Which style of yoga is right for you?

Yoga is an increasingly popular way to relax, keep fit and stay healthy. It can be done in a class setting along with other people, in private, tutor-led sessions or undertaken in the comfort of your own home. Specialist equipment and clothing are seldom required, meaning it can also be a cost effective way to exercise and improve general levels of fitness. The main characteristic of yoga is discipline, both mentally and physically. The focus is on stretches, known as poses. These are executed to precision, yet within the umbrella term of yoga, there are many different styles.

Some styles concentrate on perfecting the stretches and being able to hold them well, whilst more strenuous versions work quickly through a series of poses. Five styles of yoga are featured below and the descriptions given for each outline the main features and benefits to those wishing to get involved in yoga.
 
Hatha

This is a gentle yoga workout that is suitable for all levels. Particularly beneficial for beginners, the Hatha style of yoga provides a slow and gentle introduction to the art form. For novices, it introduces the notion of the link between body and mind. The focus is on controlled breathing whilst performing guided stretches.

Bikram

Bikram yoga is also known as hot yoga due to the fact that the session is completed in a hot room. The theory behind the heat is that it is beneficial to muscles. Not only does the climate relax participants so they loosen up, but this in turn induces perspiration. Heavy sweating is regarded to be an effective process of cleansing. A Bikram yoga session is composed of a routine of 26 set poses.

Vinyasa

Vinyasa is a quick paced workout that whilst focusing on breathing through a series of poses, has a fast flow. Sessions begin with an intense warm up followed by a set of deep stretches. This provides a vigorous workout and is designed to synchronise breathing with the movements.

Iyengar

This style of yoga concentrates on aligning the body. For each pose, the focus is on ensuring that the body is perfectly positioned. Practising this in the long term will ensure that the true benefit of yoga is achieved and will also reduce the risk of injuries occurring. Unlike the style of Ashtanga, which moves quickly from one pose to the next, Iyengar concentrates on learning to hold the pose for a long period of time before moving onto the next one. The workout also makes use of equipment such as mats and straps to best align the body.

Ashtanga

Ashtanga is a very physically demanding form of yoga and is best suited to those who already have a high level of fitness. The yoga routine is fixed and is therefore the same each session. This gives participants the opportunity to practise each pose in depth. The class moves quickly as the flow runs at a fast pace. Every movement is swiftly followed by the next without a chance to rest.

This guest post was written by Francesca, a blogger from the UK with an interest in health and fitness. She writes on behalf of Electric Bloom who source a variety of fitness holidays around the world. Visit their website for more information.