There are many types of yoga with different names. Most people who are just starting out with this life-enhancing discipline tend to become confused when it comes to the type of yoga they should be practicing. The fact of the matter is that yoga has a few basic principles and all forms of yoga follow these principles. The only difference is the emphasis placed.
Yoga is about proper breathing, increased physical strength and flexibility, mental relaxation, spiritual well-being, and optimal body alignment. This article will state some of the different types of yoga that are more well-known.
Since yoga has become so popular, there are several people and companies that put their own marketing twist on yoga and make it look like something new and more beneficial. Most often, the main difference is that their new methods are way more expensive. Many of these are unfortunately just fads. So if happen to be on a tight budget, worry not. Yoga can be done for free if you know the poses and techniques. In fact, ever since ancient times in India, yoga was done in a very simple manner.
Let’s look at the different types of yoga. This is just the Cliff Notes version. If we were to go into detail, the info would span volumes of books.
Ashtanga / Astanga Yoga
This is one of the most popular forms of yoga. There are continuous postures to adopt. Each pose follows the next and is synchronized with your breathing. It is one of the more physically demanding types of yoga. You will get leaner and stronger with Ashtanga yoga.
Ananda Yoga
This is a gentler form of yoga focusing on body alignment, posture, and controlled breathing. The aim is to relax your body and clear your mind for meditation.
Hatha Yoga
This is the most practiced form of yoga all over the world. If you have seen yoga on TV or DVDs, you have most likely witnessed hatha yoga in action. There are a series of poses and moves which are done in a slow and controlled manner, with proper breathing. The whole process should be calm and relaxed. You are not in a race. This is a personal journey. That pretty much sums up hatha yoga.
Bikram Yoga
This yoga was founded by Bikram Choudhary, an Olympic weightlifter. This yoga is famous and extremely commercialized because the yoga is done in a hot room with temperatures ranging from 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The reason for this heat is to make the body more flexible and supple to prevent injuries. The heat and sweat is supposed to detoxify the body too. Is it true? Well, the jury is out on that one. However, this form of yoga is often costly because it is done in commercial gyms or specialized places. So, you need to be aware of that.
There are many more forms of yoga like power yoga, Sivananda yoga, Jivamukti yoga, Iyenagar yoga, Vinyasa yoga, etc. If you wish to join any yoga class, find out what form of yoga they are doing and do your research online to learn more.
However, always bear in mind that yoga in all forms or types aims are based on similar principles. What really matters is you actually doing it. So, just get with the program and try out any yoga you like and enjoy the health benefits that come with it.