This is the second part to our Beginners Yoga Series. You can find part one here. Be sure to check back often for new instalments to this series.
This week, we are going to continue on our journey of Yoga by learning more about the different styles of Yoga. Each style, although made of the same or similar poses, each has a different emphasis. This article will walk you through some of the more common styles of Yoga. If there is a style you have heard about but don’t see here, please feel free to leave it in the comment section, and we’ll be sure to visit the topic again during our Yoga Series.
HATHA
This is a very basic style that will be slow paced, gentle and perfect for beginners. If you are considering a class that is “Hatha style” you can probably expect a great introduction to the basic poses. This form focuses on the poses, meditation and breathing and utilizes nearly 200 poses that improve your balance, alignment and muscle strength with no emphasis on any one benefit.
VINYASA
This is another general term that is typically used to describe different types of classes. Vinyasa means breath-synchronized movement. The tendency leans more towards a vigorous series of poses that are called Sun Salutations. (Sun salutations are a series of poses that are done one after another – each pose flowing into the next). The pace may vary but the movement is done in accompaniment with your breathing. The purpose is mainly to warm up your body in preparation for more intensive stretching.)
BIKRAM
This style is often referred to as hot yoga because it is performed in a 95 degree room. The theory is that the heat in the room will allow your muscles to loosen and cause you to sweat more which is thought to be very cleansing.
POWER YOGA or ASHTANGA
Ashtanga, meaning eight limbs, is a fast-paced yoga style. It is a set series of poses that are always performed in the same order. It is very demanding physically because you are constantly moving from one pose to another. Power yoga was inspired from Ashtanga but may not follow the strict flow of poses.
IYENGAR
This style focuses on body alignment. By alignment, I’m speaking about the way in which your body should be positioned during each pose so that you will avoid injury and obtain the maximum benefit of the pose. When you see this style, it focuses more on the length of hold rather than a faster flow. You will often see many props in this style as well such as blankets or blocks to ensure your body is in perfect alignment.
KUNDALINI
Breath and physical movement is the emphasis in this style. While practicing this style, you will be freeing energy (this energy is referred to prana) in your lower body and allowing it to travel upwards. In this style, you will see rapid and repetitive movements and there are often chants while performing the poses.
Bart
January 17, 2009
I am planning to begin yoga for weight loss and this article seems to be very useful for me. Thanks for sharing.
-Sami
January 30, 2009
Great post. I have been meaning to get into yoga after I have my daughter.
Thanks!