The practice and philosophy of yoga involves different yoga exercises and positions.
But there are also different types of yoga in diverse settings.
They include ashtanga, white lotus, ananda, bikram, kripalu, hatha and jivamukti yoga.
Ashtanga yoga This is an athletic practice coined by Sri K.
Pattabhi Jois to the system of yoga that he taught.
Full exertion of the body is required in this style of yoga.
It engages positions that coordinate breathing with a dynamic and continuous series of postures that generate concentrated internal heat and a profuse, cleansing sweat that detoxifies the bodies muscles and organs.
The outcome is enhanced flexibility, blood circulation, stamina, a lithe and strong body, and a composed mind.
White lotus yoga White lotus is an adapted Ashtanga practice developed by Ganga White which is combined with breathing exercises and meditation.
White lotus practitioners believe that the most important purpose of yoga is to bring about a deep change of the individual, a stirring of the intelligence that is liberated from the dependencies and romantic beliefs and fully prepared to meet the challenges of modern society.
Ananda yoga Ananda focuses on the gentle but firm postures intended to budge the energy up to the brain and readies the body for meditation exercises.
This type of yoga also focuses on good body alignment and controlled breathing.
Bikram Yoga Bikram is the system that engages in a sweeping workout that embraces all the components of fitness such as muscular endurance and strength, cardiovascular flexibility, and weight loss.
Bikram Choudhury is the founder of the system and is a disciple of Bishnu Ghosh, brother of Paramahansa Yogananda.
One of the remarkable but most beneficial elements of Bikram's yoga practice is the 95-105 degree temperature which endorses more detoxification, flexibility, and injury prevention.
This is the only style that specializes in using a heated atmosphere during a yoga exercise.
Kripalu yoga Kripalu is labeled as the method of consciousness.
This gentle, meditative practice has practitioners clutch poses to explore and release mental, emotional and spiritual snags.
Goal motivation is discouraged and specific alignment is not as vital as in some other traditions.
There are actually three stages in Kripalu yoga.
Stage One applies on learning the postures and exploring your bodies abilities.
Stage Two calls for holding the postures for an extended time while mounting concentration and inner awareness.
Stage Three is more like a meditation in motion in which the activity from one posture to another arises reflexively and impulsively.
Hatha yoga Hatha is a basic form amongst all the styles originated from this system.
It integrates asanas, regulated breathing, meditation, and kundalini into a complete system that can be applied to accomplish enlightenment.
The best way to practice the hatha poses or asanas is to view the session in a tranquil, meditative mood.
Jivamukti yoga Jivamukti is founded by Sharon Gannon and David Life in 1986.
This method conveys the spiritual and ethical principles of the practice that have been overlooked or diminished in this present-day.
It's an exuberant and rigorous asana form with an emphasis on devotion to God, Sanskrit chanting, scriptural study of the Vedas, vegetarianism, meditation, the role that music and listening participate in the practice of yoga, and non-violence.