Yoga is becoming an increasingly popular discipline for its many mental and physical health benefits.
When you first become interested in yoga, the first question that often arises is: what type of yoga is best for you? With the multitude of styles available, making the right choice can be a challenge. Let us take you through three of the most popular practices to help you determine which is right for you.
Hatha :
You’ve probably already heard of Hatha yoga. It’s probably the most popular form of yoga, and certainly the best way to get started.
Hatha yoga is distinguished by its focus on postures (asanas) and breathing (pranayama), offering a path to physical flexibility and mental calm. The postures mobilize the whole body, toning and relaxing it, while the session generally ends with deep relaxation and soothing meditation.
Accessible to all, Hatha Yoga can be practised at home, simply with a yoga mat. However, for novices, it’s advisable to start with the guidance of a qualified teacher to learn the postures correctly and avoid injury.
Why practice Hatha Yoga ?
Accessible to all levels of practice, the benefits of this type of yoga are multiple and long-lasting. In addition to improving flexibility, strength and joint amplitude, it leads to reduced stress, increased concentration and a heightened sense of general well-being. It tends to balance action and inaction, feminine lunar energy (yin) and masculine solar energy (yang).
Vinyasa Yoga :
Vinyasa yoga, reputed to be the most dynamic of all yoga styles, is ideal for those seeking to tone up while calming the mind. Vinyasa yoga is distinguished by its flowing sequence of postures, harmoniously synchronized with the breath. Think of it as a rhythmic dance, where each movement is a graceful transition to the next. What makes Vinyasa so captivating is its diversity of postures, with stimulating sequences that vary with each session.
Why Vinyasa yoga ?
Recommended for advanced levels of practice, Vinyasa stands out for its ability to sculpt the body without overloading it. With regular practice, you’ll develop flexibility, balance and breathing capacity, while enhancing your inner well-being.
On a mental level, regular practice of Vinyasa yoga improves concentration, soothes the mind and encourages letting go. Vinyasa yoga is recommended for anyone looking for a sporty routine that’s both dynamic and fun.
Kundalini Yoga :
Kundalini yoga, also known as energy yoga, is a powerful holistic practice that is particularly beneficial for people dealing with daily stress. This type of yoga is designed to transform, heal and, above all, immediately recharge the body with positive energy.
This yogic technique offers a variety of practices, including breathing, meditation and intense yoga postures, yet is accessible to all. The main aim of the practice is to strengthen the nervous and endocrine systems, opening doors to the discovery of the “inner self”. By transcending the limits we impose on ourselves, Kundalini Yoga enables us to reach a state of inner fulfillment and happiness.
Why practice Kundalini Yoga ?
Among the many benefits of Kundalini Yoga are stress reduction, clarity of mind, improved concentration, a stronger immune system, a sense of well-being and inner peace, and improved metabolism.
In conclusion, try out different types of yoga and teachers – it’s the surest way to find what’s right for you!
