Ashtanga Yoga:- This type of yoga involves a series of strenuous pose sequences that are performed in rapid succession. Pose sequences change with every time you inhale and exhale. Athletes that need to lose weight will benefit from Ashtanga yoga. However, it is advised to gain experience in another type of slow-paced yoga like Iyengar yoga, prior to trying Ashtanga.
Ananda Yoga:- This therapy focuses on gentle movements and postures to improve body alignment and raise your level of consciousness through controlled breathing. The exercises are designed to enhance the flow of energy to the brain, which also prepares the body for meditation.
Bikram Yoga:- Bikram yoga is practised in a sauna-like room at temperatures of around 40 degrees Celsius and 40% humidity. It involves a series of 26 yoga postures performed twice, which helps to increase stamina. You need to be careful not to overstretch as the heat has the potential to loosen up the muscles.
Hatha Yoga:- This is one of the original forms of yoga with a classical approach to postures and breathing exercises that was initially intended to prepare the body for meditation. It helps you to relax and de-stress in addition to many other physical benefits.
Iyengar Yoga:- Created by renowned yoga practitioner B.K.S. Iyengar, the is one of the purest forms of yoga, where you use various props like blocks, straps, harnesses, pillows and incline boards for perfect posturing. This type of yoga is about precise alignment where poses are generally held longer than many other forms of yoga. Since is it slow paced, it is ideal for athletes recovering from an injury. Iyengar yoga works for every part of your body, giving you better muscle definition instead of mass.
Vinyassa:- This form of yoga is very similar to a dance sequence where you move in smooth succession from one pose to another on every inhale and exhale. What’s unique about Vinyassa is its diversity. There is no single sequence or philosophy that the teacher needs to follow. Many other styles like Ashtanga and Power yoga incorporate the Vinyassa method in their movements.
Power Yoga:- It is an active and athletic style of yoga similar to Ashtanga yoga. However, there is no fixed sequence, where each teacher may have their own style. Power yoga focuses on every muscle in the body, thereby increasing metabolism. In addition to enhanced flexibility and strength, there are many mental benefits as
well.
Yin/Yang Yoga:- Yin yoga focuses on meditation and is used to complement Yang Yoga. The poses are passive and meant to relax the muscles and lengthen connective tissues. Yin yoga is the ideal way to prepare the mind and body for meditation. You will develop a deeper understanding of your body. Poses are held for much longer; often up from 15 to 20 minutes. It helps to release tension in the knee, hip and ankle joints, in addition to the back, neck and shoulders. On the other hand, Yang yoga stimulates the muscles and promotes strength and physical health.