Over the past 10 years, the popularity of yoga has even increased several times. This is fostered by the variety of varieties, of which there are as many as a dozen, ranging from slow hatha yoga to energetic bikram yoga. Learn about the basic types of this exercise system and choose something for yourself!
Hatha yoga
The name “hatha” is a combination of two words: “ha” (sun) and “tha” (moon). With the help of asanas, mobility and flexibility of the body are improved, strength and endurance are developed. Classes last from 1.5 to 2 hours. As part of hatha yoga, breathing exercises, known as pranayama, are also performed to control the thoughts rattling around in the head.
Kundalini yoga
This is a type of yoga that aims to raise the energy that originates at the base of the spine. This is accomplished through regular practice, consisting of asanas, pranayama, meditation and chanting of mantras. Kundalini yoga works at the level of the endocrine system. All exercises are performed in a specific order. This type of yoga lifts the mood – teachers say that kundalini is above all a yoga that allows one to experience true happiness – the one that is within us and not subject to the vicissitudes of fate.
Iyengar yoga
This, in turn, is a variation of hatha-yoga. Iyengar yoga pays a great deal of attention to the correct alignment of the body while performing asanas. This method is also distinguished by the use of various aids: blankets, chairs, blocks, straps, etc. In Iyengar yoga, each week of the month is dedicated to a specific group of asanas, so regular practice is recommended to experience all the benefits of each group.
Ashtanga vinyasa yoga
This is one of the modern varieties of hatha yoga. We are talking about a dynamic practice in which sequences of asanas (static postures) are interspersed with dynamic exercises (vinyasa). Vinyasa is also a specific way of entering asanas by synchronizing movement with the breath. In dynamic sequences, it is the movement that adapts to the breath, and the postures last as long as their assigned inhalations or exhalations.
Bikram yoga
This is a set of hatha yoga postures performed with high humidity and a temperature of 40°С. This type of yoga removes toxins from the body and is effective in the fight against weight gain. This is a rather demanding type of yoga, which should be avoided by people suffering from heart disease.
Spinal yoga
A special type of yoga that, as the name suggests, mainly affects the spine: it strengthens it, aligns posture and eliminates muscle tension. The main advantage of this yoga is that there are no age restrictions. Spinal yoga is dedicated to all those who suffer from curvature of the spine, degenerative changes, hernias, etc.
Aerial yoga
A new direction in yoga pioneered by Christopher Harrison, a well-known choreographer and acrobat in the US. Exercises are performed in a special hammock that attaches to the ceiling. The yoga hammock is a great way to fully relax and relieve stress on the spine, as well as stimulate lymph. Performing asanas in a weightless state is an excellent drainage that removes unnecessary water from the body. Aerial yoga classes last about 40 minutes.
main photo: unsplash.com/Dylan Gillis
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