized in the USA in the 1970s. Iyengar yoga is well-known for the rigorous training it requires of its teachers, as well as its creative use of props. Although they are not required for many practices, Iyengar yoga classes include multiple props. These include chairs, walls and benches as well as more common ones such straps, blocks and bolsters.
Sivananda yoga, a form of Hatha yoga, is based on the teachings and practices of Swami Sivananda, a Hindu spiritual teacher. Classes are usually relaxing. While most yoga classes end with the savasana (final relaxation/corpse position), Sivananda begins with this pose and moves on to breathing exercises, sun salutations, then 12 basic asanas. Sivananda Yoga is suitable for all ages and levels. For those who want a gentler version of yoga or for anyone who seeks to be more spiritual.
Every type of yoga is different, so you might be able to find many styles in the same class.
Are you looking to experience a range of yoga classes in the privacy of your own home? Yoga Studio offers all levels, including advanced classes for the more experienced yogi.
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