There are many to choose from, when you consider there are nine main Yoga styles from India. These nine main styles are: Bhakti, Raja, Karma, Jnana, Hatha, Kundalini, Tantra, Yantra, and Mantra Yoga. Each of these Yoga styles places different emphasis on the methods for union of mind, body, emotion, and spirit. There are also many hundreds of sub-styles of these forms of Yoga.
Outside of India, Hatha Yoga, and its many sub-styles, is most commonly seen. With all of this in mind, researching the prospective style is very important. You should learn and compare local styles of Yoga, which are available to you.
Then you should consider which of the following is the most important health aspect - Is it mental, physical, emotional, spiritual health, or a combination of them? All of us do not have the same needs.
For example: If you are in search of relief from stress, you might not be looking for "Boot Camp Yoga," complete with a "drill sergeant" to bark out commands and insults for you to "shape up or ship out." Yet, some people love Yoga boot camps for the feelings of accomplishment and empowerment, which carry over into everyday life.
With that said, if you are looking for a "Yoga workout," a class that focuses on meditation may not suit your needs. The many benefits of meditation cannot be realized by a closed mind. You cannot force yourself to meditate and neither can your Yoga teacher.
You can, at least, try to meditate, but if you are not receptive to it, you may be best to try a physical style or take a Pilates class. This is not meant to speak ill of physical styles, or Pilates, but it brings to mind a saying, "You can't teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of time and it annoys the pig." So, why bother wasting time? Find a Yoga style, which fulfills your needs, and enjoy your life.
If you are searching for a Yoga exercise class, Hatha styles, such as Bikram, Vinyasa, Power, and Hot Yoga, may be just what you are looking for. Ashtanga is also physically challenging, however, Ashtanga is the Sanskrit word for "eight limbs," and is a form of Yoga described by Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras. Ashtanga is sometimes called, "Raja" Yoga, which is one of the nine main Indian Yoga styles.
Now, let's say you are middle aged, or older - have been inactive for a while - possibly have some physical limitations, and you are searching for a Yoga style to help you get the most out of life. In this case, the gentler Hatha Yoga sub-styles, such as Restorative, Iyengar, Kripalu, and Chair Yoga, will help you age more gracefully.
Lastly, there is a form of Yoga for everyone, of any age, but you want to research, educate yourself, try it out, and find the Yoga teacher who is suitable for you.
Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Seriously, How Can Yoga Make You Lose Weight?
Finally, some of the "Yoga and Weight Loss" studies have come in, and even, a little bit of Yoga is much better, than none, for weight control, but there are a number of reasons why. Yoga is a lifestyle change that includes a safe diet; exercise, adjusting posture, breathing, and a whole lot more. Most of the Yoga practitioners, I know, consume more water, eat more moderately, and take more care of their bodies, in comparison to the many who don't want to leave the couch.
Aren't you supposed to jump up and down for at least a half-hour per day to exercise enough to lose weight?
Maybe the masses have been "brain washed" into thinking that you have to feel the pain, suffer, starve, and have a near death experience, to lose weight. Depending upon your size, the average person, in a moderate Hatha yoga class, is burning in the neighborhood of 200 calories per hour. There are Vinyasa Yoga classes, that will burn more calories, with much more flowing and active movement. Just remember, that your safety is top priority, and you will be fine.
There are also Yoga classes where you can feel the pain, heat, and suffer. This is great for those who feel the need to "pay for their sins." Maybe this is considered "penance," for years of consuming excessive pizza, burgers, and buffets. If you feel you must suffer, you may even find a Yoga teacher who missed his or her calling as an interrogator.
If you search hard enough, you will find a Yoga class for every niche. More moderate Yoga classes look easy on the outside of the class, but I have seen many people find them to be a challenge, on the inside of the class. The real benefit of steady Yoga practice is training for longevity. Long-term practice will yield optimum health benefits in mind, body, and spirit.
Couldn't you just invent a Yoga pill?
This has been the ultimate dream of "couch potatoes," but every time a weight loss pill comes out, there is a down side. Just look at the health problems that resulted from fen phen and ephedra. This should wake people up, but someone will always put their life at risk, no matter how many warning labels are printed.
In summary, the benefits of Yoga practice have always existed, through steady and safe practice. Seek out a safe teacher and go from there. Never push yourself to the point of strain. Moderation is key, so it is wise to avoid extremes.
Jackie has sinced written about articles on various topics from Yoga Practice, Anger Control and Yoga Practice. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.http://www.yoga-teache. Jackie's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.