Initially, yoga was used as a means of self-knowledge, in the modern world it was forgotten and most fitness clubs consider yoga as a sport, using it only as a means of maintaining physical fitness. That is why there are many kinds of modern yoga: from the original (such as karma yoga), to the invented in the new time (power yoga, for example). Let's take a closer look at what types of yoga exist.
What kinds of yoga are there and what are their differences?
Learning about a large number of varieties of yoga is hard to believe that the beginning of this was given only 4 directions: raja yoga (control of consciousness), karma yoga (selfless service), bhakti yoga (union with the higher "I") and jnana yoga self-knowledge). It was from them that all other varieties went. It should be noted that some of the modern practices, although they bear the names of these ancient types of yoga, do not have much in common with them, they focus on physical perfection, leaving aside the moral, spiritual and philosophical aspects. Therefore, considering how to choose from the types of yoga, look only at the training system, whether the proposed exercises match the level of your physical fitness.
Today there are more than 20 types of yoga, and the most common are the following:
- Hatha Yoga - an integral part of Raja Yoga, which was its initial stage, was the most accessible for the uninitiated, and therefore before others it became known in America and Europe. Hatha Yoga combines various types of breathing and special exercises - asanas. The goal of the classes is to achieve physical perfection.
- Tantra Yoga - is aimed at realizing the duality of the world, which has a male and female principle. This practice teaches us to use the basic instincts of man to achieve harmony between body and spirit.
- Laya-yoga - has as its goal the knowledge of biorhythms of both their own and the universe. This knowledge allows you to achieve harmony and prevent illnesses, many of which are caused by violation of biorhythms.
- Kundalini Yoga is also an integral part of raja yoga. Its goal is to open all the major human chakras to provide free energy flow through the body. But to achieve this result, serious efforts are required, training means the long-term retention of each asana.
- Ashtanga-yoga - this is more like aerobics using the postures of classical yoga. Its peculiarity consists in fast and rhythmic change of body positions, which requires good physical preparation.
- Iyengar yoga is a system of physical exercises created for use by people with different levels of physical fitness. The transition from one asana to another is carried out smoothly, it is also possible to use supports - chairs, belts, blocks.
- Bikram yoga - the exercises of this system have as their goal the strengthening of muscles and the fight against excess weight. Classes are held at a temperature of 40.5 ° C for 90 minutes, which is not suitable for everyone, so before you start training, you need to make sure that your state of health allows you to withstand such loads.
- Power yoga (power yoga) - uses exercises ashtanga-yoga, but unlike it, asanas are not performed in strict sequence, but with no less efficiency. Ideal for those who want to level the muscle imbalance.
- Viniyoga-yoga - is adapted to provide a therapeutic effect, it is important not to correct the performance of asana, but the sensation from the exercises. If you need to get rid of the effects of physical trauma, and you do not know how to choose from types of yoga, then the yoga-yoga is perfect for your purposes.
- Sivananda Yoga is one of the varieties of hatha yoga, which implies not only the proper breathing and performing asanas, but also the methods of relaxation, meditation and adherence to a vegetarian diet.
- Kripalu-yoga is another kind of hatha yoga, consisting of 3 steps. The emphasis here is on love, both to others and to oneself.
- Yantra Yoga - is to focus the mind on the geometric representation of the Cosmos, chakras or other energy processes.
There are many more varieties of this gymnastics, among which fitness yoga is very popular, which with real yoga has nothing in common, as it is aimed at improving the body. Gradually, the popularity is gained by the so-called "naked yoga", in which all asanas are performed in the nude. More often this direction takes a great interest in men, and the beautiful half of humanity is embarrassed by such openness. But whatever kind of yoga you decide to choose, you will have to work hard on yourself, and you have to be ready for this.