Yoga - it's got styles

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Yoga - it's got styles

By Jay Blahnik, Special to The Times

http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-

matters10sep10,1,2051389.story

Yoga, which originated in India more than 5,000 years ago, is

derived from the classical Sanskrit word for " union " and can provide

a host of physical and mental benefits. There are many forms of

yoga, but most classes available in the U.S. include breathing

techniques (pranayama), postures/poses (asanas) and meditation

(dhyana).

The breathing techniques can help you execute the poses, reduce

stress and even lower your blood pressure. The poses will make you

stronger and more flexible and burn calories. The meditation (not to

be confused with prayer) was designed to keep the mind free from

such things as cravings, aversion, agitation and doubt, but might

simply provide quiet time to reflect on your day or life.

This combination helps the participant connect the body and mind and

is unique to almost any other form of exercise, which probably

explains its growing popularity in our fast-paced world.

Traditional yoga studios tend to focus on yoga as a significant part

of a healthy lifestyle, and often provide resources for vegetarian

eating, whole-food shopping and conservation.

Gyms or community centers offering yoga take a more contemporary

approach, focusing primarily on the physical fitness benefits of

yoga.

Like any other group activity, the experience is highly dependent

upon the instructor, his or her personality and the type of yoga.

Here are the five most common:

* Hatha yoga, an easy-to-learn basic form of yoga, is the primary

foundation for the other types of yoga listed here. Regardless of

the level, classes move at a gentle and slow pace, providing a calm

and quiet environment that is noncompetitive and that emphasizes

control and grace.

* Iyengar yoga may be the most popular, specific form of yoga

practiced in the United States. Poses are held for a longer

duration, and the focus is on fine-tuning each position with

accuracy and awareness. These classes often provide or allow the use

of blocks, straps, belts and blankets to make it easier to execute

each position, and they accommodate a variety of fitness levels and

special needs.

* Vinyasa yoga synchronizes one's breathing with the poses, and

participants may move from one position to the next on an inhale or

exhale. This style is often called " flow yoga " because of the smooth

way each of the poses runs together, almost like a dance. This style

is often typified by one of the most famous yoga sequences called

the sun salutation, which will almost always be included in some

form or another in a vinyasa yoga class.

* Ashtanga yoga is a form of vinyasa yoga but much more athletic and

challenging. Faster-paced and fairly intense, it emphasizes specific

sequences, with constant movement from one pose to the next.

Participants can almost always work at their own pace, but this is

not the best type of yoga for a beginner. Ashtanga yoga is great for

people with a bit of experience who find faster-paced activity more

enjoyable or engaging. A generic version of ashtanga yoga is often

called power yoga and provides a similar athletic approach but

without using the same specific sequences as ashtanga yoga.

* Bikram yoga is practiced in an environment where the temperature

is 95 to 100 degrees. Not for the faint of heart, this style of yoga

uses the heat to promote intense sweating designed to loosen tight

muscles and facilitate " cleansing " of the body. Sometimes this style

is called hot yoga and does not follow the exact sequence of poses

as Bikram yoga, which is unique to that name brand.

Regardless of where you take classes or the style you choose, don't

be afraid to ask instructors or facility managers for guidance.

They can direct you to the best instructor and class based upon your

interests, skills and abilities, and most are extremely welcoming to

beginners. Some facilities even provide a free class to newcomers,

or special sessions designed to help get you started.