The Most Common Types of Yoga

There are so many different types of yoga today, with this a problematic situation for beginners, it is best to choose a form of yoga that is appropriate for each individual’s level of fitness, physical and spiritual goals and health condition.

Some of the most common types of yoga are listed below and briefly explained to guide you in choosing the best type of yoga that you can start with.

Iyengar Yoga: these types of yoga are solely focused on the alignment and precise movements. Yoga props such as blocks and straps are usually used as part of this type of yoga for those beginners who are not as flexible as the experts as to compensate for injuries. These Yoga props 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, these types of yoga is often a good form of exercise for people with back pain or neck pain, as they are likely to benefit from the random alteration to the poses.

Practicing these types of yoga will give you a good knowledge on the classics in yoga poses so that whatever other style you 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 with the regularity of practice.

Ashtanga Yoga: these types of yoga are commonly called “power yoga” because it is focused on a powerful flowing movement. Such movements include pushups and lunges, which deals with strength and stamina. These types of yoga are best for people who have successfully overcome back injuries and are looking for more challenging practice. People who are already athletic such as runners, gymnasts and cyclists who want to add more balance and concentration to their routines are also utilizing these types of yoga.

Bikram Yoga: these types of yoga are also known as the “hot yoga” for this is done in a very warm room. These types of yoga are excellent tools for increasing flexibility because the heat helps tissue to stretch. But keep in mind that these types of yoga are not applicable to those that have developed cardio vascular diseases due to the strain placed on the body when vigorously exercising in the heat.

Viniyoga: these types of yoga links breathe and movement in flowing exercises that are adapted to each individual. These are often a good form of yoga for those with back problems or neck injuries because it can be easily adapted by anyone.

Raja Yoga: these types of yoga aims for liberation through meditation. These types of yoga are only for those people who are capable of intense concentration.

Bhakti yoga: or commonly known as devotional yoga. These types of yoga focus on self surrender in the face of the divine.

Mantra yoga: much more know as the "yoga of potent sound,”. These types of yoga aims at liberation through the verbal or mental repetition of empowered sounds, such as "om," "hum," or "ram."

There are so many yoga institutions to choose from. It is also a good idea that before going into a class, discuss with the teacher first regarding his or her philosophy and beliefs in order to find the most appropriate and personally appealing form of yoga for you.

Does it really mean Hot Yoga?

Yoga started about 2500 years ago which was founded by Patanjali. After its discovery, it was then practiced and spread around the world.

There are a lot of yoga types and one of them is the famous hot yoga. The hot yoga is characterized by a series of yoga poses which is done in a heated room. The room where you perform the exercise maintains a temperature of 95-100 degrees. This kind of exercise gives off a lot of perspiration during a session because you are in a heated room. Picture yourself doing Yoga when you are suffering from fever where your body temperature is at 105 deg. Fahrenheit! I bet you couldn’t stand this kind of heat. If ever you will, you have over fatigued yourself.

Hot yoga is advantageous because it cleanses your body and gets rid of the toxins inside your body through perspiration. Since it makes your body warm, the more flexible your body gets.

When doing hot yoga, you should have some accessories like yoga mat and towel. Since you will be sweating profusely, you should have something absorbent and soft to wipe your sweat every time.

Some people who practice hot yoga do not wear very thick clothes because it causes them to sweat more.

If you are going to practice hot yoga, you should have proper clothing. The clothes you should wear should be appropriate that allows your sweat to evaporate easily and not soak your clothes thoroughly as it will get uncomfortable and heavy. You can wear shorts during the session.

Wearing of shorts allows your skin to breathe and give off heat. Students or young people are the ones who usually wear shorts. They tend to wear small clothes because they are still vigorous and they sweat too much.

If you are taking hot yoga sessions, make sure that you drink a lot of water. If you are in the class, you bring along your own bottle of water so that you can drink anytime you want. It is important to bring along a bottle of water so that you will not get dehydrated and so that the skin will produce more sweat.

Before having a hot yoga session, you should take note that it is not advisable to eat two hours before the class starts. This is because your body will be subject to heavy exercise.

Bikram’s method is such a good yoga style. People who want to slim down can practice this type of yoga because their fats and cholesterol will be burned through sweat.

Now that you have learned about hot yoga, think if it satisfies your desire to release your sweat and excess toxins through this type of yoga. Remember that in doing hot yoga, all your energy is taken away. If your body has not a single energy to waste, then hot yoga is not the perfect yoga style for you.