Yoga – ashtanga, bikram, hatha, kundalini, kripalu, iyengar and more
Yoga
Yoga is practiced for better flexibility, concentration and overall health, as well as for the treatment of various ailments. There are many different type of yoga, but here is a summary of some of the ones that a
day spa near you may offer.
Ashtanga Yoga
In this form of yoga, the student learns a series of yoga poses (ansanas); the entire series of poses is called a vinyasa. Students move from one pose to the next, from standing to backbends to balancing and twisting poses, and once they've mastered a series they move on to a more difficult one. Breathing is very important in Ashtanga yoga. Sometimes the room is heated to make muscles relaxed and flexible.
Bikram Yoga
This type of yoga involves a series of 26 poses practiced in a heated room. This is not a beginner's yoga as it requires good fitness level and is fairly challenging. Bikram yoga is an excellent way to stretch muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Integral Yoga
Another basic yoga type that involves yoga postures, breathing exercises, deep relaxation and meditation.
Hatha Yoga
This is the most popular type of yoga taught in the United States. It focuses on various poses and postures, controlled breathing and meditation, endurance and flexibility. A great yoga for beginners.
Kundalini Yoga
Uses a combination of chants, meditation and guided breathing exercises to encourage relaxation.
Kripalu Yoga
This is another type of yoga that is popular in the US. Poses are held lightly.
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar yoga focuses on detail and precise body alignment. Poses are held for longer than in other types of yoga. Iyenga yoga also uses props like cushions, benches, wood blocks, straps and sand bags.
Power Yoga
Similar to ashtanga but no special sequence is followed. Instead, teachers are free to improvise in order to create vigorous workouts. Sometimes Power Yoga is done in a heated room, which allows for flexible muscles and injury prevention.
