Now its no secret to those who know me that I'm a yoga addict. My lifestyle largely consists of yoga and yogi-related activities such as lighting candles, meditating and having bubble baths. I very much follow the lifestyle of a stereotypical yogi. But, the lifestyle that goes along with doing yoga isn't a necessity and the activity itself is definitely for everyone! I've summarised all the different types of yoga I've done with recommendations regarding who each style would be suitable for! Enjoy! xo
Ashtanga Yoga
The first ever yoga class I attended was an Ashtanga beginners class at my University, with teacher Rob Leadley. I've been doing ashtanga on and off for three years now but it remains the class I always find myself going back to. Ashtanga yoga follows a specific set sequence, I've been doing the Primary Series. Its a flowing practice, where you follow your breath, developing ujjayi breath and bandhas, engaging your core. Ashtanga is a full body workout and its incredibly relaxing! Once you know the routine and you're familiar with the postures, its mainly a focus on the movements and the breath and you don't get distracted by thinking about what comes next, which is what I love so much about it.
Dynamic Balance
Dynamic Balance is, I believe, similar to what's known as 'Power Yoga' and is more of a fast-paced workout than any other style of Yoga I've tried. Dynamic Balance was also taught to me by Rob Leadley, at the York University Yoga Society. The class is done to music, with a beat. I like the music because it acts, for me, as a focus and distracts you from the aches of holding difficult postures. Dynamic balance is definietley good for people who like to feel strong, empowered and like they have done good for their bodies.
Yin Yoga
I also discovered Yin Yoga whilst at uni, with teacher Alex. You can read a blog post detailing my first impressions here. Yin Yoga is very much a meditation-focussed practise, transitioning through a small number of postures for a longer length of time, all whilst focussing your mind on the breath. Yin yoga is the best for people in an anxious state of mind, or those of you who, like me, have a tendency to overthink and fixate on things, getting wound up. Although all yoga is great for setting your mind free, yin is certainly the most meditative that I've tried.
Vinyasa Flow
For me, Vinyasa Flow is the most varied and generic style of yoga I've tried and covers everything from sun salutations to arm balances. I attended a flow Yoga class at Uni, with teacher Alice Trew, who was training at the time. I also have the Total Yoga DVD collection - which is vinyasa flow based - that I use for my at home practice. Vinyasa focuses on movement with the breath, funnily enough, in a flowing way. It can be done with or without music and is incredibly versatile. I think its a good class for beginners, if you're not sure what type of yoga you'd like then this all rounder is a good place to start!
Ananda Yoga
I discovered the joys of Ananda Yoga in my final year of uni, and was taught by Mandie Lou. I feel like this style of yoga is the one that has been of most benefit to me mentally. Its generally a mixture of Hatha yoga and Vinyasa Flow. I've never actually tried Hatha Yoga so I can't comment on that, but Ananda yoga is again quite varied. Classes often do have a focus on meditation and breathing, much like yin, but is also dynamic in parts. Some classes involve Dancing Warrior sequences, others have more of a gentle focus. Its also often done to my favourite kind of music - calming acoustic covers and the like. I would recommend this class to anyone who suffers from depression!
Yoga in general has honestly changed my life, I can't live without it now. As a lifelong sufferer of Anxiety, I have something that I can focus on to let go of everything that's niggling away at me. I love all of the styles of yoga I've tried and I think they all compliment one another marvellously. Some are amazing for toning and exercise, some are amazing as a form of stretching and meditating, but ALL are amazing for stress release, better sleep and a wonderful quality of life.
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Thank you for reading,
Peace and Love xo
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