The Amazing World of Yoga and It’s Different Types

Before we delve into the different styles of yoga, we need to know what is yoga and why is it beneficial for us?

What is yoga?

Yoga comprises of a series of asanas or movements and breathing exercises that aims to calm the mind and strengthen the body. The word “yoga” has its roots in Sanskrit. It means “to unite” or “to join”. In order words, it helps to bring about the perfect communion between your body, mind and soul.

What are the benefits of yoga?

There are six major benefits of yoga. No matter which style of yoga you are practicing, these are the basic benefits that you will enjoy:

• Your stress and anxiety will be reduced.
• Your emotional health will improve.
• You will experience better and sound sleep.
• Your overall physical fitness and flexibility will enhance.
• Your blood pressure will go down and your heart rate will improve.
• And finally, your cognitive functioning like concentration and memory will improve.

What are the different types of yoga?

There are different types of yoga. Each one is unique with its specific asanas and movements. Whether you are interested in a physically challenging practice or a meditative one, there’s a style for everyone.

Vinyasa Yoga:

The fluid and dynamic movements of this yoga looks like a dance sequence. It beautifully synchronizes your breath with each movement. The asanas make you more aware of your body, helps to reduce stress and help enhance focus and concentration.
How to Practice: You need to focus on the different movements and synchronize your breath with it to find the balance.

Hatha Yoga:

This is a great for beginners who want to learn the basics of yoga. It combines static asanas with breathing to help you relax and beat the stress.
How to Practice: You need to focus on each pose while ensuring that you follow the right breathing technique.

Kundalini Yoga:

It is more of a spiritual kind. The emphasis is to unlock the energy at the base of the spine. It is a combination of meditation, chanting and certain asanas to create awareness about self so that you achieve inner peace.
How to Practice: You should immerse yourself in the chanting and breathing exercise so that your heart and mind opens up.

Ashtanga Yoga:

It is a rigorous style where one has to undergo specific sequence of poses so as to improve your overall focus and improve your sense of discipline. Within a fortnight, you will find that your stress has gone down a lot.
How to Practice: You need to learn the sequence of the different asanas so that you can focus on the transition between the asanas. It will help improve your control over your breathing style.

Yin Yoga:

This yoga targets the deep connective tissues as you need to hold each pose for extended periods of time. It helps you to become patient and improves your flexibility as well.
How to Practice: Focus on deep breathing and relaxation by holding each pose for few minutes.

Prenatal Yoga:

This one is meant for expecting mothers. Each asana focuses on the flexibility and strength so that the anxiety and stress related to pregnancy gets reduced and the childbirth happens smoothly.
How to Practice: You need to concentrate on your breathing and need to modify the poses for comfort and proper support.

Summing it up:

There are many yoga retreats in India and Bali that are offering Yoga Teacher Training. You can get enrolled in any one of the following:

• 100 hour vinyasa yoga teacher training India – 8 days.
• 100 hour yin yoga teacher training India – 8 days.
• 100 hour meditation yoga teacher training India – 8 days.
• 200 hour yoga teacher training India – 23 days.
• 300 hour yoga teacher training India – 26 days.

On completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate that is recognized by the USA Alliance. Once you become a certified practitioner, you can set up your own yoga teaching institute or can carry out classes from the comforts of your home.