July 3, 2007

The 8 Physical and Mental Types of Yoga

Tip! One of the most popular benefits of yoga exercises is that it not only strengthens and improves your physical condition, but also helps relieve stress and tension to improve your mental outlook too. Today’s society is fast-paced and hectic, and this can take its toll on one both physically and mentally.

There are a lot of different types of yoga today, so if you are starting out and feeling confused, you are normal.

It is best to start with a type of yoga that is appropriate for your own level of fitness, physical and spiritual goals and health condition.

The 8 most common types of yoga are described in this article and briefly explained to help guide you in choosing the best type of yoga that you can start with.

Physical-Focused Types of Yoga

Iyengar Yoga: Iyengar yoga is focused solely on body alignment and executing precise movements. Yoga accessories such as blocks and straps are normally used by beginners who are not as flexible as the experts.

Yoga accessories 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, Iyengar yoga is often considered a good form of exercise for people with neck or back pain, as they are likely to benefit from the random movement in the poses.

Practicing Iyengar yoga will give you a good knowledge on the classics in yoga poses so that whatever other style you eventually practice, you will have the basic fundamentals on how to do each position.

Tip! Do it Together With some Friends: Learning how to give and share is an important part of yoga, so don’t keep �yoga� to your self. If possible find one or two friends who would benefit from practicing yoga, and do it together with them.

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 to practice regularly

Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga yoga is commonly called “power yoga” because it is focused on a powerful flowing movement.

The movements include pushups and lunges, which deals with strength and stamina. Ashtanga yoga is best for people who have a strong back, or have successfully overcome back injuries and are looking for more challenging practice.

Athletic people such as runners, cyclists and gynmasts who wish to add more balance and concentration to their routines are also fans of Ashtanga yoga.

Bikram Yoga: Bikram yoga is also known as the “hot yoga” because it is done in a very warm room. Bikram yoga is an excellent tool to increase flexibility because the heat helps you to stretch.

Keep in mind that Bikram yoga is not safe for anyone who has developed cardio vascular diseases, because vigorously exercising in the heat places strain placed on the body.

Mental-Focused Types of Yoga

Bhakti yoga: or commonly known as devotional yoga. Bhakti yoga focus on self surrender in the face of the divine, if you know what that means.

Tip! Make a Regular Schedule and Stick to It: Yoga is not like tennis or some recreational sport which you will do if the sun is shining and you feel like doing it. To get the true benefits from yoga you have to do it every day.

Mantra yoga: Mantra yoga is known as the “yoga of potent sound”. Mantra yoga aims at liberation through the verbal or mental repetition of empowered sounds, such as “om,” “hum,” and “ram.”

Viniyoga: Viniyoga yoga links breathe and movement in flowing exercises that are modified to each individual. Viniyoga is a good form of yoga for those with back problems or neck injuries because it can be easily adapted by everyone.

Tip! Ashtanga or Raja Yoga 2. Bhakti Yoga 3.

Raja Yoga: Raja yoga aims for liberation through meditation. Raja yoga is meant for those people who are capable of intense concentration.

As you can see, there are many types of yoga to choose from. It is a good idea to discuss the type of yoga practiced before engaging in any yoga class. In particular, learn which philosophy the teacher uses, so you’ll know if it will be a gentle, passive yoga, or a bone crunching form.

Tip! Eat lightly before practice. Wait at least two hours after meals before yoga class or practice.

Both you and the teacher will be glad you knew what you were getting into, before the class begins.

About The Author
Jack Sinclair is an avid yoga devotee.
Learn everything about yoga for free at http://www.types-of-yoga.com

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