There are many different types of yoga out there, but all seek the same goal – to interconnect the body, mind, and soul.
Today’s spotlight is on Vinyasa yoga – the first one I discovered. My first attempts at yoga were done in the Ashtanga Vinyasa style at a studio called Yoga Shakti in the OC. It completely shattered my preconceived image of what I thought yoga would be like. I thought yoga would be slow, tedious, holding poses… and I was both right and wrong.
“Vinyasa” is a sanskrit word that refers to breath and movement. It is a broader term for the types of yoga done in a series of flow-like movements where your breath and movements are synchronized. These movements connect you from posture to posture, so you are moving in fluid motions during the entire yoga experience. It provides a cardio-like effect, bringing your heart rate up while still engaging your muscles and giving you a good stretch. Trust me, you will sweat and you will be sore the next day, and you will love it.
If you are hesitant to try yoga because you don’t want to spend an hour of your time holding poses for endless amounts of time, I suggest you look into Vinyasa Yoga. This is a great practice for the already active person. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxing form of yoga, Hatha Yoga might be the one for you (more on Hatha Yoga next time).
Vinyasa Yoga is great for:
- Those seeking a more active yoga exercise
- Cross training
- Improving strength and muscle tone
- Both mind and body awareness
Check out this blog for some more health benefits of yoga.
awesome. i had to quit after ending up in urgent care during bikram hah. .-= Lisa-Anne´s last...