Beginner’s yoga – which yoga style suits you?

“True yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed; yoga is to be lived. Yoga doesn’t care about what you have been; yoga cares about the person you are becoming. Yoga is designed for a vast and profound purpose, and for it to be truly called yoga, its essence must be embodied.” — Aadil Palkhivala, Fire of Love 

Yoga changed my life: my breath, helping me ‘be in the moment’, to breathe differently, to focus and helping me in a hundred other ways including enabling my body to be strong and flexible in spite of my osteoarthritis. When I was a beginner yoga student I was very confused about all the different styles. So today, I have a guest post from the very talented Anne who’s a fellow photographer and blogger. She’s a yoga teacher too, so I asked her to outline some of the main types of yoga – there are many more than these. I know when you are a beginner at yoga it can be confusing which might suit you.

‘just breathe’ on the yoga mat

Beginner’s Yoga: Which Yoga suits you?

by Anne Haile.

So, you fancy giving yoga a try and are looking for a class locally or on the internet? Are you confused with all the different types on offer? Let’s see if I can demystify it for you.

The word Yoga means to Yoke, we yoke together or combine the breath, the body and the mind in our yoga practices. There are quite a few different types of yoga but all have this common aim. It is the way we join the breath, body and mind that differs between each tradition.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha is a good place to start for beginners if you want an all-round exercise program including breathing and meditation. The pace is quite slow and you move into and out of each pose with the breath. It can still be a challenge but you can practice Hatha at your own level.  The main benefits are increased strength and flexibility whilst calming the mind.

Flow yoga (also known as  Vinyasa Flow)

Flow has a faster pace than Hatha although many of the postures are the same.  The poses are joined together in sequences. The word Vinyasa means alignment of movement and breathing. There are more cardiovascular benefits to Flow than Hatha as you are continually moving through the class. I recommend you try a few less demanding classes before trying Flow

Yin Yoga

A slow paced, relatively passive, relaxing form. You move into a pose and hold it for quite a long time depending on your level of experience. Unlike most other forms, Yin is aimed at the deep connective tissues in our bodies as opposed to our muscles and bones. Its main benefits are increased flexibility and stress reduction. A Yin class can feel very boring at the start but by the end of the session, your body will feel wonderful. Its generally restoring and I do Yin if I’m feeling under the weather at all.

Ashtanga Yoga

A very demanding form of Yoga, I don’t recommend it for beginners unless you are very fit to start with. There is a set sequence of postures which are followed in every class. The postures are always linked with the breath and it also incorporates energy locks called bandhas. Regularly practised Ashtanga yoga builds overall body strength and flexibility. It is claimed that the internal heat generated improve circulation and help detoxify us as well.

Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra is yogic sleep. It is not actually being asleep but somewhere between very deep relaxation and sleep. You lie on the floor often covered with a blanket and follow the teacher’s words. You will be guided into and out of the session. Nidra sessions may be a little shorter than most yoga classes lasting between half an hour and 45 minutes. Most people can practice Nidra whatever their state of mental and physical health. Once you have done a few classes you will learn the ropes and can easily practice it by yourself if you wish.

Hot Yoga also known as Bikram

The sweaty side, the room is heated maybe 37 or 40 degrees depending on the studio. It is claimed that heat helps our flexibility. You will certainly sweat a lot which may help with detoxification. Bikram was the first person to introduce Hot Yoga to the west, claiming it replicated the temperatures in India. Bikram himself has now been discredited but this tradition is very popular with hardcore fitness seekers.

Kundalini Yoga

I have to admit that I find Kundalini a little strange although I know several people who really enjoy it. The aim of Kundalini is to balance the energy pathways in our body and the Chakras which are located along the spine. Once everything is in balance, the Kundalini energy can rise from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. This is something which needs to be guided by an experienced teacher in person for rather than following a class on the internet.

Whichever of these traditions appeal, I highly recommend that you talk to the teacher before attending the class to see if it is suitable for you.

Anne

Biography:

Anne Haile – Photographer, Yoga Teacher and sometimes she dabbles in antiques.

Anne started practising yoga 16 years ago and was quickly bitten by the bug. For many years she attended at least two classes a week. Wanting to delve deeper, she re-trained and has been teaching for three years now.  She teaches small groups of private clients, as she finds the unfit beginners soon get lost or overwhelmed in a large class environment.

Find her at AnnesPhotos.UK.  Anne gives away beautiful high-resolution digital images/stock photos when you sign up to her newsletter.

‘be present’ on the yoga mat

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Thank you so much Anne for the information about the different yoga traditions – I learnt something new reading this. I’ve tried a couple of Yoga Nidra and Astanga Yoga classes in the past. I’ve mostly practised Iyengar yoga.  I agree with Anne that Astanga isn’t for beginners/ I’d also stay away from Bikram/hot yoga as it’s the same postures repeated each class – and that’s definitely not what yoga is about.  Some postures wake you up, some make you sleepy, some are good for relaxation, some now.

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My Yoga Story

I started Iyengar yoga classes here in Manchester 15 years ago, until the times and locations didn’t fit with my life and work situation. I’ve continued to practise yoga most weeks since then – apart from when I had two back injuries (not from yoga!).  I write often about how yoga helps me to be ‘in the moment’, empty my head, breathe and numerous other benefits.  I’ll write in more detail about Iyengar yoga soon.  My osteoarthritis pain and stiffness would be much worse if I hadn’t done so much yoga before I was diagnosed five years ago.

• My yoga story – yoga helps me ‘be present’ 17 August 2018

Currently, I attend Sadhana Ali’s yoga classes in Eccles, who has been teaching yoga for over 12 years – she is an excellent highly qualified teacher and great beginner’s yoga and long time yogi’s. I go with My Chap, who loves it. He’s a keen hill runner.  I encouraged him to start yoga as he getting hamstring injuries.  He has been injury free since then, for three years – not bad for an old giffer ;-).

• www.sadhanayoga.co.uk

“Yoga allows you to find an inner peace that is not ruffled and riled by the endless stresses and struggles of life.” B.K.S Iyengar

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if you’d like to find an accredited yoga teacher near you:

• British Wheel of Yoga: www.bwy.org.uk – many styles of yoga here.
• Iyengar Yoga UK and Ireland – www.iyengaryoga.org.uk

There are other associations for the main forms of yoga so have a look online.

My main recommendation about finding a yoga class is to check that the teacher has undertaken assessed, long term training and discusses any injuries or health issues with you before the class. 

I hope Anne’s advice on beginner’s yoga and the different styles has helped you – go on give yoga a go 🙂

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Have you tried yoga? if you have what style? or would you like to try yoga?  Let me know how you get on?

Carpe Diem,

Love Bec 🙂