Best type of Yoga: Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar or Vinyasa?

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Best type of yoga

Source: Composite by G_marius based on Oleg Klementiev´s images

Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar and Vinyasa are different types of yoga. Which style do you prefer?

On netivist, we have open debates about the best way of running, fitness programmes or Latin dances, and now want to contrast different Yoga styles

Best type of Yoga

Yoga refers to the physical and mental practices and disciplines that aim to transform body and mind. Yoga exercises are becoming increasingly popular due to the several benefits they provide (for example lower blood pressure, increased strength, reduced anxiety). There are many different styles of Yoga, among them some of the most popular nowadays are Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar and Vinyasa:

  • Ashtanga is a type of Yoga recorded by the sage Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta. Ashtanga means "eight limbs" in reference to eight elements: Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), Yama (abstinences), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Niyama (self-purification), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), and Samadhi (contemplation). Every practice of Ashtanga Yoga follows the same sequence of postures.
  • Bikram is a type of yoga founded by the famous yoga teacher Bikram Choudhury who took inspiration from traditional Hatha Yoga. Bikram yoga sessions usually run for 90 minutes and consist of the same routines of 26 postures or "asanas" and two breathing exercises. Bikram Yoga is practiced in a hot (40 °C / 104 °F) and humid (40%) room. Official Bikram classes are taught by Yoga teachers, who have obtained a certificate after completing nine weeks of training oversight by Choudhury.
  • Iyengar is a style of Yoga named after the prestigious yoga teacher B. K. S. Iyengar. Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga that put great emphasis on the coordination of breath and postures. Precision and detail are core to Iyengar Yoga. It often makes use of blankets, belts and blocks to facilitate the asanas.
  • Vinyasa is also a Yoga system derived from hatha yoga. Vinyassa Yoga is usually faster paced tham most other styles of yoga. Moreover the asanas, are linked together in a series of movements. These movements are synchronized with the breath, which is a core part of this Yoga style. Usually, downward movements coincide with exhalations and upward movements correlate with inhalations.

 

   

 

Best type of yoga: Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar or Vinyasa?  Vote, share your yoga experiences and explain why would you recommend one among these styles.



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Best type of Yoga: Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar or Vinyasa?




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