Exploring...

Like many others before me, when I discovered the wonders of yoga practices I was instantly hooked. I am not the biggest fan of an intense workout like aerobics, and so I was interested in finding another route to a slim, more lean figure that also incorporates fun into the routine without sweating like a race horse. I did (and still do) have a lot of fun during my yoga sessions. I did get a leaner figure and on most occasions even sweated like a race horse but didn’t feel it.

So here is a short guide to the different types of yoga I have tried out, my take on the ones I’m still practicing and the benefits this type of work out holds for you.

1) Hatha Yoga: This is the most widely spread yoga type in the western world. It’s basically what the West refers to 90% of the time when we think about yoga. This type focuses on aligning breathing and posture and (like most yoga sessions) starts with a brief meditation session. Hatha is pretty mild in terms of the work out, it’s more slow-paced but it depends on the instructor and level you’re at. 

This is the type of yoga I practice the most. Aside from the fact that it’s the easiest to find in yoga studios, it also balances physical activity with meditation to the level I find comfortable and rewarding.

2) Anusara or Anusara Inspired: This type of yoga was developed by a yoga teacher named John Friend. At its base it has Iyengar yoga elements (which is a type of yoga that uses props like belts, yoga blocks etc. and focuses on alignment through breathing), and its emphasis lies in the body-mind awareness in its relation with the spiritual and emotional experience of the practice. It’s more philosophical you could say, since a lot of the sessions make you focus on your internal organs and how certain parts of your body feel after a pose etc.

3) Kundalini Yoga: One of my favorite yoga types. It’s very active and aims at poses that cleanse the physical as well as the spiritual.  Usually at the end of each session, there is a 10 minute meditation session where the poses enhance the experience. 

 

I find this type of yoga to be a great way to start or end a week - the meditation session as well as the entire practice is very energetic and purifying and if you let yourself enjoy it, you will leave the class with a load off your shoulders.

4) Vinyasa/flow Yoga: This is a type of yoga with a faster rhythm. It’s great for people who want a more dynamic workout. There’s a lot of movement so you switch between a lot of poses and you really engage your muscles.

I used to practice this yoga a lot but ever since I started working out on the treadmill on a regular basis, it felt a bit too much. This is not to say that Vinyasa yoga has the same intensity as the treadmill, but for someone who didn’t work out on a regular basis before, my sore muscles couldn’t handle it. Maybe once I’m used to my current workout routine, I’ll return this yoga type (^__^)

Costs of practicing yoga: They vary depending on how often you do it or what studio you’re attending. (Very) generally speaking and in my experience yoga classes range from  5 to 15 euro (or $8-$18)  and the average is 10 to 13 euro (or $12-$15). Usually, you buy a package that gets you discounts and whatnot and most studios or gyms that offer yoga lessons also offer lockers to store your stuff and yoga mattresses which is essentially all you’ll need for yoga. Buying your own yoga mattress is a bit of an investment (I haven’t seen anything under 70 euro) but the ones the studio/gym offers are just fine. 

In terms of clothing, just be comfortable; I find it best though to wear workout pants that are somewhat tight so they don’t get in your way :P 

Benefits:

Yoga doesn’t help you lose weight. It does burn calories (Kundalini yoga can burn up to 600 calories in a session) but the amount varies depending on the instructor, the type of yoga etc. Your muscles are engaged all the time but don’t expect to come out of a yoga class with a six pack. It’s not that type of workout. The best yoga can give you in my experience is a leaner, more fit and flexible body and a peace of mind.

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