Yoga: some wonderful stretching on a comfortable mat, where you relax and let go.
If this is how you visualize yoga and think yoga is simply a set of routine postures, then you have some serious thinking to do. With the advent of a lot of yoga styles like Hatha, Vinyasa, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Bikram etc yoga is no longer placid or routine.
Instead, choosing a yoga style becomes ‘you’ and a part of your life. Come, let us discover some common, yet popular styles of yoga, and also see whom it is most suitable for.
Benefits of Yoga
The word yoga means union or to join. So though yoga is a series of exercises, its main aim is to connect mind, body and soul, thus bringing about an inner awareness in you. Practicing yoga not only helps you counteract diseases, but also tones your body, lowers stress levels, improves flexibility and relaxes you.
So with many different styles of yoga which one is the best for you?
Let us check out the four most common yoga styles.
Common Yoga Styles
Vinyasa
This yoga style gives emphasis on postures and breathing techniques. Series of exercises are taught with special emphasis on breath. Sun salutations are common in such classes.
It is most suitable for people who love movement and flow. The yoga classes are fast, moving and are adaptable to both beginner and experienced students, as it can be adjusted to one’s experience and energy level.
Iyengar
This yoga style uses a variety of props like blocks, bricks, straps etc to do the various stretching exercises. Developed by B.K.S Iyengar, this yoga emphasizes on body placement and alignment. This type of yoga is slower and gives a lot of focus on details of each posture.
This type of yoga training is most suitable for old people and people who have sustained injuries as it uses props to help you in doing exercises. It can also be exciting, if you are a person who loves to do challenging exercises. Iyengar yoga also helps in improving balance and aids the body to recover from injuries easily.
