Enliven your practice and put a new twist on your yoga routine with these seven different yoga styles.
When people imagine yoga, they automatically picture a person holding a pose with perfect stillness. It is these poses that define yoga, but there is more to it than silently sitting. Yoga is not a single pose, nor is it a single style. Additionally, there are many diverse types of yoga, and giving a new style a try might be the perfect way to put a new twist on your yoga routine. Here are seven types of yoga that will work your body and mind in different ways.
1. Vinyasa
Vinyasa means “flow” in Sanskrit, and that single word describes this type of yoga perfectly. Each pose is melted together with the next, and the moves are very fluid. It almost feels like dancing, and the constant movement works the body and gets the heart pumping. If you are in need of a change, then Vinyasa is your go-to; every class can mix with a different routine.
2. Restorative
I never imagined working out could be so comfortable until I gave Restorative yoga a try. It was a peaceful way to breathe my stress away. Instead of your typical yoga mat, you are given blankets and blocks to prop and support you in positions. While it stretches your body, the purpose of Restorative yoga is to strengthen the spirit.
3. Bikram
During the 1970s, Bikram Choudhury started a yoga school with classes held in overheated rooms. The intense heat causes you to sweat like you have probably never experienced, and you will leave the class soaking wet. You have probably heard of “hot yoga” before, and it is basically the exact same thing, except Bikram has 26 poses that do not change.
4. Anusara
This is a newer type of yoga created by yogi John Friend in the late ’90s. It leaves me feeling like a better person, and that means Anusara is my favorite type of yoga. Friend holds the belief that everyone has an inner goodness, and I honestly could not agree more. Through intense positions and movement, Anusara works the body and mind to bring that goodness to the surface.
5. Ashtanga
Based on ancient yoga, Pattabhi Jois brought Ashtanga back in the 1970s. Ashtanga uses several poses that flow together in a specific sequence. Positions are changed with a heavy breath that help the person move effortlessly without rigid breaks between poses.
6. Hatha
Hatha is a term for basic yoga, and it is the perfect place to start for beginners. Often, I return to Hatha as a way to refresh my memory of poses and to stretch my body. If you are wanting to mix up your routine, then Hatha is a way to use a little creativity to make your own sequence.
7. Lyengar
Lyengar is a great way to improve posture and yoga poses. Perfecting a position is the focus, and you can use props to make it easier to hold a position just right. Lyengar won’t have you running around, but it will strengthen your mind as you learn to hold silently still. If you are needing to spice your yoga routine up, try a new class with a yoga style you have never experienced before; you may surprise yourself with how different it can be.
A New Yoga Routine at Morningside Recovery
At Morningside Recovery, we understand that people find solace in recovery through a variety of techniques. Some people use yoga, while others enjoy adventure therapy or a holistic approach. To learn more about Morningside Recovery and our addiction therapy services, call us today at 855-631-2135.
