The Most Common Types of Yoga
As there are so many different types of yoga available today, it
can present a major problem for beginners. It is of best advice
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 here and
briefly explained in order to assist you in choosing the best
type of yoga that you can start off with.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Bhakti yoga
Or commonly known as devotional yoga. These types of yoga focus
on self surrender in the face of the divine.
7. 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 hi or her philosophy and beliefs in
order to find the most appropriate and personally appealing form
of yoga for you.