Which style of Yoga Is best for you?
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The practice of Yoga, in all its styles, comes from the same source: the Master Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888-1989), to whom all the knowledge that allows Yoga to exist as we know it today is due.
Krishnamacharya dedicated his life in the Himalayas to study with his teacher Yogeshwara Rama Mohan Brahmachari, retired in the mountains. Krishnamacharya believed that he would stay there forever, but his Master told him to marry, have a family and teach Yoga. Thus the knowledge began to be shared and then spread throughout Asia, and then throughout the world.
In its origins, Yoga focused on recognizing the human being as a whole, uniting spirit and body, corporal health and spiritual growth. Krishnamacharya managed to cure many diseases through a practice adjusted to the individual.
All Yoga systems of today are, in the end, the same. If we observe them carefully, we will find how one is reflected in the other.
What type of yoga is best for you?
Despite this common origin, today there are many styles of Yoga and, in general, in the cities it is not difficult to find a place or an instructor with whom to practice each of them, or at least, the most popular ones.
Some of these styles focus more on the physical aspect and others, more on the spiritual one; some have more specific objectives and others treat more integral aspects of physical and corporal health. Below you can find a description of some of these styles, but remember that there are many more, and you can research to find the one that is perfect for you.
Hatha Yoga: Introduction to practice
Hatha Yoga is the most widespread in the West today. Many people know Hatha Yoga as Yoga, thinking that it is the only style. It is the yoga of postures.
In its origin, the combination of pauses and breathing was designed to prepare the body for meditation, but like all Yoga this is a holistic practice in itself, which takes into account all aspects of people.
It can be practiced in all ages, skill levels and physical condition, starting with the simplest postures and moving towards more complex variations, that's why it is excellent for anyone who wants to begin to know Yoga.
Since postures are static for a long time, some people may find it boring, especially those who are used to intense aerobic exercise and enjoy sports. Instead, it is ideal for those who do not like much exercise but want to do some body activity to be healthy.
Power Yoga or Ashtanga Vinyasa: For athletes
Ashtanga is the "Yoga of meditation", and "Vinyasa" is movement. This style is physical, like the Hatha, and the movements are carried out in a fluid way, as in the Ashtanga, but it has the difference that they are made in a more dynamic and vigorous way.
It is the style most chosen by athletes, dancers, or people who like sports in general. It is also very successful among young people. It makes the body flexible and some postures are a challenge.
Kundalini Yoga: To become energized
In this type of Yoga the postures are simple but they are maintained for a long time, thus working the physical resistance. The practice is energizing, but in the end relaxation is strongly worked. Therefore, it is beneficial both for people who seek to activate their energy and for those who want to lead a slower pace of life. In this type of Yoga mantras, songs and relaxation are very important.
Iyengar Yoga: To correct the posture
It is a practice focused on the alignment of the body in each posture. It uses about 200 traditional asanas and 14 pranayama exercises that are performed according to the alignment of the spine.
It is ideal for those who want to correct their position and requires a lot of professional supervision to really have this effect and not the opposite.
It has a lot in common with physiotherapy, it is yoga to heal the body.
Acroyoga: For acrobats and dancers
As its name indicates, this style combines Yoga with elements of acrobatics, circus art and play. It is a modern practice and not so traditional, but ideal for people who enjoy yoga and also dance, acrobatics and seek an integral practice.
Unlike other practices, you work as a team.
Kripalu Yoga: To develop spirituality
Kripalu is a relaxed, meditative Hatha yoga style oriented towards self-observation and contact with being.
It is made up of traditional postures, but practiced with conscience, in connection with the language of the body and in depth.
His practices include static postures, pranayama, meditation and relaxation. It is oriented to awaken prana, or vital energy.
Ashtanga Yoga: A path of self-knowledge
The "Yoga of the eight steps" adheres to eight precepts: prohibitions or abstinences, rules or observations, posture, control of the breath, control of the senses, concentration, meditation, and contemplation or deeper meditation.
It is recommended to eliminate stress, and also, to cover many aspects of personality, to correct addictions, learn to self-control and for demanding personalities.
It is ideal for those who are in search of a deep self-knowledge.
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