| “The yoga with which most people in the United States are familiar is commonly referred to as hatha yoga, a physical practice that has hard and soft elements to it — postures that stretch and challenge alongside postures that relax and restore.” |
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 Vinyasa yoga is sometimes also referred to as vinyasa flow yoga and draws from the Ashtanga tradition in its emphasis on linking poses with the breath and moving steadily throughout the practice. However, Vinyasa classes do not move through pre-set sequences as in Ashtanga. Vinyasa teachers sequence classes to build up to a ‘peak pose’ by systematically working the muscles that will be required to achieve it. For those who are relatively injury-free, this style of yoga can be appropriate even for a beginner.
Bikram yoga is named after its charismatic founder, Bikram Choudhury. As in Ashtanga, Bikram practitioners repeat a set sequence of breathing exercises and postures in every class. Like Vinyasa flow, the Bikram series is designed to prepare the body posture by posture for the culminating pose; however, this preparation is not flowing as in Ashtanga or Vinyasa. The most unique, and controversial, aspect of Bikram yoga is its use of a heated room with the temperature set in the range of 90-104 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat is used to increase sweating and detoxification, while adding to students’ flexibility. Many practitioners love the sequence and the heated room, but this practice is not for everyone. Beginners may find this style difficult as there is little modification suggested and props are generally not available. Additionally, the heat may be uncomfortable for some.
Whatever yoga style you wish to try, it is important to look for a teacher that has a good background in anatomy and has been through some training specifically designed for yoga teachers. While gyms do offer yoga and some have excellent yoga teachers on staff, it may be best to go to a studio that specializes in this discipline. Such a studio is likely to offer classes designed for beginning students, and these classes will help to prevent injury and provide a good foundation upon which to build a consistent practice. Carefully choosing a style of yoga appropriate for your fitness level and health status along with a qualified teacher will make all the difference in whether or not you experience the tremendous physical and mental benefits of this ancient body-mind practice.
Ashley Cleveland, MA, DC, is Provost and Associate Professor at Cleveland Chiropractic College–Kansas City and teaches yoga in Kansas City. |
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