The Different Types of Yoga - An Introduction to The Most Common Yoga Styles

Yoga is a training system for body and mind that can be traced back more than 5000 years. It focuses on what is here and now and on being present. Therefore yoga has become more popular than ever - it brings back focus on the present, in a world that is constantly changing and where humans are often focusing on the future instead of the present. There are many different types of yoga and they are all a development of the ancient form. However, as a beginner it can be very difficult to know which type of yoga to try out with. Only by trying different styles, you can find out which one suit you better. Therefore, this article will provide you with a brief overview of some of the most common types of yoga.

Hatha

The classical Hatha yoga consists of the original physical postures and breathing exercises, usually done in a calm and relaxed pace with pauses between the positions. Most of the yoga types performed in the West are inspired by Hatha, and they all vary in their shape in terms of 'asanas' - the natural positions - and their focus on breathing and meditation. The focus of Hatha is typically to perform the classic posts properly in accordance with the body's abilities. 'Ha' means in Sanskrit 'sun' while 'tha' means 'moon'. Hatha represents the duality in life - yin and yang, masculine and feminine, darkness and light. Hatha Yoga tries to balance these opposing forces.

Vinyasa

Vinyasa yoga is more dynamic than Hatha yoga since the yoga exercises are performed at a fast pace without long breaks between them in a flow. The name Vinyasa refers to the movement respiratory system, and it is about the relationship of the breath and the movements.During the practise of Vinyasa yoga much heat is formed in the body and therefore the body produces a lot of waste through sweat.

Astanga

Astanga yoga is a very physically challenging type of yoga, and provides good training for strength, flexibility and endurance. Astanga yoga consists of a series of yoga exercises performed in a flow without a break in between. In Astanga Yoga, the breathing must be coordinated with the movements as in Vinyasa Yoga.

Yin

Yin yoga is developed by Paul Grilley, and is a tranquil type of yoga, which focuses on deep stretching and balancing of the body. In Yin Yoga positions are held for a long time. Yin yoga combines wisdom from Taoism and Chinese acupuncture with the Indian yoga philosophy.

Power

Power yoga is based on Astanga yoga and for those who want a vigorous workout. This type of yoga is often seen in gyms and fitness centers. Even though it is based on Astanga yoga, it is often a mixture of many different types of yoga, forming a very dynamic yoga class.

Iyengar

Iyengar Yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar - one of the most known yoga teachers in the world. In the physical positions there is a strong emphasis on detail and on body position and straight lines. Another characteristic of this yoga style is that it frequently uses tools such as blocks and belts. In Iyengar yoga, each position is often held for a long time, and the breathing deepens the effect of each position.

Tri

Tri Yoga is a trinity of physical poses, breathing, and focus on a combination of flow and static positions. Characteristic of this type of yoga is the use of wave-like backbone movements and breathing exercises. The founder Kali Ray has created seven levels of severity and meditative content.

Sivananda

Sivananda yoga is a gentle form of yoga and recommends a healthy vegetarian lifestyle and positive thinking and meditation. This yoga style was founded by Swami Vishnu-devananda. A Sivananda yoga class also consists of chanting, meditation and deep relaxation.

Kundalini

Kundalini yoga includes physical exercise but is concentrated on breathing exercises and chanting. The purpose is to awaken the kundalini energy located at the bottom of the spine and help it to move up along the spine through the body's chakras in order to reach your head and give a strong spiritual experience. Kundalini is very powerful and should only be exercised in collaboration with an experienced teacher.

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Introduction to Yoga - Generalities

Preceding choreography and calisthenics, yoga is an ancient way of working out, dating back to 5,000 years ago in the Indian culture, where it was carried out as a system of personal development and spiritual practice. Therefore, yoga is an exercise program from which one can get significant health benefits not necessarily having to approach the spiritual side of it.

In order to reach the goal of self-realization, those who practice yoga have to study its main eight limbs and make them a part of their lives.

The first limb is called Yama. It defines the ethical code by means of which the practitioners measure and monitor their behavior. Thus, behaviors like injuring the others, lying, being greedy, stealing or engaging in sensual activities are refrained.

The next limb of yoga is represented by Niyamas, which denominates the totality of observances exerted by practitioners in order to control their mental energy and attain willpower. An observance implies purification, sacred study, contentment, austerity and attunement to the absolute.

A third projecting part of yoga resides in Asanas is constituted of the poses and exercises which form the physical aspect of yoga. These exercises aids the practitioner to build up the connection mind-body and develop physical strength, balance and flexibility.

Pranayama, the forth limb, means the science of Prana and is focused on how to manage to control one's thought processes by controlling one's breathing.

A fifth limb of yoga is called Pratyahara and relies on a series of breathing techniques and exercises used to separate consciousness from sensual perception. Withdrawal of the conscious mind from the bondage of the physical body and its instinctual drives represents the main purpose of this branch of yoga.

Dharana is designed to develop endurance by means of conscious effort and the power of concentration. It is carried out through certain breathing techniques and exercises, among which mantra.

The seventh component of yoga is represented by Dhyana, aims at achieving an effortless state of meditation. The last limb, Samadhi, is based on advanced breathing techniques and exercises that return the individual consciousness to perfect divine unity.

Being more than an exercise program (yoga means "union" in Sanskrit), yoga addresses the whole person, aiming at cultivating the mind, the body and the spiritual potential that one possesses.

Paul has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in diet, health and finance, you can also check out his latest website on interior design classes which reviews and lists the retail interior design.

Introduction to the Science of Kundalini Yoga

This article will provide a basic overview of what Kundalini Yoga is and how Kundalini Yoga works. At the core of Kundalini Yoga lies Kriyas and the best way to understand the methodology of Kundalini Yoga is to understand Kriyas and their functioning. Kriyas are a set of exercises done in a particular sequence to work on a specific theme. There are a wide range of Kriyas available, each refined over thousands of years to optimize their effectiveness. Kriyas utilize all the available Kundalini Yoga mechanisms to work their magic. They employ asans (postures), movement, pranayam (breathing exercises), bandhas (body locks), mantras (sound vibrations), mudras (hand positions), laya yoga (yoga of rhythm and sound), mental focus and meditation to do their work.

Dynamic movement and asans bring expanding and contracting pressure via multiple angles to various areas of the body, this is accompanied with powerful pranayams, the combined effect of which is that the target regions are saturated with highly charged and oxygenated blood. This nutrient rich blood fills the capillaries forcing them to discharge toxins and other harmful elements, which are then eliminated, neutralized or expelled by the body. The health of the region thus improves and the nerves fire more completely, the glands and organs are invigorated and regain their natural voltage and secretion levels are returned to a condition of strength and vitality. The key here is the removal of blockages (granthis) that is taking place on many levels of the organism thus facilitating the flow of energy. There are Kriyas designed for working on almost every part of the human system (Immune, Glandular, Circulatory, Digestive, Nervous, Respiratory, Sexual, etc . . . ), working on our various traits and characteristics (Awareness, Intuition, Willpower, Confidence, Compassion, Charisma, etc . . . ) and also for healing many different types of ailments and diseases. Lets now see how this ties in with the Chakra (energy vortex) system.

There are 7 primary chakras that lie all along the spine from the base to the crown of the head. Associated with each chakra are the primary nerve junctions and organs of that region. Furthermore, each chakra is responsible for certain traits and characteristics that make up our personality. When we strengthen and rejuvenate the nerves and organs in a particular region, we are in fact activating these energy centers that reside there and are thus working on ourselves not only at a physical level, but also at an emotional and mental level (by affecting our traits and characteristics). Practiced over time, the chakras become charged and come into balance with each other, bringing us into physical, emotional and mental well being. Again, it should be noted that the work being done is primarily about dissolving granthis (blockages) in these regions which introduce disease and imbalance into the system by preventing the chakras from functioning at their optimum level. Finally, let see how this relates to Kundalini Shakti.

Kundalini is energy. It is the fundamental energy whose flow through the organism allows for all its systems to operate, at all levels of consciousness. It is the energy of awareness, it can be said that where your awareness is, that is where Kundalini is flowing or that where Kundalini is flowing is where your awareness is. To awaken Kundalini means to dissipate blockages in the gross and subtle systems in your being and allow for greater and greater flow of energy and awareness. As blockages are cleared trapped energy is released and pathways are cleared. Kundalini then is able to flow freely though those regions, healing, nourishing, rejuvenating and balancing them. The dissipating of blockages can also be thought of as the clearing away of the subconscious mind, the collection of unresolved emotional and physical disturbances, where lies the root of many of our attachments and fears. So overall Kundalini Yoga is a system by which one, through the process of dissolving the past, allows the infinite to shine through into the present.

Anmol Mehta is a Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Zen Expert and creator of profound meditation and yoga programs. These FREE Online Meditation and Kundalini Yoga Programs are available at Mastery of Meditation, Chakra Yoga and Zen. You will also find a wealth of insightful articles at the Mastery of Meditation, Kundalini Yoga and Zen Blog, all geared to help you achieve your highest potential.

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Introduction to the Benefits of Pilates

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. Pilates utilizes a systematic practice of specific exercises and breathing techniques, which develop body awareness, increase flexibility and joint range of motion, improve and change the body's posture and alignment.

Unlike traditional fitness programs that fatigue the body and create overuse injuries, Pilates is a holistic form of body conditioning that leaves you refreshed and alert with a feeling of physical and mental well-being.

With regular practice, Pilates can yield numerous benefits:

*increases and creates balance between strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles

*improves posture, balance, and core strength

*improves coordination, dynamic stability, and body awareness

*improves bone density and joint health

*increases lung capacity and circulation

*releases stress

*promotes injury prevention

*improves performance technique for athletes and dancers

How to Start Your Pilates Practice?

Preparing for a Pilates practice is essential as this will enable you to receive all the Health Benefits of the exercises and breathing. The greatest advantage of Pilates is that it can be practiced almost anywhere by people of all ages.

We recommend that you wear comfortable, loose, and stretchable clothing as this will allow the freest movement of the body. Practicing Pilates on a relatively empty stomach or about one to two hours after a full meal is essential. Doing exercises and breath work right after eating or drinking can place stress on the digestive system. Also, create a space that is free of distractions and is mentally soothing.

Always begin with easier exercises to warm and condition your body and, then, gradually progress towards more energizing exercises. Avoid any feelings of strain, discomfort, or excess fatigue. Practice with the intention of quality and control rather than quantity and struggle. Allow yourself time to relax or modify exercises, if needed. All aspects of a Pilates practice are equally important, so take time to enjoy the entire practice.

If you are practicing Pilates from a DVD, preview the video practices prior to performing so that you are familiar with the exercises and level of the practice. This will also allow you time to gather any props and materials that will be suggested. Always choose a practice with a level that is appropriate for your experience. If you have any previous or current health issues (i.e. heart or circulatory conditions, respiratory conditions, muscle or joint problems, pregnancy, diabetes, smoking), we strongly recommend that you consult a qualified physician prior to practicing Pilates. When performing the poses, maintain awareness on each movement and the alignment within each position. Remember, listen to the demands of the body as strain or fatigue should be avoided.

Michelle Trantina is a certified Hatha Yoga Teacher and the Co-Founder of http://www.myyogaonline.com and http://www.myyogamusic.com. Visit http://www.myyogaonline.com to learn more about Michelle and On-Demand Yoga, Pilates and Meditation lessons.

An Introduction To Yoga For Beginners

You may have read about the explosion in the popularity of Yoga. You have probably heard about some of the health benefits. You may even be considering giving it a try, but there are many things to consider before beginning.

First of all. What IS Yoga? Yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where it was developed. However, Yoga is essentially the development of balance in the body through developing strength and flexibility.

Yoga certainly does help improve strength and flexibility, but there are other benefits as well. It can help ease tension in the body, improve joint mobility, ease back pain by strengthening the spine, improve posture, boost glands in the endocrine system, improve digestion, improve circulation, boost the bodies immune system, increase stamina and much more.

Those with chronic health conditions, such as back or joint pain may find relief from these ailments, as yoga has the ability to strengthen and ease tensions in these areas of the body. It may be an avenue to consider if all other treatments have failed. Those it is wise to see a doctor before attempting these exercises. It is always best to check with a medical professional in extreme cases to ensure no further harm will be done.

Yoga also has benefits to the bodies mental state. It helps boost body awareness, relieves stress patterns in the body, helps sharpen concentration, relaxes the body and mind. It also helps develop self-discipline, which can be a great benefit in our day-to-day lives.

For those beginning a yoga routine, it can be confusing. There are different forms of yoga to choose from. Which one is right for you? That is for you to decide, as you grow more accustomed to this practice. We won't go into all different forms of yoga at this time. For now, we will concentrate on the most popular form of yoga, Hatha.

Hatha yoga means sun(ha) and moon(tha) and the union between the two. This is essentially the coming together of opposites, the body and mind, to bring about strength, health and peace of mind.

Hatha emphasizes the practice of posture, breathing techniques and meditation to bring about balance within ones body and mind. The aim is to help balance different energy flows within the body, which can help develop mental health and awareness, as well as overall physical fitness.

The exercises involved emphasize slow fluid movement, avid concentration, flexibility and conscious breathing techniques. As the exercises tend to be slow and controlled, if performed correctly, they will result in an invigorating workout, which makes this form of yoga a great way to shape up, as well as to develop mental awareness.

There are many different resources for all the different forms of yoga out there to help you along in your pursuit; from books, to DVD's, as well as internet websites. Do a little research and before long, you could be well on your way to, not just physical health, but mental health and a greater sense of awareness as well.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Yoga