Hatha Yoga
There are various types of yoga, but the one I teach is traditional Hatha. The term Hatha means 'the power of the will over the body.' My wonderful teacher, Jenny Beeken, trained under Sri B. K. S. Iyengar in India and is the founder/principal of the Inner Yoga Trust.
Benefits of Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga offers a multitude of physical benefits! It enhances flexibility and joint mobility, strengthens, tones, and builds muscles, corrects posture, and strengthens the spine. Additionally, it eases back pain and improves muscular-skeletal conditions such as bad knees, tight shoulders, neck issues, swayback, and scoliosis. Hatha yoga also boosts stamina, creates balance and grace, stimulates the glands of the endocrine system, aids digestion and elimination, increases circulation, enhances heart health, improves breathing disorders, boosts immune response, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and supports weight loss.
On the mental side, Hatha yoga increases body awareness, alleviates chronic stress patterns, refreshes the body by relieving muscle strain, relaxes the mind and body, centers attention, sharpens concentration, and uplifts the spirit.
Anyone can reap the benefits of a regular yoga routine as it helps counter many challenges faced in our modern lives. The asanas release physical tension accumulated from long hours of sitting, while deep breathing invigorates the body by enhancing oxygen supply to the brain. Additionally, meditation strengthens concentration abilities, enhances relaxation, and helps achieve restful sleep, while also improving digestion and stimulating circulation. Yoga can liberate both the body and mind, often elevating intuition and creativity.
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A Guide to the Most Common Yoga Styles
Both Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga originate from the same lineage, taught by BKS Iyengar and the late Pattabhi Jois, both of whom learned from Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. While many asanas (postures) are similar, the approaches vary. Iyengar yoga focuses on the subtleties of alignment and utilises props like belts, blocks, and bolsters to assist beginners in achieving proper posture, even for those who are new, injured, or inflexible. Anusara yoga is a more contemporary version of Iyengar.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga is a more dynamic form of yoga, featuring a series of poses held for just five breaths, interspersed with half sun salutations to maintain momentum. You can join a regular class or opt for the traditional Mysore style (explained below).
Mysore Style
Mysore style is where Ashtanga yoga is taught one-on-one within a group setting. Students can arrive at any time during a three-hour period to practice individually as guided by their teacher.
Vinyasa Flow
In Vinyasa flow classes, instructors lead students seamlessly from one pose to the next without pausing to discuss the intricacies of each posture. This approach ensures a solid workout along with a yoga experience. For those new to yoga, starting with a few slower-paced classes is advisable to familiarize yourself with the poses. Vinyasa flow is essentially an umbrella term for various styles, with some studios referring to it as flow yoga, flow-style yoga, dynamic yoga, or vinyasa flow, and it is influenced by Ashtanga yoga.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is designed to awaken energy in the spine. Classes include meditation, breathing techniques such as alternate nostril breathing, chanting, and yoga postures.
Yin Yoga
Yin yoga, rooted in the Taoist tradition, emphasizes passive, seated postures that specifically target connective tissues in the hips, pelvis, and lower spine. Poses are typically held for one to ten minutes to enhance flexibility and promote a sense of release. It’s a fantastic way to learn meditation and calming the mind, making it perfect for those who are athletic and need to relieve tension in overworked joints, as well as for anyone seeking relaxation.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga focuses on healing the mind and body through simple poses, often held for up to 20 minutes, aided by props like bolsters, pillows, and straps. While it resembles yin yoga, restorative yoga places less emphasis on flexibility and more on relaxation.
Jivamukti Yoga
Founded in 1984 by David Life and Sharon Gannon, Jivamukti translates to “liberation while living.” This vinyasa-style practice features themed classes that often incorporate chanting, music, and readings from scriptures. Jivamukti teachers inspire students to implement yogic philosophy into their daily lives.