EVS
1. Make a project report on atleast 5 types of Yogasanas.
a Steps
b. Benefits
c. Precautions
Answers
Hatha yoga is a comprehensive term that includes all kinds of yoga that is based in physical practice. So that includes styles like Ashtanga and Iyengar but not Kriya, Raja, or Karma yoga that are not based on physical yoga practice. Hatha yoga is best if you are just starting out as the pace is far slower than the other styles. The practice involves having to hold a pose Hatha classes for a few breaths and focuses a lot of meditation and correct breathing and postures. You will also learn some essential relaxation techniques.
Iyengar yoga
Founded by B.K.S. Iyengar, this form of yoga is great for those who want to work on injuries and joint problems. It focuses on correct alignment of the body and very precise moves. These postures are held while holding your breath and the duration of each pose increases with expertise. The perfect pose is achieved with the help of props like traps, blocks, and blankets. This practice great improves stability, mobility , strength and flexibility.
Kundalini yoga
Kundalini yoga is one of those mysterious yoga practices that is as spiritual as it is physical. This form is physically demanding and mentally challenging and involves a lot of meditation, chanting, mudras and breathing exercises. The whole point if this style is to release the kundalini energy that is coiled in the lower spine. You have to do a lot of fast moving postures with periods of relaxation where you will be taught to pay attention to internal sensations and the flow of creative energy so that you can tap into your kundalini-shakti. This style is for those who are looking for more than a workout.
Ashtanga yoga
Popularised by celebrities worldwide, Ashtanga or the “eight limb path” is very physically demanding so you should not do this if you are a beginner or not in great physical shape. It involves doing multiple surynamaskars followed by standing and floor postures. There are six series of postures that have to be repeated in every class. This kind of yoga is also called Power Yoga and in this style you start with the primary series and then graduate to the next level when you have mastered it. It takes years of practice to master this form.
Vinyasa yoga
This is an offshoot of Ashtanga and also involves a number of athletic yoga postures and each movement is coordinated with one’s breath. This is also a very physically demanding practice. The pace is quick and you will not have to hold any one pose for too long. The key is to flow from one pose to the next so your heart rate gets pumping. Both Ashtanga and Vinyasa are great if your aim is to tone your body. It also works your core and upper body and gives you a cardio workout. This practice does not have a set structure and often depends on the teacher who might include some meditation and chanting.
Bikram yoga
Created by yoga guru Bikram Choudhury, the key feature of this practice is to do a set of poses in a room heated to 41 degrees centigrade and 40 percent humidity. In a 90-minute sequence there are 26 basic postures that are done twice and two breathing exercises. The heat makes you sweat excessively thereby getting your body rid of toxins while the postures work every part of your body and bring oxygenated blood to all your internal organs. Drink plenty of fluids to rehydrate.
Hot Yoga
The hot yoga style is very similar to that of Bikram yoga. Here too, postures are held in a heated room, however, it is not restricted to the 26-pose sequence. If you like a sweaty workout, this one is for you.
Kripalu yoga
If you are seeking spirituality through yoga then you should explore Kripalu yoga. The focus of the practice is less on hectic asanas but on self-reflection, pranayama, deep relaxation, and meditation. The aim is to destress the mind and body for better health and self-awareness. Not as rigid as the other practices, this one requires you to modify poses according to your body’s needs.