YOGA AND ITS HEALTH BENIFITS
What is Yoga? Yoga is an exercise to improve flexibility and muscle strength which helps to improve breathing and relieve stress.
There are many styles of Yoga. Some examples are:
HATHA
Hatha is a general term that describes many of the physical types of yoga. This is considered slow-paced and gentle and is a great way to be introduced to the basics of yoga.
VINYASA
Vinyasa also describes many types of yoga classes. This type of yoga tends to be a more vigorous style. Vinyasa is also called Flow. This is the continuous movement, which is matched with the breath, going from one posture to another.
ASHTANGA & POWER YOGA
Ashtanga is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga. It is very physically demanding because of the constant movement from one pose to the next. It is a series of poses that are always performed in the same order. Power Yoga was inspired by Ashtanga. It is based on the flowing style of Ashtanga with out keeping with the strict set series of movements.
IYENGAR
Iyengars practice is most concerned with the alignment of the body. Usually consisting of poses held for longer periods of time.
KUNDALINI
Kundalini yoga emphasizes on the breath in conjunction with physical movement. The purpose of this is to free the energy in the lower body allowing it to move upward.
BIKRAM / HOT YOGA
Bikram or Hot yoga as it is generally referred to , is practiced in a 95-100 degree room. This high temperature allows the muscles to loosen and causes profuse sweating, which is considered to be cleansing of the body.
Some of Yoga benefits include:
- Better Posture and Flexibility
- Improves Breathing
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety
- Gain Muscle Strength and Tone
- Effective Weight Loss Tool
No matter which style you choose it will benefit your mind, body and spirit!
