For someone who doesn’t know about yoga, it may just seem like a bunch of stretching exercises. Alas, that’s not the case as there are various types of yoga, and each one of them focuses on some specific goal. Simply put, a person who is looking to improve their lifestyle and a person who wants to partake in spiritual meditation would not practice the same type of poses.
If you are confused about choosing the apt type of yoga for you, this guide will help you through it! You can understand how the different types of yoga work and which one will work for you to help you accomplish your goals.
If you are confused about choosing the apt type of yoga for you, this guide will help you through it! You can understand how the different types of yoga work and which one will work for you to help you accomplish your goals.
Goals: Why Have You Chosen Yoga?
Different people get into the practice of yoga for various reasons. When your goal is clear and defined, you will find it easy to choose your preferred practice. Consider the points given below and choose the right one for you.
Yoga for fitness
If you choose to opt for yoga to keep yourself fit and simultaneously improve the connection between your mind and body, then the types falling under this category will help you tremendously. You can go for some vigorous types - Ashtanga yoga, Bikram yoga, and Power Yoga are some excellent places to start.
Different people get into the practice of yoga for various reasons. When your goal is clear and defined, you will find it easy to choose your preferred practice. Consider the points given below and choose the right one for you.
Yoga for fitness
If you choose to opt for yoga to keep yourself fit and simultaneously improve the connection between your mind and body, then the types falling under this category will help you tremendously. You can go for some vigorous types - Ashtanga yoga, Bikram yoga, and Power Yoga are some excellent places to start.
Yoga prescribed for medical conditions
Has yoga been prescribed for you due to particular medical conditions or limitations? If yes, then begin your practice with a type of yoga that goes slow and works on the alignment of your body. Iyengar yoga, Kripalu yoga, and Viniyoga are some suggestions for you.
Yoga for enhancing spirituality
For this, you can choose the types of yoga that involve more meditation, breathing techniques, and chanting. Kundalini yoga is the perfect type of yoga for those who are looking for some spiritual guidance.
Has yoga been prescribed for you due to particular medical conditions or limitations? If yes, then begin your practice with a type of yoga that goes slow and works on the alignment of your body. Iyengar yoga, Kripalu yoga, and Viniyoga are some suggestions for you.
Yoga for enhancing spirituality
For this, you can choose the types of yoga that involve more meditation, breathing techniques, and chanting. Kundalini yoga is the perfect type of yoga for those who are looking for some spiritual guidance.
Types of Yoga
Let us take a look at some of the most practiced yoga forms and how they benefit you.
Hatha
It is only from Hatha yoga that all the modern types of yoga are derived. Hatha is a combination of asanas and meditation that assist you in revitalizing both the body and the mind. Great practice for beginners; this practice focuses on basic and poses that are slow-paced.
Bikram
Bikram is done in hot, sauna-like rooms to heighten the effects of the poses involved in this practice. During every class, there are a total of 26 postures and two breathing exercises performed—the temperature and humidity helps in expelling toxins out of your body while building your stamina.
Let us take a look at some of the most practiced yoga forms and how they benefit you.
Hatha
It is only from Hatha yoga that all the modern types of yoga are derived. Hatha is a combination of asanas and meditation that assist you in revitalizing both the body and the mind. Great practice for beginners; this practice focuses on basic and poses that are slow-paced.
Bikram
Bikram is done in hot, sauna-like rooms to heighten the effects of the poses involved in this practice. During every class, there are a total of 26 postures and two breathing exercises performed—the temperature and humidity helps in expelling toxins out of your body while building your stamina.
Iyengar
This practice involves the usage of several properties like blocks, chairs, straps, etc., that assist in improving the alignment of your body. This type of Hatha yoga is ideal for beginners who wish to learn all the basic postures perfectly.
Vinyasa
The highlight of this practice is the beautiful transition between one pose and the other. Breathing plays a vital role here, and this is suitable for athletes who are keen to increase their flexibility and stay in shape.
Ashtanga
Fast-paced and fluid, this practice involves the rapid transition between six poses in a sequence. Not advised for beginners as it takes time to master this practice. These poses have been known to increase the quality of sleep.
Kripalu
Kripalu is great for those who are looking to involve both their mind and body through yoga. Starting at a slower pace, this practice slowly gains speed through three different levels of poses.
The Bottom Line
If you are still unsure about opting for the apt practice of yoga for you, you can consult a doctor or a fitness trainer and get this cleared. Make sure that you start slow and make progress as you go. Practice yoga and enhance your lifestyle!
This practice involves the usage of several properties like blocks, chairs, straps, etc., that assist in improving the alignment of your body. This type of Hatha yoga is ideal for beginners who wish to learn all the basic postures perfectly.
Vinyasa
The highlight of this practice is the beautiful transition between one pose and the other. Breathing plays a vital role here, and this is suitable for athletes who are keen to increase their flexibility and stay in shape.
Ashtanga
Fast-paced and fluid, this practice involves the rapid transition between six poses in a sequence. Not advised for beginners as it takes time to master this practice. These poses have been known to increase the quality of sleep.
Kripalu
Kripalu is great for those who are looking to involve both their mind and body through yoga. Starting at a slower pace, this practice slowly gains speed through three different levels of poses.
The Bottom Line
If you are still unsure about opting for the apt practice of yoga for you, you can consult a doctor or a fitness trainer and get this cleared. Make sure that you start slow and make progress as you go. Practice yoga and enhance your lifestyle!