Yoga positions and Yoga Poses

With a history of over five millennia, the North Indian exercise form yoga, is today widely practiced around the world by millions. There are different styles of yoga exercises. Though yoga poses and yoga positions tend to be similar, the basic difference in style is reflected in the intensity of the exercise.

If it is weight loss or wellness that you intend to gain from yoga, then you need to know exactly which type of yoga is most suited for you. The following list describes the most popular kinds of yoga currently being practiced in United States:

Hatha Yoga is a broad term that refers to the physical yoga practice and is the most widely practiced form of yoga in the west. Being one of the major styles of yoga, it covers modern systems like Bikram and Ashtanga. Yoga positions in hatha yoga are performed to put the body into a state suitable for meditation.

Anusara Yoga is relatively new. It was found by John Friend in 1997 and it not only emphasizes yoga poses but also adds a spiritual, emotional and social side dimension to it, helping practitioners connect with the divine within themselves and others.

Ashtanga Yoga is a more intensive variety and has its own special set of yoga poses. A precursor of power yoga, the yoga positions are assumed in a flowing manner, one after the other and require a great amount of effort from the practitioner. The difference between ashtanga yoga and power yoga is that power yoga poses do not follow a strict set of yoga positions unlike the latter.

Bikram Yoga emphasizes on muscular endurance, strength and cardiovascular flexibility as its components of fitness. It is known as hot yoga because it is practiced in a room that has been heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit to promote sweating which helps detoxify the body and loosens the muscles which in turn prevent damage to tissues while exercising. It was founded by Bikram Chaudhury

Iyengar Yoga focuses on how the body is aligned. The time period in which Yoga poses are held are longer when compared to ashtanga yoga. Several accessories such as blocks, straps and blankets are used to help align the body during this yoga practice.

Integral Yoga founded by Sri Swami Sachidananda involves hatha yoga positions, breathing exercises, praying and chanting in a more gentle way. Kundalini Yoga involves rapid shifting of poses. It stresses on chanting, meditation and breathing creating a more spiritual effect when compared to ordinary hatha yoga.

Prenatal Yoga is suitable for pregnant women. It has postures that are chosen specifically for them. Expectant women in all stages of pregnancy are welcome to practice this type of yoga. Yoga positions of this type of yoga stress on flexibility, pelvic floor strengthening and core muscle strengthening which will help manage labor during delivery.

The above list described some of the most widely practiced yoga styles around the world. The effects on the body are similar despite the differences in teaching styles. Flexibility, stamina and strength can be improved by yoga positions. Yoga positions have also been found to improve the circulation of blood and keeping the blood pressure and sugar levels in control. It is advisable to do some research to find the kind of yoga that is most suited for you, your health conditions and your aspirations.

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