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Yoga, types of yoga and equipment

Yoga, types of yoga and equipment

9. 4. 2020 6 min. reading

Yoga can be practised by everyone. But how to choose the right one, how to get started and how to not get lost in all these terms? You will find out everything in this article.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a system of psychosomatic exercises, ie the connection of physical and spiritual aspects of exercise. Many beginners only use the physical side of their first contact with yoga, but yoga is all about connecting the body with the breath, breathing with the mind, and ultimately overcoming the limits of the mind. The philosophy of yoga is to overcome false ego, simply to break away from dependence on the existence of the material body, which, is in this philosophy a source of suffering, and to work for mental satisfaction and fulfillment.

For a person, the first encounter with this kind of exercise is certainly unusual, it is not about the number of repetitions nor about holding on to strength as long as possible in any position. It is all about feeling good, finding balance and well-being and relaxing your mind. So how can we imagine such yoga exercise? There are many kinds of yoga, the most important ones are described in the following lines.

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Which kinds of yoga exists?

Hatha yoga

Most practiced yoga, it has convalescent and therapeutic effects. It is the conscious management of the breath and taking and holding the individual asanas (body positions). This helps reduce stress and removes physical and mental blockages. It can also help with the function of internal organs or metabolism. It is suitable for the general public and beginners.

Often you can see men and women in cumbersome positions, over which reason remains. Hatha yoga can greatly improve the mobility and flexibility of muscles and tendons (as of course other types of yoga also), which is also good for strength training or any other sport. Everything is about regular and properly performed exercises.

Vinyasa yoga

A more dynamic form of yoga. In this case, it is no longer a matter of holding in asanas, but a smooth movement from one to another on a wave of breath. Inhale leg, exhale hand, you will hear this often at the vinyasa class. It can also be understood as flow, positions are interconnected and linked to each other. It is suitable for more active or physically fit individuals who already have experience with hatha yoga and basic asanas.

Ashtanga Yoga

Physically one of the most demanding types of yoga. It is similar to vinyase, but the sets of positions are constantly repeated. I must emphasize that it is still not important how many times a person repeats an individual line-up, or how quickly. Each individual practices a learned line-up in the rhythm of their breath and tries to achieve a balanced state of mind (meditation).

Kundalini Yoga

Very suitable for everyday exercises. This yoga has clearly defined sets, but each serves for something different. For each of your problems, ills and desires, this yoga has its own line-up. Therefore, it is very variable and suitable for those looking for quick and tangible results.

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I have now exhausted the basic division of traditional forms of yoga. This brings me to a more modern concept of yoga and its emerging types that you can come across in choosing the right lesson for you in many studios.

Power yoga

It develops the strength and flexibility of the body, focusing more on the physical aspect of the body. Engages the pelvic floor and deep stabilization system (core), thus serving to prevent back pain in all areas of the spine and to overall strengthen all muscles of the body. However, we do not forget to connect the exercises with the breath, which is important when practicing any kind of yoga.

Hormonal yoga

A set of hatha and kundalini yoga exercises lasting 30 minutes to help produce and harmonize hormones. It can eliminate unpleasant symptoms of menopause, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or it can also be used as an auxiliary treatment for infertility. 

Bikram yoga

Yoga practiced in a room heated to 42 degrees, 90 minutes. It is a sequence of 26 positions from Hatha Yoga that follow each other smoothly (this is different from "hot yoga", which does not strictly follow these rules, the temperature may be milder, the duration of the lesson is shorter and the position changes as the trainer likes). Often one can read about guaranteed weight loss, toxin leaching, etc. after practicing this kind of yoga. However, these results have never been proven by any study, although higher temperature during exercise causes increased sweating, but it does not affect the number of calories burned and toxins effectively break down the excretory and digestive system. Therefore, I consider this style of yoga questionable and I would not recommend it to physically less fit individuals who are not fully healthy.

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All of these basic types of yoga can be practiced at home, except bikram yoga (unless you own a sauna). So you don't need to start with yoga in the studio. You can start practicing at home according to videos (I recommend YogaWithAdriene channel, suitable for absolute beginners, Adriene is very nice, her English is beautiful to understand and has a report for every occasion, every level of skill and any problem).

There are, of course, many other types of yoga that cross and interconnect. As a rarity I consider the so-called naked yoga (probably no need for further explanation), which may seem crazy, but it is very good for strengthening self-confidence and for knowing your own body. Do not practice it in the studio for the peace of mind of others, but practice it at home! You can also experience facial yoga, which clenches and relaxes the facial muscles, which supposedly leads to rejuvenation of the skin, its regeneration and cleansing.

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Can I also practice yoga? And what do I need?

Yoga can (and should) be practiced by everyone, it does not make any difference in age, gender, race, religion or physical fitness. Yoga can also be practiced by pregnant women, of course there are also special lessons for them. So just choose the right type of yoga for your needs, find a video and start exercising at home.

It is great to practice yoga daily, reserve at least 15-30 minutes, relax your mind, perhaps in the morning before a busy day, or in the evening to calm down. More frequent yoga exercises are balm for body and soul.

For exercise I definitely recommend a quality mat that does not slip on the surface of parquet or linoleum (or possibly at home carpet). Yoga is usually practiced barefoot or use special socks or yoga shoes. For clothing you shoul choose the most comfortable you have, it can be looser, but should not interfere. Mainly you have to feel good, keep that in mind during exercise.

 

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