Thursday, September 12, 2013

Thursday Thirteen - Types of Yoga!



Thirteen Types of Yoga, Including Our Two Favorites - Astanga Yoga and Power Yoga!


1. Ashtanga (or Astanga) Yoga - Our Favorite! This style is one of the most physically demanding because it involves synchronizing breathing with progressive and continuous series of postures.The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Ashtanga is an athletic yoga practice and is not for beginners.
 
2. Bikram Yoga - A comprehensive workout that includes all the components of fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular flexibility and weight loss. This is the only yoga style that specializes in using the heated environment.
 
3. Hatha - An easy-to-learn basic form of yoga that is the foundation of all Yoga styles. It incorporates Asanas (postures), Pranayama (regulated breathing), meditation (Dharana & Dhyana) and kundalini (Laya Yoga) into a complete system that can be used to achieve enlightenment or self-realization.
 
4. Integral Yoga: This traditional type of yoga combines postures, breathing exercises, selfless service, meditation, chanting, prayer, and self-inquiry.
 
5. Iyengar Yoga - Promotes strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance through coordinated breathing and poses that require precise body alignment. The poses are generally held longer than in other styles of yoga. One of the most popular types of yoga taught today.
 
6. Kali Ray TriYoga - A series of flowing, dancelike movements that incorporates pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation.
 
7. Kundalini - Focuses on awakening the energy. In addition to postures, it also includes chanting, meditation, and breathing exercises.
 
8. Power Yoga - Our other favorite! The American interpretation of ashtanga yoga, a discipline that combines stretching, strength training, and meditative breathing, but takes ashtanga one step further. Many of the poses resemble basic calisthenics -- push-ups and handstands, toe touches and side bends -- but the key to power yoga's sweat-producing, muscle-building power is the pace. Instead of pausing between poses as you would in traditional yoga, each move flows into the next, making it an intense aerobic workout.
 
9. Restorative Yoga - Features long periods of time lying on blocks, blankets and yoga bolsters, allowing muscles to relax.
 
10. Sivananda Yoga: Like Integral Yoga, this traditional type of yoga combines postures, breathing, dietary restrictions, chanting, scriptural study, and meditation.
 
11. Svaroopa Yoga - Easiest for beginners due to its approachable style and comfortable positions.
 
12. Vinyasa: Focuses on coordination of breath and movement and it is a very physically active form of yoga.
 
13. White Lotus Yoga: A modified Ashtanga practice developed by Ganga White which is combined with breathwork and meditation.
 
*hugs*
 

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great post, Paige. I've tried yoga a few times, but have never stuck with it. I really need to start again, because it was something I enjoyed. :)

Paige Tyler said...

Stephanie - We love it! You definitely notice the difference!

*hugs*
Paige

Heather said...

An interesting post, Paige. Who knew there were so many different forms of yoga? Mine: Blooming Butterflies

Jennifer Leeland said...

I've done Bikram Yoga before and it's awesome. Using the heat to loosen up the muscles is fantastic.
Great post.

Paige Tyler said...

Heather - There are actually more than that, but I had to pick thirteen!

Jennifer - Thanks! We totally love yoga!

*hugs*
Paige

Anonymous said...

I like the relaxation & stress relief yoga! :)

Alice Audrey said...

I knew there was more than one type, but had no idea there were so many.

Paige Tyler said...

Brenda - Yoga's great for that!

Alice Audrey - Totally!

*hugs*
Paige