Different types of Yoga
Hatha Yoga
This is the term referred to when most people say they practice yoga in western society. Contrary to popular belief, it is not an actual style, but simply means to ‘do yoga’, although some people have used this name for loosely based yoga classes that don’t follow the usual traditions; this is usually a form learned at entry level.
Yin Yoga
Yin yoga originates from a Tao tradition and the focus is emphasised on passive or seated movements. This is to target your hips, lower spine and pelvis and the poses can be held from anywhere between 1 to 5 minutes. The overall aim is to increase flexibility and allow one to achieve a feeling of mental release. One can learn the basics of meditation and yoga at the same time with Yin Yoga; this is ideal for fitness instructors and athletic types who are constantly involved in strenuous exercise.
Restorative yoga
This focuses on healing your mind and body through simplistic posing – the moves can often be held for up to 20 minutes. People use straps, pillows and bolsters, and it is similar to Yin Yoga but places less emphasis on flexibility and more on relaxation. This is a popular type of yoga for older people.
Iyengar Yoga
This comes from the same origin as Ashtanga yoga – the teachers who developed these styles were both trained by Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. A great deal of the postures included in the 2 are very similar but taught with a different approach. Iyengar yoga is considered effective for learning subtle movements and perfecting alignment. Props are often
used like blocks, bolsters and belts to support beginners who are injured, stiff or simply learning something new.
Ashtanga Yoga
This is a vigorous yoga style and offers an array of poses that are held in place for 5 breaths each, then punctuated by what is called a half sun salutation to keep a regular pace. These classes are for more advanced people.
Mysore Yoga
This is very similar to Ashtanga but taught in one-on-one sessions, it offers a safer and traditional way of teaching methods to students, but has less earning potential. A great bonus is that clients can go at their own pace and ability.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga
This type of class is taught in a flowing manner similar to Tai Chi where the poses have no break between them to discuss things. This offers clients a good workout as there is not a constant stop-start manner that happens in other yoga classes or styles. Vinyasa flow yoga is not suitable for beginners as one does not get much time to focus on each pose as a single entity. This type of yoga is also influenced by Ashtanga yoga.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga is good for people who want to sweat and push themselves physically. It was created in the 1970s by Bikram Choudhury. The man designed a sequence of 26 different poses that stretch and strengthen muscles, as well as compress and clean your internal organs. Bikram yoga is traditionally done in a heated room to help rid toxins from the body and every Bikram class will follow the exact same poses across the globe.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga has been designed to awaken energy in the spine; these classes include meditating, breathing techniques, chanting and normal yoga poses.
HealthyScientist 