Friday, April 10, 2009

Styles of Yoga for Beginners

Are you looking for an activity that will allow you to steer clear of the stresses in your life, while maintaining the balance and harmony of your body? This is what yoga is all about. In layman's term, yoga is the discipline of stretching and toning your body through breathing techniques, exercises, posture, diet and relaxation techniques. Basically, the goal of yoga is to maintain control of your own body and mind.

Read on to find out more about yoga, its different types and yoga tips for beginners by Yoga Classes.

Yoga for Beginners, Anyone?

If you see a room full of individuals undergoing advanced yoga classes, you might be intimidated at the complicated poses that they make. This is the reason why there is a different set of poses and exercises which are meant for beginners in yoga.

Basically, a beginner's class in yoga will give you a preview of what the discipline is all about. Probably the only thing that you need is a yoga mat and a willingness to learn about the yoga basics.

Different Strokes for Different Folks: 11 Types of Yoga

After graduating from beginner's yoga, there are different paths that you can pursue. Take a look at the 9 different types of yoga that you can consider studying:

1.Ananda - this type of yoga focuses more on meditation techniques.

2.Anusara - the thrust of the yogic exercises involved in Anusara Yoga is oriented towards the heart.

3.Ashtanga - also known as the power of yoga, Ashtanga follows a series of steps and poses which are vigorous and quite athletic.

4.Bikram - this is also known as Fire Yoga or Hot Yoga, a style of yoga developed by Bikram Choudhury which practiced in a heated and humidified room.

5.Integral Yoga - this type of yoga focuses on the healing power of relaxation.

6.Iyngar - the center of study in this type of yoga is symmetry and alignment.

7.Kripalu - this style of yogic exercises deals with the 'yoga of consciousness'.

8.Kundalini - the focus of this style of yoga is to awaken one's energy.

9.Sivanada - if you want to live a healthier lifestyle, this is the style of yoga to go for.

10.Tantra - ideal for couples, this type of yoga deals with sensual spirituality.

11.Viniyoga - focuses on a gentle flow of the energies within the mind, body and spirit.

No matter which type of yogic exercises it is that you will go for, they all seek to create that delicate balance between the body, the mind and the spirit.