WHAT IS YOGA?

Yoga - “A Hindu Spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practiced for health and relaxation”.

Yoga has been developed for people to train the body and mind to observe ones-self and to become aware of their own nature. Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing. Whether you want a more physically demanding class or an easy, relaxing, meditative class, there is a style of yoga for you.

Here are a few brief overviews of some yoga styles -

HATHA YOGA -

“Hatha” in Sanskrit means “force” and is used as a reinvented term for all physical postures of yoga. Hatha has been altered over time and generally includes most yoga styles and can be two very different practices from east to west. It is an old version of yoga which includes various yoga postures and breathing exercises, which helps to bring peacefulness to the body and mind.

IYENGAR YOGA -

Iyengar Yoga is a style of yoga developed by and named after B.K.S Iyengar. Iyengar Yoga is a very ‘accurate’ style of yoga, focusing on alignment and precision. The practice is deeply focused on breath control and is great for your posture and for building flexibility and strength.

VINYASA YOGA -

Vinyasa is a style of yoga which involves the flowing from one posture to another, seamlessly, focusing on your breath. No two practices are ever the same, you hold different postures at different lengths, move from pose to pose at different paces and do different sequences. The nature of Vinyasa Yoga helps to develop a more balanced body.

‘As a philosophy, Vinyasa recognises the temporary nature of things.  We enter into a posture, are there for a while and then leave.’

YIN YOGA -

Yin Yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga with postures that are held for longer periods of time. As a beginer it can range from 45 seconds to 2 minutes, whereas if you are more advanced in the practice of Yin Yoga you can stay in one posture for 5 minutes or more. Yin Yoga poses apply moderate ‘stress’ to parts of the body, the tendons, ligaments etc. The aim is to increase circulation in the joints and improve flexibility.

RESTORATIVE YOGA -

Restorative Yoga focuses on relaxing your mind and winding down after a long day. This style of yoga focuses on body relaxation, many of the poses are easier and more relaxing than those found in other yoga styles. Restorative Yoga involves more time in fewer poses. It helps to cleanse, calm and relax your mind and body.

Why not try a yoga class in a new yoga style to you. You might surprise yourself and find a new style you really click with. No matter what ability level or experience you have there is a yoga style to suit you.