Correct posture: how to choose yoga, types of yoga and their description

Correct posture: how to choose yoga, types of yoga and their description

There is no need to torture yourself in the gym. Choose yoga to maintain not only your physical health but also your mental health. How to choose yoga, types of yoga, their detailed description and how to start doing yoga at home – all the answers in the material.

Do not take care! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

It’s time to roll out the mat and do some yoga. We tell you how to learn yoga and choose the right direction.

What is Yoga

Yoga originated in India around 5,000 years ago as a comprehensive system of wellness practices on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Today, different aspects of yoga are chosen to improve the quality of life. Some replace fitness with yoga, others do yoga to overcome stress and increase vitality.

Yoga is a system of practices that combines strength exercises, flexibility exercises, and relaxation and meditation techniques.

The beauty of yoga is that it is suitable for everyone – children, pregnant women and the elderly or overweight. The main thing is to choose the right direction.

How Yoga Works

Yoga is a system of practices that acts immediately on the physical and psycho-emotional levels.

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How Yoga Works Physically

Yoga relaxation techniques reduce chronic pain such as back pain, arthritis and headaches. Some studies show that yoga can lower blood pressure and reduce insomnia.

How yoga can help:

  • increase flexibility;
  • increase muscle strength and tone;
  • improve breathing and energize;
  • improve metabolism;
  • lose weight with a balanced diet;
  • prepare the body for intense physical exertion.

How Yoga Works Psycho-Emotionally

In addition to working with physical indicators, yoga helps to cope with stress. Meditation and relaxation techniques improve mental state. Regular yoga practice increases calm, body awareness and focus.

Types of yoga for beginners: their differences and detailed description

Vinyasa yoga

Vinyasa yoga is a popular trend and can be found in most yoga studios. Yoga Vinyasa is a system of dynamic breathing practices. During the session, dynamic poses are performed in a continuous sequence. Vinyasa is usually practiced to melodious music in a dimly lit room.

Ashtanga-yoga

Most people identify Ashtanga as traditional Indian yoga. Each time you repeat the same series of postures. It consists of Sun Salutation A, Sun Salutation B and various postures. Classes usually take place without musical accompaniment, and sometimes without verbal instructions – in complete silence.

Iyengar Yoga

In the practice of Iyengar, the emphasis is on the correct alignment of the whole body through asanas and pranayamas. Pranayamas are breathing practices whose purpose is to control internal energy. As part of the session, special props are used, such as rollers, blankets, blocks and belts. This style of yoga is usually taught without music and at a slower pace so students can deepen the yoga poses.

Bikram yoga

A Bikram yoga session, or hot yoga, consists of 26 classic yoga poses and 2 breathing exercises. The lesson is practiced in unusual conditions: for 90 minutes you do the exercises in a room where the temperature reaches 40 degrees of heat and the humidity is 40%.

power-yoga

Power yoga is a more active and challenging version of classic hatha yoga. Although many trainers believe that classical yoga is power. In training, you repeat the poses of Ashtanga yoga, but at a faster pace. Additionally, strength exercises are added to the practice to work the upper and lower parts of the body.

Anytime you can add new exercises to the training program, so it’s a great option for those who like variety. The lesson is usually accompanied by rhythmic and positive music.

Kundalini yoga

Kundalini is more of a meditative practice for complete relaxation. Most often, this style of yoga is used as a healing process. The course includes meditation and chanting techniques, as well as simple exercises to develop flexibility.

How to choose yoga

How to start yoga from scratch and choose the right direction? We explain how to do it.

The main types of yoga and which are suitable for:

  • Hatha yoga is generally suitable for beginners because it is slower and more consistent.
  • Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Power yoga classes can be more challenging. It is therefore best to start with classical yoga. Of course, you can start doing strength exercises and gradually progress from easier to more difficult.
  • Iyengar pays great attention to the proper alignment of the body and the development of its flexibility. If your goal is correct posture and plastic muscles, choose Iyengar yoga.
  • hot yoga. This style of yoga is more suitable for those who enjoy unusual practices. However, if you can’t stand the heat, it’s better to abandon the “hot” idea.
  • Kundalini yoga is a great option for those who just want to relax and overcome daily stress.

How to choose a yoga mat

Wherever you practice, you need the right yoga mat. A bad mat will not only cause inconvenience in the classroom, but can also lead to injury during training. Learn how to choose the right yoga mat.

Yoga mat thickness and weight

If you don’t know where to start, feel free to choose a medium length rug, slightly longer than your height in centimeters. A thick mat is perfect for training because an extra thin mat will not give you a soft landing. In addition, heavy and thick carpets are better fixed to the floor, which is their main advantage. How are you going to do yoga if the mat slips under your feet every time? Answer: no way.

Thicker mats provide additional padding and are better suited for complex dynamic practices or concentration positions.

Light and airy mats are suitable for travel and outdoor practice. Only in such a situation can damping be sacrificed.

Carpet materials

What materials are yoga mats made of and which is the best?

PVC. The material is plastic based. PVC is a fairly durable and easy to clean material. The main disadvantage of such mats is that the material does not absorb moisture and quickly becomes slippery when you sweat.

Thermoplastic elastomer. Such material is created from an artificial mixture of plastic and rubber polymers. Elastomeric floor mats are a more sustainable option as they are recyclable. Unfortunately, elastomer is not as wear resistant as PVC. But the material provides quite a strong grip on the floor – you don’t have to worry about that.

natural materials. Typically, rugs are made from natural rubber, organic cotton, or jute. Compared to other options, eco-mats are slightly less grippy, but easily conform to your body. Eco-materials only lose one point – they are short-lived.

How to start doing yoga at home

Watch instructional videos

How to do yoga correctly? First, familiarize yourself with the technique and the basic postures and asanas. To do this, it is not necessary to register with a professional trainer, you can watch a series of training videos for beginners. Choose a video or class that can solve your yoga problems:

  • if you want to lose weight, watch the video on vinyasa and ashtanga yoga;
  • if you want to meditate, find a video on hatha yoga;
  • if you want to develop your flexibility, explore kundalini yoga videos.

Define aims

Before starting any yoga practice, be sure to find out for yourself why you want to do it. Yoga can replace fitness, become a practice of meditation or spiritual healing. Think about what exactly you want to get out of the courses.

Buy the right equipment

Your bare minimum is a yoga mat. You may need additional rollers, blocks or belts to practice. Also, choose comfortable clothes for the class. It is not necessary to buy special clothes for yoga. Leggings, a t-shirt and a sports bra are what you will definitely need for a comfortable practice.

Set practice time

How to start doing yoga at home? First of all, you need to regularly schedule classes. Start your home practice doing different combinations and poses 1-3 times a week, then gradually move into full-fledged yoga classes. Set a specific time for yoga to become your healthy habit.

Find a comfortable place to practice

Be sure to find a comfortable and quiet place to practice yoga at home. The room should be large enough that you won’t run into a wall and that you can turn around comfortably during the workout.

Photo: Shutterstock

Source: The Voice Mag

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