So many people are
discovering the beautiful effects of a regular yoga practice, that it's no
surprise how mainstream it has become.
There are very little places in the city that don’t have a studio within
accessible distance. It's a great activity for people of all backgrounds
fitness wise, even when injured.
I absolutely love the atmosphere of a yoga studio, invigorating yet relaxing. It's a place where I can easily find balance and just be. It's both a challenge and a familiar way of moving, where your muscles remember all the different ways they can move, stretch and hold. It's definitely something you will be feeling the next day if you've never done it before!
Navigating through
all the different types can be a challenge, but really they just have different
flavors. From difficult to very relaxing and deep, there is definitely an array
of choices. These are the most popular types given in studios today.
Hatha Yoga:
Hatha yoga classes are open to all levels.
Hatha yoga classes will strengthen stretch, tone and relax your entire body.
Hatha yoga is the classical form of yoga postures and breathing that
revitalizes the body physically and mentally. It is an uplifting practice that
increases muscle tone, improves flexibility and concentration, detoxifies the
vital organs and allows you to relax deeply.
Ashtanga Yoga:
Ashtanga Yoga is a form
of Hatha Yoga focusing on deep strength and endurance using breath to link the
postures fluidly together. There is a high level of focus on precision
within postures and intentionality of breathing. The Basics class is
designed for students just starting out with an Ashtanga practice.
Vinyasa Yoga:
Power Vinyasa yoga focuses on using breath to
connect to the body, mind and practice. Using an energetic vinyasa flow as
foundation, combined with specifically sequenced set of flowing yoga postures.
It has the ability to build strength, increase endurance, release tension, and
create more flexibility in the entire body. Suitable for students who have
previous yoga experience, this class is taught in either a heated or regular
temperature room to help facilitate the integration of sweat, strength and
spirit. (This is my absolute favorite, although Flow Vinyasa is what I love the most)
Yin Yoga:
Yin Yoga has the same goals and objectives as
any other school of yoga; however, it directs the stimulation normally created
in the asana portion of the practice deeper than the superficial or muscular
tissues .Yin Yoga targets the connective tissues, such as the ligaments, bones,
and even the joints of the body that normally are not exercised very much in a
more active style of asana practice.
Suitable
for almost all levels of students, Yin Yoga is a perfect complement to the
dynamic and muscular (yang) styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat, and
the lengthening and contracting of our muscles. Yin Yoga generally targets the
connective tissues of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine
Bikram or Hot Yoga:
Bikram or Hot Yoga:
Bikram Yoga is a
demanding series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises suitable for all
ages and levels of ability. Each posture stretches and strengthens specific
muscles, ligaments and joints needed for the next posture. Bikram Yoga is
practiced in a very hot room, so be prepared to sweat and to work hard. Why the
heat? It warms your muscles, and allows for a deeper workout and cleanses the
body by flushing out toxins.
Gentle Yoga:
Gentle yoga is a style of yoga that is far
less strenuous than other forms of hatha yoga.. It is less intense, so it can
be very useful for anyone who are not capable of fulfilling the demands of
other practices, such as seniors, women who are pregnant, practitioners who are
recovering from injury, practitioners who are in very poor physical condition
or even those who are simply looking for a more relaxed workout. Gentle yoga
also can be beneficial to those who are quite fit but who lack the overall
flexibility to be able to do some of the more intense yoga poses.
Yoga for
Runners:
Yoga for Runners will help you
feel more agile and flexible, give you greater strength and stamina, and will
encourage the right frame of mind needed to reach your full potential. Runners
have different needs than the typical yogi. The combination of active and
passive stretching will help to strengthen and stretch muscle groups that tend
to be the tightest and most frequently strained by athletes. Improve your
performance and avoid injuries! No yoga experience required. Suitable for
runners of all abilities and experience.
There are also many
other specialized yoga classes for different types of Athletes, Injuries, and
different levels of those mentioned above. If you've never done yoga before I’d
definitely say to try out Hatha yoga courses first, or even better to register
for a series of courses designed for beginners to explore many different types
over a few weeks.
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