5 Types of yoga that are leading mankind towards well being

The history of yoga dates back to the time of the rishis of ancient India. But the knowledge of yoga is no more bound within a particular section of people. It is now being practised my millions of people in India as well as in other countries like America, Philippines, Europe and several others. Today we see yoga has assumed different forms. Yoga has been moulded into various forms to suits the various needs or people of different age groups. Revolutionised yoga has inspired many to attain a change from within. This is aimed to bring a total change in the world we live in. Individual change brings about a bigger change.

Urban yoga

This form of yoga has been developed by the Urban Ashram in Manila, Philippines. The main purpose of Urban Yoga is to study within the confines of an urban studio, the ancient philosophy and system that lead to wellbeing and good health. It educates the urban being about yoga, its etiquettes and benefits and also concentrates on releasing the mind of the stress and negative influence of city life. It caters to the various needs of the mind and body by propagating Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Kundalini Yoga, Fertility, Pranayama and Meditation and Kids Yoga. The benefits are seen in the improved capability of stress reduction management, improved concentration, focus, physical fitness and health, enhanced creativity and better decision-making capability.

Hip-hop Yoga

As the name suggests this yoga is developed mainly for people who fall within the age group between 10 and 40 years. This yoga is performed to the beats of hip-hop music. This is developed mainly with the purpose to make yoga more interesting and also to serve the purpose of listening to music that lifts up the spirit while the body is taken care of. The choice of music depends on the teacher’s taste and the students’ preference. Apart from hip-hop music it may also include soothing numbers, rock, pop or even blues. Exhilarating work out with a rocking music playing in the background makes yoga a unique experience.

Hot Yoga

This form of yoga was developed and propagated by Bikram Choudhury in the early 1970s. It is called ‘hot’ yoga because it concentrates on the importance of heat in improving the flexibility of an individual. This is to replicate the humidity and heat of the southern part of India in colder countries. The benefits that come with Hot Yoga are increased rate of metabolism, calorie burn, cardiovascular function, core strength and improvement of the mind and spirit.

Power Yoga

This is much like that of Hot Yoga and it refers specifically to the yoga exercises that are carried out vigorously. The exercises under this category are derived for the main source of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. The exercises concentrate on the alignment of the movement of the body and breath. These exercises are often performed in a hot room. The desire for disciplining the self comes with the practice of power yoga. Together with it also comes along are concentration, flexibility and mental stability.

Iyengar Yoga

This category is named after the most celebrated yoga guru B. K. S. Iyengar. Iyengar has spread the meaning of the yoga sutra to his students and is known to teach yoga to his students in a unique fashion. Iyengar Yoga has brought about transformations in the minds of those who have practiced this yoga category. His asanas show the way towards atma darshan, looking at or analysing the self. These asanas bring about body balance, improved flexibility, concentration and stamina.

Despite finding yoga in its various, the common characteristic that they share is bringing about the wellbeing of an individual. The general benefits of yoga are all enjoyed through the different types of yoga. The only input from the learner should be sincerity and dedication. See your life gradually transform.