Body and Soul
With so many types of yoga to choose from, it’s not always easy to find the best class for your physical and spiritual needs. So whether you’re looking for a studio in the city or a yoga retreat on an island, here’s guide to help you decide in what class you’d like to improve your “downward-facing dog”. To you mats everyone…
Hatha yoga (for beginners)
There are many forms of yoga, but all of them stem from Hatha yoga, which is the classical form. Hatha comes from the “Ha” (solar) and “Tha” (lunar), the harmonious union of the two opposite aspects of the body. What’s great about Hatha yoga is that anyone can practice it, including pregnant women and individuals with medical conditions such as back pain and weak knees.
During the practice of Hatha yoga, asanas (poses), such as sun salutations or warrior poses, are executed to help you bring focus to your mind and to control your body with breathing techniques. Each asana is performed slowly and gently, and is held for a few minutes to strengthen the body and push the mind to relax in each position. Great for beginners, Hatha yoga provides all the basics that you’ll need to move on to more challenging levels of yoga.
Ashtanga yoga (great for core strength)
Meaning “eight limbs” in Sanskrit, this form of yoga is recommended for individuals who are quite athletic or for those who have completed course in training of Hatha yoga and are ready to move on to the next stage. The poses are always performed in the same order with a specific breathing pattern. The fast pace and intensity of Ashtanga yoga helps to develop endurance, strength and muscle tone. Pregnant women and individuals with back, knee or neck pain should consult a physician before signing up for this physically demanding class.
Bikram yoga (sweat, sweat, sweat)
Named after the yoga teacher/guru Bikram Chodhury, a Bikram yoga session is conducted in a heated room that will make you session is conducted in heated room that will make you sweat buckets while you practice. During the class, six different postures are executed to stretch specific muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Iyengar yoga (spiritual health)
Created by BKS Iyenger, this form of yoga proposes more than 200 postures and 15 breathing techniques. The emphasis is placed on timing and flow – the postures need to be executed in a slow and smooth motion. Expect to be using lots of props, such as blocks, towels and straps, which are great tools to help you properly align your body.
Sawasdee magazine May 2009, page 63-65