There are different types of Yoga and some of the popular ones known are:
- Hatha Yoga
- Vinyasa Yoga
- Iyengar Yoga
- Hot Yoga
- Kundalini Yoga
- Yin Yoga
- Restorative Yoga
Depending upon personal needs and health one should pick the suitable yoga.
Hatha Yoga – The word ‘hatha’ in ancient Indian language Sanskrit means ‘force’. Many ‘yogis’ practicing hatha yoga force their body into tough physical stance.e.g. wearing hot warmers in high temperature in summers and not wearing anything or little dress in sub zero temperatures on the Himalayas. The purpose is to make their mind and body stronger and decrease the aging process. It is a slow pace yoga involving exercises and physical postures. It consists of classic breathing exercises as well.
Vinyasa Yoga – Moving and dancing with breathing exercises, yoga with music and rhythms. Athletes and sports persons get interested in this form very easily.
Iyengar Yoga – Every yoga posture in it has to be followed with great detail and discipline. The postures are held for a longer period of time. If you practise under a good teacher, you will be taught details of anatomy for each posture.
Hot Yoga – Also known as a form of ‘Bikram Yoga’, it is practised under high temperatures. It is as good as tough workouts with good stretches and releasing sweat due to high temperature maintained in the yoga room. The temperature maintained is usually 105F(40 C) with a minimum humidity of 40%
Kundalini Yoga – This is a higher form of yoga which should be practised only under the supervision of a ‘guru’ (teacher). It involves rigorous physical and mental exercises using breathing to awaken the hidden energies of the body (the serpent of energy below the spinal cord). Any incorrect posture of failure to handle the flow of energy can lead to serious impact. However attaining this state is a blissful experience. It is more of a spiritual experience than a physical exercise.
Yin Yoga – A zen technique to calm your mind and body. It leads to total relaxation of muscles and we surrender to let gravity do its work.
Restorative Yoga – This form of yoga is good for almost any person. It leads to total relaxation and reduces stress. It freshens up the mind but take note of not sleeping during this form of yoga