| Yoga is one of the most interesting activities that one | | | | this exercise is to release energy in the lower |
| can engage in. It is fun and relaxing and is very | | | | extremities by allowing it to move upwards. Beginners |
| challenging to beginners. Yoga is a system of physical | | | | unfamiliar with yoga might find Kundalini more physically |
| and mental exercises that originated in India several | | | | and mentally challenging than they are comfortable |
| thousand years ago. Its purpose is to help us achieve | | | | with. Kundalini is one of the more spiritual types of |
| our greatest potential and to experience lasting health | | | | yoga that is practiced. Also, it is physically intense. |
| and happiness. Best of all, yoga is appropriate for all, | | | | Bikram is a style that is more generally referred to as |
| regardless of age, gender, and health. | | | | hot yoga. It is a comprehensive workout that includes |
| You can practice it anywhere and you do not need | | | | all the components of fitness: muscular strength, |
| special equipment to do it. It is so easy that you can | | | | muscular endurance, cardiovascular flexibility, and |
| spend just a few minutes in the morning and you be | | | | weight loss. This is the only yoga style that specializes |
| ready and refreshed for the day. | | | | in using a heated environment. The room is usually |
| What really separates yoga from any other sport | | | | maintained at a temperature of 95-100 degrees. The |
| activities is that it connects your body, mind and soul. | | | | heat and energy expelled in this vigorous yoga session |
| Unlike other exercises that mainly focus on keeping fit | | | | will cause toxins to be released through the seat |
| and building muscles, yoga takes care of not only your | | | | glands. |
| physical fitness, but also your mental health, as well as | | | | This form of yoga increases flexibility by warming the |
| your spiritual well being. | | | | muscles and joints. Since this style involves a |
| There are around 12 types of yoga. Although all of the | | | | strenuous environment, it is not recommended to |
| styles are based on the same physical postures | | | | pregnant women, and people who suffer from high |
| (called poses), each has a particular emphasis. Four of | | | | blood pressure and heart conditions. For people who |
| the most popular types of yoga are Hatha, Kundalini, | | | | are injured, this is used in therapy to improve the |
| Bikram, and Ashtanga. These are discussed below. | | | | physical fitness and range of movement for injured |
| Hatha is the most famous form of yoga; it's the | | | | limbs. |
| foundation of all yoga styles. It is a gentle practice | | | | Ashtanga is often called power yoga. Ashtanga |
| where you move slowly and smoothly through dozens | | | | means 8 limbs in Sanskrit, which refers to the eight |
| of poses (called asanas). It is a good choice for | | | | limbs of yoga. This style is very physically demanding |
| beginners. It will likely be involve slower paced | | | | because of the constant movement from one pose to |
| stretching with some breathing exercises and | | | | the next. There are six different Ashtanga series |
| meditation. Many starter classes will incorporate this | | | | through which a student progresses at his or her own |
| yoga style. You will learn basic poses, relaxation | | | | pace. Ashtanga yoga is extremely popular. It is a |
| techniques, and become comfortable with yoga. | | | | vigorous, athletic style of practice. It appeals to those |
| Kundalini is an ancient form of yoga that has only been | | | | who like a sense of order and who like to do things |
| practiced in the west relatively recently. The emphasis | | | | independently. |
| in this style is on the breath in conjunction with physical | | | | During a Asthanga yoga class, the participants jump |
| movement. It has a more spiritual feel than Hatha and | | | | from one posture to another. Therefore, this type of |
| focuses on energy balance in your body. It involves | | | | yoga is not ideal for beginners or individuals who are |
| rapid movement through the poses and emphasizes | | | | not in very good physical condition. |
| breathing, chanting, and meditation. | | | | If you're thinking about taking up yoga, you may want |
| Each Kundalini series is done with a specific breath | | | | to try one of these forms. Each type has its methods |
| that intensifies the effects of the poses. The goal of | | | | to improve your physical and mental health. |