Many people who have never taken a yoga class picture a group of people sitting cross-legged in a darkened room humming for an hour. Some yoga styles offer that approach, but today's yoga classes offer a wide variety of styles to fit various needs. Modern yoga often incorporates an eclectic mix of the following types of hatha yoga, based on Instructing Hatha Yoga by Kathy Lee Kappmeier and Diane M. Ambrosini:
Iyengar Yoga
- Uses various props to maintain precise alignment of the body
- Music, baggy clothes, breath work, and partner work are not allowed
Ashtanga Yoga
- Also known as "power" yoga
- Incorporates a vigorous flow from one posture to the next without stopping
- The sequence of postures remains the same for each class
Vinyasa Yoga
- Flowing postures and breathing serve as links between poses
- Surya Namaskaras, or Sun Salutations, are often incorporated
Bikram Yoga
- Also known as "hot" yoga or "yoga of the stars"
- Taught in a room heated to approximately 106 degrees Fahrenheit
- Students move through 26 poses
Kundalini Yoga
- Resembles calisthenics
- Students often chant syllables and perform rapid deep breathing, also known as "breath of fire," while holding poses
Today's yoga instructors often blend a variety of elements from various yoga forms to fit the needs of participants. A therapeutic style may focus on modifications, balance, range of motion, and relaxation with slow movements from one pose, or asana, to the next. Other classes may appeal to those who are looking for a challenging cardiovascular workout in addition to toning and stretching.
Some yoga classes target special populations. Classes may be geared toward those who are pregnant, while participants in another class remain in a chair or wheelchair. Other trends may target children or those who wish to practice with a partner.
The classroom atmosphere gives a distinct flavor to the yoga class. Participants in water yoga might be in an open pool area. Mirrors, balls, chairs, or props may augment a land yoga class in a brightly lit aerobics room or a quiet area with dimmed lights. Ceiling fans might be on high or a heater might be cranked up. Music accompanies many classes, ranging from sounds of the ocean or a babbling brook to classical guitar to heavy metal. Outdoor classes may utilize nature for props and sounds.
Yoga Styles Can Fit Different Personalities
Yoga instructors can be as different as yoga styles. Some instructors may provide hands-on adjustments while others may prompt participants to fine-tune their positions with verbal cues.
Yoga takes on many forms of exercise, balancing physical and mental components to provide workouts that appeal to various populations today. If you wish to relax on the floor or go for an invigorating full-body burn, yoga may provide the ideal mind/body workout for you.
Readers may also be interested in reading:
- Yoga Can Be Embarrassing, which takes a humorous look at yoga class.
- Walking – Good Exercise for Seniors, which is geared toward seniors but has helpful information for people of all ages.
- Periodic Movement Leg Disorder (PLMD), which causes many people to lose sleep who may be tired but not know why.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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