Do I feel calm? Do I feel present? Relaxed? These are questions you should ask yourself when practicing yoga. Jenny Jared, cofounder of United We Om by-donation yoga nonprofit, said that being in a state of yoga, one should feel a freedom.
“It’s your movement medicine…that’s what your yoga practice should be,” she said.
Here are some of the different types of yoga that people can practice. Each focuses on a different mental and physical state, but all should leave the yogee in a restorative frame of mind and body.
Restorative Yoga
This style yoga is the simple centering of breath and body. Aligning the physical and mental being by practicing stillness or gentle movements for extended periods of time, the body will begin to strengthen and repair itself. Some classes utilize props to help you hold poses for a longer period of time and maintain balance. Some restorative poses include light twists, seated forward folds and gentle backbends.
Read all about Jenny Jared, United We Om and the benefits of yoga: A Body In Balance
Power Yoga
The original Power Yoga was developed and founded by Beryl Bender Birch, but has now become a term used to describe many vigorous vinyasa (arranging something in a special way) styles. The fitness-based practice includes building internal heat, increased strength, flexibility and stamina, and also reduces stress. Students learn to synchronize their breath with their movements, eventually working to have every move and breath be a steady and fluid motion from one position to the next.
Yin Yoga
This style of yoga is much more slower paced, where the yogee will hold poses for a longer period of time, usually five minutes in length. A more meditative approach to yoga, yin yoga applies moderate stress to the connective tissues of the body—the tendons, fascia and ligaments—with the goal of increasing joint circulation and improving flexibility.
Hot Yoga
An ever popular trend, hot yoga exercises are performed under hot and humid conditions, causing the body to sweat more and release toxins quicker. The heat also works to increase an individual’s flexibility.
