Health and WellnessExercises & Fitness Yoga

This ancient philosophy originated in India over 5,000 years ago. The objective of yoga, (from the Sanskrit word "yuj", meaning to yoke or union), is to integrate the mind, body and spirit and to ultimately achieve enlightenment and oneness with the universe.

There are several paths of yoga, and all techniques share the common goal of achieving peace of mind and unification of mind-body-spirit. Many schools have developed these paths of yoga to form their own practical methodology to lead people to these same goals.

The following are the more common types of yoga practised in the Western world.

Ashtanga Yoga:

Also called Ashtanga Vinyasa, this form of yoga is based on a set sequence of asanas (physical exercises and postures), which was developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This practice focuses on the synchronization of breath with the continuous flow of movement. Ashtanga is a very vigorous practice that builds heat, endurance, flexibility, strength and mental focus.

Stemming from AshtangaVinyasa is "Power yoga". This is based on the Ashtanga series and other vigorous styles of yoga and is ideal for athletes, intermediate and advanced students and anyone interested in building greater strength and stamina.

Bikram Yoga:

Yogiraj Bikram Choudhury developed this demanding practice of 26 asanas carried out in a heated room (up to 105º F) to warm up your whole body, allowing you to work deeply into the muscles, tendons and ligaments. This type is also known as "Hot Yoga".

Hatha Yoga:

This method employs the physical path, using the body through asana and pranayama (breathing techniques) to control the mind and senses (meditation). This is the most popular yoga practiced in the West and it is said to provide a balanced and wholesome approach to achieving perfect physical and mental health, happiness and tranquility.

Iyengar yoga:

A technique evolved by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar, this method focuses on the emphasis on body alignment and the use of props (for example wooden gadgets, belts, ropes) to reach proper poses. When the poses are performed in proper alignment, they can be sustained for longer periods of time. It is said that practice of Iyengar yoga will often result in eliminating aches and pains, improve posture, and so on. Iyengar yoga can also be used to treat many ailments, including extremely serious medical conditions, under the supervision of a suitably experienced teacher.

Kundalini Yoga:

Kundalini is the path of energy, arousing the energy stored in the chakras through breathing and movement. Kundalini Yoga uses hatha yoga postures and pranayama (breathing exercises) to release the energy inherent in our nervous and glandular systems for radiant well-being.