The beginner’s guide to essential types of yoga
Yoga, having coined from the Sanskrit term ‘yog’ means to create oneness between breath, mind, and body. It is a rejuvenation to the entire human system and ensures to keep it at ease throughout the day. The yoga is a kind of sports and it is up to an individual to define the pleasure they seek in yoga. It has to be practiced religiously to reap its entire benefits.
Doesn’t it sound interesting?
Remember, Yoga isn’t necessarily a ‘free-size’ practice, either. There are different types of yoga that would suit best for different cadres of people. A 15-year-old and a 50-year-old perhaps don’t need the same asanas, someone who is flexible doesn’t need the same asana as someone who is stiff and muscular. So, with all the choices laid out there, where and how do you start? Hold your ujjayi breath (that’s a yogi language for calming inhales and exhales). We’ve got you your final list of asanas that specialize in yoga for beginners — in addition, also the tips for discovering the style you might like best.
+ Hatha Yoga
It is considered to be a gentler form of yoga. It is usually the first yogic asana that teaches one to balance on yogic postures. This balance also comes along with holding breath for a few seconds. The intersection of holding the breath whilst at the same time maintaining the posture is the real orgasm and the flow of energy is magical.
This yoga paves the way for a slow yet concentrated direction towards meditation.
Suited for: Beginners because of its slower pace.
+ Vinyasa Yoga
Contrary to hatha in terms of speed, you need to be really quick for this dynamic practice that links movement and breath together. It is more of a dance form and you won’t linger long in each pose, so be ready for your heart rate to increase. This is sometimes clubbed with music beats.
Suited for: Runners, athletes and intense exercisers because of the continuous movement and its fast pace.
+ Iyengar Yoga
In this yoga, you’ll get pedantic into details along with your body’s alignment to each pose. The postures are held for long as an effort to feel every musculoskeletal alignment change in the body. Another trademark is the use of properties like blocks, bolsters, belts, chairs, ropes wall, and blankets that are used as an aid to prevent injuries or soothe it at a lighter level, stiffness, and structural imbalances.
Suited for: Detail-oriented people and is also great for those with injuries (after expert’s consultation).
+ Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga consists of 6 sequenced yoga poses, where you’ll deep inhale and exhale through each pose to build internal heat. You’ll perform the same poses in the same order in every class so as to equilibrize stability.
Suited for: For perfectionists because of its challenging and strict guidelines.
+ Bikram Yoga
Be ready to sweat excessively if you want to achieve consistency at its peak. This yoga holds its copyright for 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises at a room temperature of 105°F (40.6°C), with a humidity of 40%. For 90 minutes. Remember to stay hydrated.
Suited for: Beginners and those who are strict with their routine.
+ Sivananda Yoga
The class begins with Savasana (a relaxation pose), kapalabhati and anuloma villoma, ensuing a few rounds of Suryanamaskar. It then takes the route to Sivananda’s 12 asanas, that are patterned to increase flexibility and strength of the spine. Chanting and meditation augment this yoga.
Suited for: People who aim for perseverance.
+ Yin Yoga
Yin yoga is a slow-style practice where you’ll have to hold your poses for 5 minutes or longer. The motive is to apply tolerable stress to the connective tissues – the fascia, tendons, and ligaments – with the sole aim of improving flexibility and increasing circulation in the joints.
Suited for: People who need to unwind and stretch.
+ Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini exercise referred to as a kriya, blends repeated movements and exercises, active breathing techniques, meditation, chanting, and reciting mantras to synchronize with the breath.
The practice is followed to ignite the energy at the base of the spine so as to pull it upwards traversing each of the 7 chakras.
Suited for: Spirituality lovers and to those who are after more than a workout.
+ Restorative yoga
Though it doesn’t involve a lot of movements and is slow, this yoga lets you release the tension in your body and deals with the parasympathetic nervous system thus allowing you to experience relaxation. You’ll see yourselves employ props like yoga blocks, bolsters, and blankets to support your body for each pose.
Suited for: Everyone. In particular for those who have a hard time slowing down, experiencing insomnia or struggling with anxiety and also serves great for athletes.