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WHICH YOGA IS
RIGHT FOR YOU?
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Click any of these links to
learn more about Yoga:
Yoga
4-1-1 I Yoga in the Work Place
I Right Yoga For You
Styles of Yoga Explained:
Iyengar
I Ashtanga
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complete, easy to
follow, restorative yoga practice
(a combination of Iyengar & Ashtanga Yoga)
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| There are several types of yoga practices
across the globe, and though many are very similar, it is clear that
devoted practitioners are partial to a particular style. Some approach
it wanting to feel de-stressed and restored after a hard day at the
office, while others approach it from a pure power and stamina position
- looking for more challenging styles of Yoga. Below is an overview of
two of the most common, popular styles of Yoga - Iyengar and Ashtanga.
Though other styles exist (Anasura, Bikram, Ananda, and more) and were
distinctively developed by their founders, the information below gives a
well-rounded explanation of the most commonly practiced styles of Yoga.
Further exploration can be made through many resources on the internet
or the Public Library on the subject. Read through to learn more, and
feel free to contact us with any questions (see bottom of any page for
contact). Please
Note: Yoga, whether it is Ashtanga, Iyengar or any
other form of yoga, should be practiced with a healthy diet (you
may want to research ancient Ayurvedic principles), and with consistency
and diligence. It is not a practice or exercise that can
be done sporadically with much success.
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Yoga Styles Overview
Iyengar
A softer-on-the-body, classical style of yoga,
Iyengar is great for beginners and those
who haven't exercised in a while. It uses props such as chairs, straps,
blocks and pillows, and even sandbags, to compensate for a lack of
flexibility, which is helpful for anyone with back or joint problems.
Iyengar is the most widely recognized approach to
Hatha Yoga, it was created by B. K. S. Iyengar. Iyengar yoga is
characterized by attention to detail within poses and the aid of the
props. The props
assist all sorts of people to be able to do the poses comfortably.
The key to all styles of yoga is to get the fundamentals and form
correct, this is where the props aid the student. There is more focus on
symmetry and alignment and also meditation. Each pose is held for a
longer amount of time than in most other yoga styles, developing a state
of focused calm. Iyengar Yoga is meditation in action.
Benefits Include
Benefits include but are not limited to an increase in muscle tone,
decrease in tension and chronic pain, and a return to the body's correct
alignment. (When weak areas are strengthened, and tight areas are
opened up, correct alignment is inevitable in most cases).
Practicing Iyengar yoga will give you a good knowledge of classic yoga
poses so that whatever other style you practice, you will have the basic
fundamentals of how to do each posture. The teacher focuses on alignment
and inner awareness. Awareness starts with the body and expands to other
parts of the self (thought patterns, ability to focus, etc..) as one
continues to practice regularly.
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Ashtanga
 For
those who want a serious workout, Ashtanga Yoga (also known as Power
Yoga in some circles) may be perfect. Ashtanga, developed by K. Pattabhi
Jois, is physically demanding. Participants move through a series of
flows (or Vinyasa), jumping from one posture to another in order to
build strength, flexibility and stamina. It is not for
beginners or anyone who's been taking a
leisurely approach to fitness. Ashtanga yoga involves performing
challenging sequence of poses while incorporating what is known as
Ujjayi Breathing and vinyasas (a flow of postures). This Style uses
a system based on six series of increasing difficulty.
An Ashtanga Yoga practice will help you achieve
increased strength, flexibility and stamina.
Benefits Include
The practice of Ashtanga Yoga will first increase your strength and
flexibility; and second, challenge and broaden your spiritual, mental
and physical state (as all forms of Yoga will do). Ashtanga Yoga
is known for addressing strength, flexibility, balance, mental clarity
and focus, and posture awareness to name just a few of the benefits. A
regular practitioner will see other benefits, including weight control,
detoxification, and injury prevention and rehabilitation. Beginners are
encouraged to start with a clearly stated "beginner" or "level one"
class, as the pace and stamina required can be a bit rigorous at times.
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