The Different Types of Yoga - An Introduction to The Most Common Yoga Styles

Yoga is a training system for body and mind that canYin yoga is developed by Paul Grilley, and is a tranquil
be traced back more than 5000 years. It focuses ontype of yoga, which focuses on deep stretching and
what is here and now and on being present. Thereforebalancing of the body. In Yin Yoga positions are held
yoga has become more popular than ever - it bringsfor a long time. Yin yoga combines wisdom from
back focus on the present, in a world that is constantlyTaoism and Chinese acupuncture with the Indian yoga
changing and where humans are often focusing on thephilosophy.
future instead of the present. There are manyPower
different types of yoga and they are all aPower yoga is based on Astanga yoga and for those
development of the ancient form. However, as awho want a vigorous workout. This type of yoga is
beginner it can be very difficult to know which type ofoften seen in gyms and fitness centers. Even though it
yoga to try out with. Only by trying different styles, youis based on Astanga yoga, it is often a mixture of
can find out which one suit you better. Therefore, thismany different types of yoga, forming a very dynamic
article will provide you with a brief overview of someyoga class.
of the most common types of yoga.Iyengar
HathaIyengar Yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar - one
The classical Hatha yoga consists of the originalof the most known yoga teachers in the world. In the
physical postures and breathing exercises, usually donephysical positions there is a strong emphasis on detail
in a calm and relaxed pace with pauses between theand on body position and straight lines. Another
positions. Most of the yoga types performed in thecharacteristic of this yoga style is that it frequently
West are inspired by Hatha, and they all vary in theiruses tools such as blocks and belts. In Iyengar yoga,
shape in terms of 'asanas' - the natural positions - andeach position is often held for a long time, and the
their focus on breathing and meditation. The focus ofbreathing deepens the effect of each position.
Hatha is typically to perform the classic posts properlyTri
in accordance with the body's abilities. 'Ha' means inTri Yoga is a trinity of physical poses, breathing, and
Sanskrit 'sun' while 'tha' means 'moon'. Hathafocus on a combination of flow and static positions.
represents the duality in life - yin and yang, masculineCharacteristic of this type of yoga is the use of
and feminine, darkness and light. Hatha Yoga tries towave-like backbone movements and breathing
balance these opposing forces.exercises. The founder Kali Ray has created seven
Vinyasalevels of severity and meditative content.
Vinyasa yoga is more dynamic than Hatha yoga sinceSivananda
the yoga exercises are performed at a fast paceSivananda yoga is a gentle form of yoga and
without long breaks between them in a flow. Therecommends a healthy vegetarian lifestyle and positive
name Vinyasa refers to the movement respiratorythinking and meditation. This yoga style was founded
system, and it is about the relationship of the breathby Swami Vishnu-devananda. A Sivananda yoga class
and the movements.During the practise of Vinyasaalso consists of chanting, meditation and deep
yoga much heat is formed in the body and thereforerelaxation.
the body produces a lot of waste through sweat.Kundalini
AstangaKundalini yoga includes physical exercise but is
Astanga yoga is a very physically challenging type ofconcentrated on breathing exercises and chanting. The
yoga, and provides good training for strength, flexibilitypurpose is to awaken the kundalini energy located at
and endurance. Astanga yoga consists of a series ofthe bottom of the spine and help it to move up along
yoga exercises performed in a flow without a break inthe spine through the body's chakras in order to reach
between. In Astanga Yoga, the breathing must beyour head and give a strong spiritual experience.
coordinated with the movements as in Vinyasa Yoga.Kundalini is very powerful and should only be exercised
Yinin collaboration with an experienced teacher.