If you're interested in yoga but are baffled by the number of different styles, or simply don’t feel bendy, then maybe this will guide help you choose which yoga is for you.
Yoga means union or oneness. It's from the Sanskrit yuj, meaning 'to join'. Practising yoga on a regular basis brings harmony to our mind and body. Yoga helps balance our emotions and helps us to meet life with equanimity. But which form of yoga is right for you?
As yoga unites our individual consciousness with universal wisdom, we need to consider our objectives when choosing a class.
Do you wish to relax or get active, or treat a medical problem, such as backache? Would you prefer to unwind gently, or get sweaty in a hot room with a dynamic routine?
Yoga comprises five aspects: -
• Breathing techniques, or pranayama
• Postures, asanas
• Hand gestures, mudras - representing elements of the psyche
• Body locks, bandhas – lock and unlock energy channels
• Cleansing practises, shatkarmas
Yoga has many variations: -
• Hatha - one of the gentlest forms of yoga, although no less effective. Combining asanas with pranayama, Hatha yoga comprises the core principles with a safe introduction to the yogic system. Great for beginners and generally unwinding!
• Iyengar - BKS Iyengar developed this style on traditional yogic philosophies but focuses on body and postural alignment. There's often lots of accessories - rugs, belts, blocks and foam pads - and the class can move quite slowly as it is focused, structural work, rather than a flow of postures. You learn to harmonise breath and mind while the body in optimum alignment.
• Astanga - committed yoga bodies often bend and flex their way through an astanga primary series. A set flow of asanas designed to strengthen the core of the body, with pranayama on each posture. Astanga is physically demanding... but the rewards are great!
• Kundalini - developed by Yogi Bhajan, Kundalini is the Sanskrit name for the central energy spiral living at the base of the spine. Teaching focuses on harmonising our energy system with mind and body. Classes include chanting, pranayama, mudras and bandhas. Use Kundalini to shift stubborn energy blocks.
• Bikram Yoga / Hot Yoga - takes places in a heated room. Temperatures are set to 95 - 100 degrees to enable the body to loosen up and detoxify. A swift sequence of 26 asanas is carried out with speed, focus and stamina. Great for those seeking Hatha asanas but with a hot, aerobic workout.
• Restorative yoga - after all the bending and pulling, stretching and folding, you might be ready for some restorative work. Pillows, bolsters and blocks support gentle asanas, so you relax fully into the posture for approx 7 minutes, allowing complete surrender of the nervous system and muscles. Ideal if you are tired from overdoing it!
Have you tried yoga or did you find this guide useful? Let me know your thoughts.