What is Yoga?
Yoga is a form of exercise that can be practiced in groups or individually.
Different types of yoga and exercises are performed that promote health and well-being. Yoga focuses on controlled breathing and relaxation, although some types of yoga are more vigorous than others! But before talking about the different disciplines let's see all the benefits of yoga.
The Benefits of Yoga
Yoga is a fantastic activity, suitable to be included in the training program of anyone, man or woman, athlete, bodybuilder, marathoner or those who have muscle tension.
It is a form of functional fitness, which will also help you to carry out simple daily activities!
1. Yoga improves flexibility
Positions performed during yoga sessions stretch muscles and promote flexibility.
This will also help release the accumulated tension in the muscles, and consequently help eliminate the pain caused by stiffness.
2. Relaxation and Awareness
Yoga is a relaxing form of exercise, as it focuses on both meditation and breathing control.
Yoga also improves "awareness" and this significantly reduces stress!
3. Improve your posture
This benefit is relevant for those who work at the computer or spend a lot of time sitting.
Stretching your body muscles after 5 days a week in a chair can have a big impact on tension!
4. Helps improve bone health
It has been shown in numerous studies that weight training is excellent for the bones.
Many yoga poses require the use of force to lift the body. This will not only make you stronger, but it can also promote bone health!
5. Helps you sleep better
Due to its relaxing nature, yoga can improve sleep quality.
It is great for helping you sleep after a stressful day and is an ideal form of exercise to be practiced during the evening!
Types of Yoga
Hatha
One of the most famous types of yoga is Hatha yoga which includes different types of yoga. If a lesson is about Hatha style, it will probably be slow and relaxing. These types of classes tend to be perfect for beginners and introduce the basics of yoga.
If Hatha classes are too slow for you, consider a Vinyasa class next time, for a different experience!
Vinyasa
Vinyasya yoga is faster than Hatha yoga and is used to classify different types of classes. It includes movements with synchronized breathing and uses different positions, such as the category of sun salutations (a series of positions performed continuously to form a sequence, with the intention of improving strength and flexibility).
A Vinyasa class usually begins with a variety of sun salutations such as warm-up, in preparation for the following positions. It is considered a fluent lesson, due to the fact that it is characterized by constant movement from one position to another.
Ashtanga
Another of the most famous types of yoga is Ashtanga. The name Ashtanga refers to the term eight limbs in Sanskrit. This style of yoga is more intense than those previously illustrated. It is characterized by a fast pace and a particular order of positions. It is much more exhausting than the other versions, due to the fact that you frequently move from one position to another. Daily practice in Ashtanga is recommended!
Power yoga
Power yoga is a famous form of yoga born in the 90s. It was designed to allow more people to practice yoga and make it a little more mainstream than it was before. Power yoga was based on the intensity of Ashtanga but with the exception that it allowed variations on the order of the positions.
Iyengar
One of the more particular types of yoga mainly affects body alignment. It is usually done by holding positions for a period of time, rather than moving quickly from one position to another, as happens in other styles of yoga. This form of yoga also uses different equipment such as yoga bricks and straps.
Kundalini
This style of yoga focuses on breathing in sync with the movements of the body. The exercises used in this form of yoga are known as Kriyas. All asana practices involve controlling the participants' breathing.
Bikram yoga
Perhaps one of the best known types of yoga in the world. Bikham yoga has had a surge in popularity, being practiced all over the world and sponsored by several celebrities. This class is performed in a very hot room, which allows the muscles to relax and promotes sweating. It includes 26 positions, but usually a yoga teacher will select only a few for the class.
viniyoga
This type of yoga emphasizes the fact that each person who practices yoga is an individual unto himself. The teacher will create a program suitable for the individual learner, taking into consideration factors such as health and individual needs.
Conclusion
Try to incorporate yoga into your daily routine and you will get all its health benefits!
Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you are concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or making major changes to your diet.
