Classical yoga has a number of varieties that differ in the dynamics of exercises, the range of practiced positions or the degree of spiritual involvement. Each type of yoga has a different effect on the mind and body: some help with the fight against extra pounds, others promote relaxation and relieve tension. See which yoga variety is best for you.

There are at least a dozen varieties of yoga , so everyone can choose the style of practice that best suits their needs. Some forms of yoga put more emphasis on proper breathing, while others require more precision in setting asanas and proper condition. There are also types of yoga that have he alth promoting properties, such as hormone yoga or laughter yoga, which heals not only the body but also the spirit.

Learn about the 8 most popular types of yoga and find out which one suits your needs best.

Classical yoga - perfect for beginners

Classical yoga, or simply yoga, usually covers a set of basic postures (asanas) suitable for beginners. These are simple exercises that you can do yourself at home. Thanks to them, you will strengthen and stretch your muscles, increase flexibility and relax.

Read: Yoga - exercises, effects and varieties of yoga. What does yoga do?

Basic yoga poses are so safe that they can be performed by practically any able-bodied person, regardless of age - sticking to the instructions and slowly moving from one position to another almost eliminates the risk of injury. Only very serious spine injuries can be a contraindication.

Ashtanga yoga - a good variety for fitness trainers

Ashtanga yoga is otherwise dynamic yoga. It is a definition of not only physical exercises, but the entire philosophical system, in which, apart from the practice of asanas, it is important to follow the 8-step path of development.

Ashtanga positions are arranged in constant sequences that form a series. The asanas are performed in the same order each time. When practicing Ashtanga yoga, the key is to synchronize your movement with your dynamic breathing to achieve a state of complete harmony. The exercises are not easy - to smoothly perform an asana sequenceyou need to use some strength and have a good sense of balance. For this reason, Ashtanga yoga can be a great diversion for people who train fitness on a daily basis, because in addition to strengthening the body, it also provides relaxation and improves the flexibility of the body.

Find out more: ASHTANGA YOGA: theory and practice of dynamic yoga

Hormone yoga - for women with hormone deficiencies

Women of all ages suffer from fluctuations in hormones, which are the cause of numerous ailments and diseases. Menopause, hypothyroidism, and fertility problems are the most common of them. Practicing hormone yoga can help you deal with the negative effects of a hormone deficiency. The individual asanas are selected to stimulate the work of the ovaries, thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands. Performing slow, gentle movements helps to relieve tension, relaxes, increases vitality and restores balance in the body.

Hormonal yoga is recommended for women of all ages, especially those over 40 and entering the period of menopause. It should not be cultivated by pregnant women with changes in their breasts, neoplastic changes and suffering from diseases of the ovaries (endometriosis) and uterus.

Acroyoga - pair yoga for advanced learners

Acroyoga is a combination of positions known from classical yoga with elements of acrobatics and Thai massage. The exercises are performed in pairs - one person is the "base" that lifts the partner, the other is "flying" taking positions in the air. Acroyoga requires good stretch, flexibility and pliability. Nevertheless, as instructors argue, even complete beginners can try acrobatic yoga, and the effects of the effort will come with time.

Find out more: Acroyoga - what is yoga with elements of acrobatics?

Acroyogi classes help strengthen and stretch the muscles, regulate the digestive system and increase balance. This is an excellent form of exercise for friends and couples as it strengthens relationships and increases mutual trust. It is also a good option for energetic people who do not like static traditional yoga poses - the acroyoga allows for more play and guarantees fun during joint exercises.

Yoga of laughter - has a therapeutic effect

A specific type of yoga is the yoga of laughter. When practicing it, you don't even have to adopt the appropriate asanas - just sit in a group and laugh together with others for no particular reason. It may seem difficult at first, but regular practice allows you to quickly master the ability to laugh naturally, effortlessly.

Yoga of laughter does not help to develop strength andflexibility to the same extent as other types of yoga, but it improves the mood, relieves stress, stimulates the secretion of endorphins and oxygenates the body. For this reason, it is recommended to all people who often feel depressed, lethargic, lack motivation to act, or on the contrary - have an excess of positive energy and would like to give it to everyone around them.

Bikram yoga - accelerates fat burning

Bikram yoga was invented by the Indian Bikram Choudhury, a three-time yoga master in India and a weightlifter. After suffering a severe leg injury, Bikram developed a set of 26 positions that helped him to achieve full fitness.

Bikram yoga requires very specific conditions - those who train for 90 minutes in a room where the temperature is 41 degrees and 40% air humidity. High temperature accelerates fat burning, which means that training gives much better results in weight loss than practicing yoga under normal conditions. In addition, the exercises build muscles, especially in the legs, abdomen and back, strengthen the tendons and ligaments, reduce the risk of injury and heal previously injured.

Bikram yoga is dedicated to people who would like to lose unnecessary kilograms, slim their figure and strengthen their muscles thanks to yoga.

Get to know the details: Bikram yoga - what is it?

Iyengar yoga - yoga for everyone

Iyengar Yoga is the most popular type of yoga in Poland. It was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the most famous yoga teachers in the world. He combined several thousand years of tradition with modern teaching methods, including introducing elements that facilitate the performance of asanas: blocks, blankets, belts, etc. In Iyengar yoga, the greatest importance is attached to technique, i.e. very precise positioning and proper positioning of joints.

A variation of yoga developed by B.K.S. Iyengar is often used in the treatment of various diseases, so this style of practice requires the help of a certified instructor. The difficulty level can be adjusted to the skills of each person - beginners learn first to stand, then sit, bend, and twist, gradually increasing flexibility and stretching. After you have mastered the basic asanas, you learn how to breathe properly and move to more advanced poses.

Iyengar Yoga is a universal style of practice that will work well for both younger people and seniors. However, it is important to practice under the supervision of a qualified instructor, because only then is the practice fully safe and brings the bestresults.

Aerojoga - for women who want to increase their self-confidence

Aerojoga, also known as air yoga, combines elements of acrobatics, circus art and pilates. Exercises are performed on a hammock or a shawl suspended from the ceiling. The scarf is designed to relieve the joints and help to achieve lightness, but to fully use its properties, it takes several weeks of initial practice.

The advantages of aerojogi include strengthening the muscles of the arms, legs and abdomen without straining the spine and joints. This way of practicing yoga is especially recommended for people who would like to overcome internal inhibitions and face a non-standard type of training. With time, the exercisers lose their limitations, become more open and free. Aerojoga instructors emphasize that women who perform this type of exercise quickly gain self-confidence, they feel more feminine and sensual.

Read more: AIR YOGA: what is it and why is it worth practicing yoga with a scarf?

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Yoga