Types Of Yoga
By Juliet

Yoga is more than a physical discipline of keeping fit. It's an ancient concept, and has a lot to do with the philosophical and the spiritual. Various types of are being taught and practiced in today’s world and it is very important to choose the correct type of yoga. Each type has its own philosophies and practices. Some styles of are meditative and focused on spiritual centeredness. Other styles of are more physical and based on poses or exercises. Yogas that are more physical are called Asanas. Hatha is a popular type; it focuses on breathing control. Mantra focuses on chanting and can be a very spiritual practice. Power is great for building stamina and strength. At any rate they all seem to provide similar benefits for your mind and body.

The varieties of poses flow one into another, always breathing through the nose. Kundalini aims to awaken the potential energies at the base of the spine (Symbolised as a coiled snake) and direct this energy upwards through the spine and the Chakras thus bringing about increasing degrees of enlightenment. Bikram is the method of that is a comprehensive workout that includes all the components of fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular flexibility and weight loss. Ashtanga, or power yoga, is designed to build strength and endurance. It is an aggressive workout where you move quickly from one pose to another. Ashtanga is for you if you're looking for a tough, physically challenging workout.

Mantra involves the practice of chanting words or phrases repeatedly either aloud or internally thus influencing the consciousness. Jnana is another popular type of yoga. This type of generally emphasizes on mind in order to discern the mind. The main goal of Jnana is to make an effort eternally to know, to understand and to explore more and more knowledge. Kriya is a very systemised form of from the Tantras. Kriya increases concentration and leads to meditation and ultimately to enlightenment but this is done more through awareness than pure concentration. Iyengar is best type of for beginners and for those who have not exercised at all. One can even use pillows and chairs to balance in case of lack of flexibility and if one is suffering from joint or back problems.