Styles Of Hatha Yoga

Styles Of Hatha Yoga: Yoga’s dynamic strength allows it to adapt while retaining its essential meaning. In recent years it has changed from a faintly exotic pastime to an everyday event. It is offered in many new forms, some of which are rediscoveries of ancient techniques.

1. Ashtanga is a vigorous form that builds up intense heat, intended to purify the muscles and organs, expel impurities and release hormones to nourish the skin. The fast sequences originally kept warriors fit, and they’re an all-round exercise for flexibility, strength and cardiovascular fitness. It is aimed at people who are already very fit.

2. Bikram yoga quickly attracted dancers and celebrities to its creator’s Beverly Hills studio. The idea is that practicing a stripped-down core of movements in room heated to above body temperature allows the muscles to stretch more, while impurities are washed out on a tide of perspiration.

3. Contact yoga is practised with a partner, requiring good co-operation and balance. Advanced practitioners maybe able to do a headstand on their partner’s head, but most stick to supporting each other’s back bends or aiding a little more stretch.

4. Dru yoga is a very gentle, peaceful form that includes relaxation and working as a group.

5. Iyengar yoga is the best known form outside India. Detailed poses, or asanas are carried out with great attention to technique. It can feel strenuous, but it is done in a slow, controlled manner that should allow you to stop if you feel you’re pushing your muscles too far.

6. Jivamukti is fast-paced and rigorous, but also includes chanting and meditation to help maintain the balance between physical and spiritual.

7. Kundalini yoga is an exoteric form that aims for enlightenment through the release of energy up the spine. This is achieved through stretching, breathing exercises, chanting and meditation.

8. Sivananda yoga, one of the least strenuous forms, considers the physical exercises to be part of a holistic lifestyle. It includes meditation and promotes a feeling of peace.

9. Vini yoga emphasizes safe movements and individual tuition, letting you adapt poses to meet your ability rather than trying to force yourself into them.

10. Yoga Vanda Scaravelli is a gentle adaptation of Iyengar, focusing on the spine. It uses gravity and the breath to undo tension in the body and awaken the spine.