Monday, May 30, 2011

Popular Yoga Types

Yoga can work wonders on the body.








Practicing yoga brings several physical and mental health advantages to the body. Yoga has been known to improve the flow of blood, reduce blood pressure, increase flexibility and improve endurance. Yoga has also helped many people with stress, anxiety and depression. Improved focus and levels of concentration are also possible with regular sessions of yoga. There are several styles of yoga.. Some forms work on balance strength and toning while others concentrate on meditation and increasing focus.


Bikram Yoga


Bikram yoga was created by an Olympic weight lifter. It involves muscle strengthening, flexibility, toning and weight loss. One unique feature about this form of yoga is the temperature. During a session the room is heated to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A typical Bikram yoga session is 90 minutes in length and covers over 26 yoga positions. Although slightly uncomfortable at first once the session is complete the body feels very well worked and flexible.


There are health advantages to Bikram yoga. The practice helps flow the blood through the body. This flow increases even more when the body changes position. The flowing blood flushes the organs, removing toxins. The heat and the body positioning also cause a large amount of sweat. This helps balance the hormone levels in the body and strengthen its systems


Hatha Yoga


Hatha yoga focuses on posturing, meditation and breathing exercises. It involves keeping the body in a position for a period of time. Remaining in these position helps regulate the flow of energy through the body. Hatha yoga incorporates the basis of all yoga styles and is ideal for stress management and reduction. There are over 200 possible positions a person can try in a Hatha yoga session. Positions include various twists, sitting, reclining and bending. The objective is to hold these positions to aid in balance. To gain the most from a session of Hatha yoga, the participant needs to begin in a relaxed state of mind. Sitting quietly in one pose calms the body so they can proceed. This type of yoga isn't meant to be strenuous. It offers increased strength, flexibility and helps the participant's ability to focus.


Jivamukuti Yoga


Jivamukuti yoga was created in 1986 by Sharona Gannon and David Life. This type of yoga goes far beyond the exercises. It involves a peaceful lifestyle of non-violence, vegetarianism and prayer. The sessions are physically strenuous. This style of yoga associates problems with the body, such as tightness, as the person's negative thoughts and emotions. Performing the various positions is a way of bringing the person face to face with these emotions while he improves the physical condition of his body. Chanting in Sanskrit as calming music plays in the background is also part of the practice.

Tags: Bikram yoga, exercises involves, flow blood, Hatha yoga, Hatha yoga, health advantages, This type