A Leading Fitness Guru shares the benefits of Yoga

Mickey Mehta is India's leading Holistic health andgoverning the physical body, and the "tha" denotes the
fitness guru. Having revolutionized the concept ofchitta (mental) force, thus making Hatha Yoga a
Wellness, he has been associated with Femina Misscatalyst for the two energies that govern our lives.
India, Grasim Mr. India, and various other Reality showsHatha Yoga harmonises and purifies the body
on TV, including Fame Gurukul, Channel V – Popsystems and focuses the mind in preparation for
stars, and Channel V – Get Gorgeous.advanced yoga.
He is the only privileged health exponent in India to beBhakti Yoga: This form of yoga relies on devotion and
interviewed on CNN, CNBC and BBC and has alsocomplete faith. The faith is generally in God or the
been interviewed extensively on almost all radiosupreme consciousness. The person interested in
stations and all TV channels.following this path should have a very strong emotional
Here Mickey Mehta talks about the benefits of yoga:bond with the object of his faith and meditate till he
Yoga is the world's oldest system of self-developmentreaches a state of self-realisation.
and encompasses mind, body and spirit. The termKundalani Yoga: This system of yoga is concerned
'yoga' originates from the Sanskrit root yuj meaningwith the awareness of the six chakras or psychic
yoke, unite, join together as one. Through the practicecenters that exist in the body. The basic method of
of yoga, clear steps are followed which help toawakening involves deep concentration on these
integrate and harmonize different aspects ofchakras and forcing their arousal.
ourselves, bringing about balance, health and energy inSivananda Yoga: This system pioneered by Swami
our mind, body and spirit. There are various types ofSivananda teaches the five basic principles of proper
yoga which help you beat stress & unwind therelaxation, proper exercise, proper breathing, proper
traditional way. They all share the same aim, that ofdiet and positive thinking with meditation. 12 basic
connecting & uniting with the divine.postures, relaxation, breathing, chanting and spiritual
teachings are included.
Bikram Yoga: Developed by Yogiraj BikramViniyoga: Its taught in small groups and on a one-to-one
Choudhary and taught in 1,200 Bikram Yoga schools inbasis. It aims to develop a personal approach to yoga
the US, it is called "hot yoga" as the asanas areand also includes therapeutic, philosophical and spiritual
practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.teachings. It was developed by Desikachar who is the
According to Chowdhary, the heated environmentson of the late, great yoga teacher Krishnamacharya.
acts as a powerful tool to enhance self-realisation andRaja Yoga: This is a system of yoga promoted by
helps the body tissues to stretch.Sage Patanjali by which one can discover the dormant
Iyengar Yoga: Developed and cultivated by BKSareas of the mind and consciousness. The process of
Iyengar over the last 60 years, this form focuses onRaja Yoga is divided into 8 stages: yama, niyama,
perfect alignment and precise body movements. Thisasana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharna, dhyana and
style of yoga uses props such as bands and straps.samadhi.
Ashtanga Yoga: Commonly called power yoga, itKarma Yoga: This system of yoga relates to daily
focuses on powerful movements such as push upsactivities we perform from morning to night. In Karma
and lunges, which require strength and stamina.Yoga there is a certain philosophy to life and action. Its
Ashtanga Yoga is appropriate for people who arenot what you do but how you do it that is significant.
already athletic and want to add flexibility, balance andIt's a yoga of non-attachment and yet perfection in
concentration to their exercise routines.action.
Hatha Yoga: "Ha" denotes the pranic (vital force)