Information on Types of Yoga

Yoga is a 5,000-year-old practice that continues to be relevant in the modern world. It uses a holistic approach to the body that exercises and strengthens the mind, body and spirit. Different types of yoga can emphasize more or less of each of these three components. Which particular type of yoga suits a person depends on a combination of personality, aspirations and available time.

  1. Ashtanga

    • Ashtanga is suited for people who wish to increase their strength, flexibility and stamina over their spiritual development. Often referred to as "power yoga," ashtanga involves more physical effort and less meditation practice than other forms of yoga. Practitioners are required to move from one pose to another in a fluid motion.

    Hatha

    • This type of yoga is thought to increase general fitness levels and to reduce stress through a series of slow stretches and simple breathing exercises. Traditional hatha yoga was more comprehensive than its more modern namesake, combining moral disciplines, purification processes, postures, poses, meditation and breathing.

    Bikram

    • Bikram is usually referred to as "hot yoga" due to it being carried out in a warm environment. The idea behind bikram is that the heat helps loosen practitioners' muscles so that they are able to more fully achieve the required poses. After carrying out breathing exercises, practitioners move through a sequence of 26 postures.

    Iyengar

    • Iyengar yoga combines an in-depth study of breath control with a number of postures to increase inner stability and alignment. The method is particularly good for beginners as it makes use of a number of pieces of equipment that assist them in achieving the poses such as straps, blocks and harnesses.