30 days of giving - Day #24: How yoga can save your life
The purpose of yoga is to create strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind, body and for
some it helps to develop a deeper spiritual connection with the Divine. Following a regular practice of yoga will proove many great benefits that will enhance and may even save your life!
I recommend that my clients practice yoga as much as they can to reap the great benefits yoga has to offer, such as:
Increased flexibility
Increased muscle strength and tone
Improved respiration, energy and vitality
The maintenance of a balanced metabolism
Weight reduction
Cardio and circulatory health
Improved athletic performance
Protection from injury
Stress reduction
Connection to self and the Divine
Relaxes the mind
However, with so many different styles of yoga out there what do you choose? The best type of yoga to choose is the style that will serve you, and your needs, the most.
The following list of different types of yoga is not exhaustive; however, this will give you an idea of what styles of yoga are out there.
1) Ashtanga - This style of yoga is physically demanding as it involves synchronizing breathing with progressive and continuous series of postures-a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs.
2) Bikram - Bikram is the method of yoga that is a comprehensive workout that includes all the components of fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular flexibility and weight loss. One of the unusual but most beneficial aspects of Bikram's yoga practice is the 95-105 degree temperature which promotes more flexibility, detoxification, and prevention of injuries.
3) Hatha - Hatha Yoga is the foundation of all Yoga styles. The ideal way to practice the Hatha Yoga poses (asanas) is to approach the practice session in a calm, meditative mood. Sit quietly for a few moments, then begin the series, slowly, with control and grace, being inwardly aware as the body performs the various poses selected for the practice session.
4) Iyengar - Iyengar 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. In Iyengar, you slowly move into a pose, hold it for a minute or so, and then rest for a few breaths before stretching into another. Equipment like cushions, blankets, straps, and blocks to help the less flexible also distinguishes Iyengar from other types of yoga.
5) Kundalini - A Kundalini practice concentrates on awakening the energy at the base of the spine and drawing it upward. In addition to postures, a typical class will also include chanting, meditation, and breathing exercises.
6) Power - It's the American interpretation of ashtanga yoga, a discipline that combines stretching, strength training, and meditative breathing.Instead of pausing between poses as you would in traditional yoga, each move flows into the next, making it an intense aerobic workout.
7) Restorative - In a restorative yoga class you'll spend long periods of time lying on blocks, blankets and yoga bolsters - passively allowing muscles to relax.
8) Vinyasa - Focuses on coordination of breath and movement and it is a very physically active form of yoga.
9) Yin - Yin Yoga works the connective tissues of the ligaments, fascia, joints and bones. A significant characteristic is the long held, passive nature of the postures.
10) Raja - Raja Yoga emphasizes the benefits of meditation for spiritual self-realization and the purposeful evolution of consciousness.
Resources:
1) Yoga Disciplines - Different Types of Yoga - http://www.matsmatsmats.com/yoga/yoga-disciplines.html
2) What is Raja Yoga - http://www.rajayogis.net/content/raja-yoga
