In today’s world, everyone is aware of the term Yoga. To many people, it is similar to the exercise which provides flexibility and increases our endurance. It is not only limited to the physical involvement of our body. Instead, it is a blend of physical and mental activity to achieve overall well-being.
Yoga involves various postures, body movements, breathing patterns and relaxation techniques. Several types of yoga exist, but you should be aware of the yoga that suits you the best. This is because although all postures seem to be the same, they trigger different parts of the body. So, take a look at the various forms of yoga, their characteristics, and their health benefits.
1. Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga allows you reshape, re-create and re-engineer the whole body. Hatha yoga activates 2 main dimensions within our body, i.e., the sun and the moon. Hath Yoga aligns your entire body, relaxes your mind and prepares your inner soul for meditation. For a beginner, it is a slow process. Try to hold on a pose for a longer duration. Hatha Yoga balances your body, improves flexibility, relieves stress, strengthens muscles, increases blood flow and makes you happier.
2. Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa is a fantastic form of yoga as it synchronizes your breath with the different postures and the transitions that follow during the complete course. No two poses are alike in any way. This yoga form helps you to stay focused, it pushes your physical strengths to perform better. It is good for your heart, increases flexibility, detoxifies your body, infuses proper breathing, relieves stress and more importantly, it’s fun to practice it.
3. Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga literal meaning is “eight-limbed yoga.” It is a form of vinyasa which involves synchronizing breath with the different series of postures. In this whole process, a lot of energy in the form of internal heat is produced; thus, this yoga helps in purifying your body by the amount of sweat it releases. It tones up your body muscles, provides emotional and intellectual benefits and boosts concentration.
4. Power Yoga
Power Yoga is a branch of ashtanga yoga and provides the same benefits as well. But, what makes it different from Ashtanga Yoga is that it is performed at quite a faster pace and in continuation. It is best for those people who have a shortage of time due to work. When practiced in addition to cardiac exercises, it results in weight loss as well. It burns calories, builds strength and stamina, improves blood circulation, reduces stress, detoxifies your body and leaves you refreshed and alive.
5. Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga is yet another form of yoga which comprises of 26 postures exercises. What makes it unique is that you practice this yoga in a heated room to allow your muscles to stretch to its maximum. You have to follow the instructions of the instructor as the instructor doesn’t demonstrate their moves. It provides maximum stretch to the ligaments and tendons, increases oxygen supply, relieves stress, tones your muscles, reduces back pain and rejuvenates your body.
6. Jivamukti Yoga
Jivamukti Yoga creates a foundation for a healthier and happier life. The meaning of Jivamukti means “liberation” while you are alive. It comprises of 5 essential elements: Meditation, Music, Non-violence, Devotion, and Scripture. It involves high-intensity yoga moves, and that increases blood circulation to every nerve ending in your body. It releases out stress hormones and uplifts your mood, improves flexibility and purifies your mental state.
7. Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga is a form of yoga in which one focusses on maintaining poses for a longer duration. Precision can be achieved by practising it whole-heartedly. This type of yoga makes use of props which allows you to achieve perfection. Iyengar Yoga emphasizes alignment, accuracy, and timings. It increases the overall flexibility of the body, provides incredibly toned muscles, improves breathing, inculcates strength and awareness, protects you from diseases and improves posture.