What kind of yoga suits you?
Yoga is becoming more and more popular. Are you thinking of trying out what so many people are talking about? Yoga consists of a series of exercises called “asanas” and breathing techniques called “pranayama”. So, do you want to learn what kind of yoga suits you the best?
There are different types of yoga, but all of them require an active participation. This doesn’t mean people who’ve never exercised in their lives can’t give it a try, since exercises for beginners exist as well.
What kind of yoga suits you?
Ashtanga yoga
Ashtanga yoga is mainly based on physical exercise and is extremely popular. The ashtanga places great emphasis on breathing during exercises, which are always performed in a specific order and in a continuous flow. It’s quite dynamic and requires good physical condition.
Power yoga
Power yoga is a variation of ashtanga yoga. It’s also based on the continuous flow, but the exercises are different. In fact, power yoga exercises can differ tremendously from trainer to trainer!
Iyengar yoga
Iyengar yoga has some elements in common with Ashtanga, but the exercises are static and must be performed correctly down to the smallest detail.
In this form of yoga, aids such as chairs, mattresses, ropes, etc. are also necessary. The difficult thing in this type of yoga is finding a teacher specializing in it, since it requires several years of training to be taught! It’s one of the most popular forms of yoga.
Raja yoga
This one is considered the highest form of yoga. Raja means “royal”. It’s mainly based on meditation. Since it requires a lot of self-concentration, this type of yoga requires proper guidance and doesn’t necessarily suit everyone.
Hatha yoga
Hatha yoga may include elements of all types of yoga depending on the teacher. The word “hatha” comes from the Sanskrit “ha” (“sun”) and “tha” (“moon”). Practically Hatha Yoga includes low-intensity exercises that can be performed by anyone.
Viniyoga yoga
Vinyoga is also a low intensity type. Viniyoga yoga strengthens, brings balance and heals. It’s a preferred subtype of yoga by those who suffer from injuries.
Some useful tips:
*A beginner should be armed with patience. Don’t expect results within the first week.
*Before deciding which type of yoga to dedicate your time to, experiment with different types to find the one that is most suitable for you.
*Avoid crowded yoga classes. Yoga is not pilates and zumba where dozens of people can participate at the same time.
*If you lack the flexibility, don’t be discouraged. You will get it through yoga!
*In yoga there are different levels of difficulty. At first you start with simple exercises, but gradually you will find that you can work harder if you wish.
Power walking is a great way of training
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Eirini Spiropoulou
Irene Spirpoulou is a graduate of Philosophy, Pedagogics and Psychology, at University of Ioannina, and of Sports Journalism Center in Athens. The dilemma of being a journalist or a philologist, however, was never raised, since the goal was clear from the beginning, so journalism (and not just sports journalism) won... easily.
The procedure to learn four foreign languages started as a «I do something I like» action and turned out to be a very important tool in work and travels. She will write about them (travels) and about everything that makes a person happy.