The Many Forms Of Yoga

By Aazdak Alisimo

Mention yoga and many people assume it is a uniform practice. In truth, there many different forms of yoga that can be practiced and each has a different approach.

What are the many different forms of yoga? To grasp them, you will first have to understand that some forms of yoga are more popular than others. For the sake of this article, we will be discussing the most popular forms of yoga, so that you may find these types at a local fitness club in your area. Those yoga classes that you are likely to come across include: Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Bikram.

Let's start with the one that is gaining a lot of attention lately: Bikram. Bikram yoga is also known as "hot yoga," and since its inception people have been yearning to learn these exercises. This movement was first begun by Bikram Choudhury many years ago with the intent that it would become an intense form of yoga. Bikram is done in an extremely hot room (usually 95 to 100 degrees), which helps to loosen tight muscles. In addition, the high heat will cause a person to sweat profusely (sweating cleanses the body). Usually, this class will contain around 10 poses, though some contain all 26 poses. Another popular form of yoga is Hatha, and you are sure to find this one near you as well.

Hatha is really quite a generalized term. Hatha encompasses many different forms of yoga, though a Hatha course will usually move at a slow pace. In many ways, Hatha is the best introductory yoga course. Also, you will find that Vinyasa is another form of yoga that beginners will enjoy due to the breath-synchronized movements and slow poses. In great contract to Hatha and Vinyasa is Iyengar ... though this type of yoga is closer to its true roots. What are the different types of yoga poses involved in Iyengar?

Iyengar is really based upon bodily alignment. Those that practice this form of yoga do so in order to hold various poses for long periods of time. There are also many props that will be used in an Iyengar course (blankets, blocks, straps), and these courses are highly addictive. As you can see, there are many sorts of yoga that you can easily take part in.

What are the different types of yoga not mentioned here? Well, there are many. The fact is that yoga is an ancient practice with many different schools and teachings. Although your local health club may offer a few of the aforementioned courses, it is better to find a true yoga center near you. Find the type that works for you (using the above information as a guide), and begin your healthy yoga filled life today.

Aazdak Alisimo writes about yoga equipment for YogaEquipmentSupplies.com

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