Discover Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga is a phase that is applied to many different types of yoga. The word Vinyasa is defined as “breath-synchronized movement,” which means that movements are connected to breathing. This form of yoga is popularly practiced in the western part of the world. It is sometimes called “flow yoga” as the movements are synchronized with the inhaling and exhaling of breathe. Vinyasa yoga classes consist of either slow or fast movements as well as meditation or chanting. The technique of the class will depend on the instructor.
Anusara Yoga
This form of yoga includes alignment work as well as the Vinyasa breathing techniques. Most classes use props for different poses and students must learn the vocabulary of Anusara, which can take some time. This class may be ideal for individuals who desire to improve both their spiritual and physical well-being.
Moksha Yoga
Moksha is considered a form of hot yoga that includes 40 poses. The beginning of the class consists of standing poses for warming up, which are followed by floor movements. Oftentimes the students are asked to set their intentions for their desired outcome of the class before beginning.
Integral Yoga
This form of yoga addresses every aspect of life. This includes interpersonal relationships, spiritual, physical and intellectual. These classes are noncompetitive and gentle.
Power Yoga
These classes can vary according to the instructor. This form of yoga is better fitted to individuals who enjoy workouts and are currently in good physical condition. Power yoga contains only a small amount of meditation and chanting.
Kripalu Yoga
This form of yoga is very gentle. For those who wish to work on both their physical and spiritual self, Kripalu yoga can be ideal.
Because Vinyasa yoga is very diverse, the instructor does not have to follow a specific philosophy or sequence. This allows for more freedom of expression individually. For those who enjoy a less uniformed style of yoga that includes lots of movement, Vinyasa yoga may be a good choice. With the many different types of Vinyasa yoga available, classes can be found that are ideal for seniors, those who are overweight, beginners, intermediates and advanced students. No matter what the desired goal is, whether it is strictly aimed at physically stretching and getting more flexible or the desire is one of physical and spiritual uplifting, yoga offers everyone a wonderful way to become stronger – physically, mentally and spiritually.
View the original article here
Tips and Information for Getting Started With Yoga
I guess that if you are reading this, you have not been “too” intimidated by pictures of people smilingly contorting themselves into seemingly impossible, and possibly painful, positions. Apparently, you also have at least a somewhat open mind about “alternative” ways to exercise, improve health, and (dare I say the word, “meditate”) learn a method of relaxation and focus that seems a little…well…weird!
However, I do look at many things, such as the law of attraction, meditation, and yoga from a practical point of view and see how, even stripped of their mystic aspects, they can be of genuine benefit to health, happiness, and personal prosperity. Not only that, once you take away those mystic views, there is usually some hard evidence to support their value, even if Tinkerbell is not going to fly in the window, sprinkle you with fairy dust, and whisk you off to Never Never Land!
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that if YOU believe in the more mystical aspects of these things that YOU are wrong! Not at all. I am simply saying that I am the kind of guy who needs some hard evidence of water depth before I dive into the pool.
When it comes to yoga, some of the hard evidence from many sources is that it can be a great exercise program, helps get rid of stress, can improve concentration, and has a host of other health and wellness benefits. New good news about yoga keeps cropping up. In fact, I just finished writing a comment elsewhere on the fact that a recent study has shown that the regular practice of yoga reduces the risk of irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) which can, in turn, reduce the risk of a stroke. The study also indicated some other health benefits, but, they simply duplicated many things already pretty well documented, such as relief of stress, better health, improved quality of fitness in particular and life in general.
So, how hard is it to become a competent, qualified yogi (female – yogin) like the people in the pictures in the books on yoga?
Well, fact is, for most people…pretty hard.
On the other hand, ordinary people practicing yoga at a much less intense level of activity and accomplishment can still achieve extremely rewarding results. That ordinary person, with time and dedication, may eventually wind up writing their own yoga book or posing for pictures. It just takes time and effort.
One of the great things about yoga is that almost anybody can practice it in some form. Men, women, children, seniors, people who are overweight, or people with disabilities can usually put together some form of yoga practice which provides them the health and wellness benefits which the discipline can provide.
There are several types of yoga, and it is best if you ease your way into it.
You will probably want to begin with Hatha Yoga, which is essentially the practice of basic poses done slowly and gently. Don’t be concerned if you cannot duplicate the pictures. Do what you can without straining, but do it regularly.
You will hear about other yoga forms, such as Vinyasa, Bikram, and Ashtanga. while they all have their benefits and adherents, my advice is to leave those for a later time once you know the basics of yoga.
You will be happy to learn that the basics of Hatha Yoga can be quite easy to learn!
While guidance from a qualified instructor is probably the best way to get started, you can learn a lot from yoga videos and books. Just heed the advice of one of my own fitness instructors from long ago, “Train, don’t strain.”
You can find all the information you need on actual postures (asanas) at your local library, Amazon.com, and sites specializing in yoga, such as Wai Lana Yoga, and Gaiam.
Yoga is so simple to start that you don’t even need any special equipment, clothing, or even a large space for your practice. I have often done yoga in a space at the foot of my bed, and have even done it…ahem…in the nude.
Ooh! Bad picture! Old guy doing yoga naked.
Let’s move on, shall we?
While there are some pieces of yoga equipment, such as blocks or straps, which you “might” want to try later, and while a yoga mat can be a handy thing to throw on the rug or a wood floor, you don’t really “need” any specific equipment to get started.
The most important thing will be the person, book, or video which teaches you how to do the yoga movements and poses, and your own personal willingness to stick with the program.
Get started with yoga and stick with it for a few weeks, and you will soon begin to see the benefits which this old and effective discipline can provide.
Donovan Baldwin is a 66-year-old amateur bodybuilder, freelance writer, certified optician, and Internet marketer currently living in the Atlanta, Georgia area. A University Of West Florida alumnus (1973) with a BA in accounting, he has been a member of Mensa and has been a Program Accountant for the Florida State Department of Education, the Business Manager of a community mental health center, and a multi-county Fiscal Consultant for an educational field office. He has also been a trainer for a major international corporation, and has managed various small businesses, including his own. After retiring from the U. S. Army in 1995, with 21 years of service, he became interested in Internet marketing and developed various online businesses. He has been writing poetry, articles, and essays for over 40 years, and now frequently publishes original articles on his own websites and for use by other webmasters. You can find more information on yoga at http://yoga.4mg.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donovan_Baldwin
The Yoga Bible (Paperback)
Featuring over 150 yogic postures from the main schools of yoga, including Iyengar and Ashtanga Vinyasa, this guide provides a comprehensive illustrated step-by-step book to achieving the postures and advice on altering them where necessary with easier postures highlighted for beginners. The book also includes more advanced positions for experienced yogists, which will inspired them in developing their practice.
In addition to postures, the book includes notes on various types of yoga practices as well as a summary of well-known traditional schools of yoga and how they vary. Also inside, is advice from the author on breathing techniques and the benefits of yoga in healing, pregnancy, de-stressing and meditation.
Yoga Styles – Which is the Best Fit For You?
October 20, 2010 by admin
Filed under Types Of Yoga
People all over the world have discovered the powerful physical and mental benefits of yoga and yoga meditation. Yoga studios and classes as well as yoga DVDs, books, and home programs can be easily found online. However, before you roll out your yoga mat, get familiar with the many different types of yoga practices that are available to get the best fit for you:
Hatha Yoga Hatha Yoga refers to general yoga practice and includes other types of yoga, such as Iyengar and Ashtanga. General Hatha yoga classes focus on proper breathing, gentle movement, static poses, balance, relaxation, and centering.
Vinyasa Yoga: Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic, flowing form of yoga that focuses on connecting posture, or linking movement to breath. Many times Vinyasa yoga is performed in a heated room to induce sweating, detoxification, and purification.
Iyengar Yoga: Iyengar yoga focuses on alignment of the body and precise movements, Iyengar yoga instructors assist students in alignment of their body while promoting an inner awareness. Many times blocks and straps are used to assist injured or less flexible students properly perform the poses. Iyengar yoga may be ideal for people with neck and back pain.
Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga yoga is also known as “power yoga”, which uses flowing movements to increase strength and stamina. Pushup and lunge-like movements are common in this vigorous and athletic practice.
Bikram Yoga: Bikram yoga refers to yoga done in a hot environment (approximately 105 degrees Fahrenheit), which not only promotes a detoxifying sweat, but also aids in flexibility.
Prenatal Yoga: Prenatal yoga is yoga practice specifically designed for pregnant women who need exercises that are safe for them and their babies. Prenatal yoga also focuses on keeping muscles strong, which aids in posture and helps when delivery time comes. Yoga is an excellent way for expectant mothers to keep muscles toned, which not only makes them feel better during their pregnancy, but also helps them get back into shape faster after the baby is delivered.
Many yoga classes will combine several different styles of yoga to get the benefits of all the different practices, but not all programs use the same combinations. Yoga DVDs and other in-home programs are a great way to try different styles or focus on the style that best suits you.-By: James Anthony Peterson
James Peterson is a life-long athlete and the founder of Total Fitness Made Easy and MarketFox, LLC. James researches and searches for some of the best methods and products for total fitness of the mind and body. For some of his great health and exercise tips and information visit us at [http://www.totalfitnessmadeeasy.com]
Shiva Rea: Daily Energy – Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Description
“Inspiring to all” –Yoga Journal Restore energy, strength, and balance every day with world-renowned yoga teacher Shiva Rea. Offering seven 20-minute practices, this program will help you fit yoga into your busy life every day without having to repeat a workout. Practicing yoga daily, even for a short time, can be more beneficial than a long, intense practice once in a while. By tuning your workout to your needs each day, you’ll acquire balance, composure, and tr… More >>
Shiva Rea: Daily Energy – Vinyasa Flow Yoga
