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Types Of Yoga
~ Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga Toronto ~
If you search for a yoga class in Toronto you will find many different types of yoga. If you are new to Yoga, then the multitude of yoga styles may lead to you wonder, which style would be best suited for you. Below are short descriptions of some of the more popular styles of yoga. I will update the list over time.
Anusara Yoga
Anusara yoga was founded by John Friend in 1997. Anusara Yoga means, “flowing with grace”. It is a school of yoga built on the traditions and spirit of Hatha Yoga. Anusara yoga places an emphasis on celebrating the heart and seeking that which is good in us and others. Differences in body types, abilities, flexibility, and experience are welcomed and honoured in Anusara Yoga.
Classes usually begin with a centering exercise which r power of the universal spirit within all of us. Classes may also center on a theme of a spiritual nature. Anusara yoga emphasizes proper alignment and coordination of movement with the breath. This method of yoga has been developed to meet the needs of children, teenagers, adults and seniors.
There are some teachers and yoga studios teaching Anusara yoga in Toronto.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga was founded by K. Pattabhi Jois. This system of yoga is taught worldwide. Ashtanga yoga is a more physically demanding or athletic form of yoga. Traditionally Ashtanga yoga was taught as series of predefined postures. Yoga students would begin with the primary series and progress to more advanced series over time. The Mysore Style of teaching refers to the way Ashtanga yoga was originally taught. Students would practice their predefined series of yoga poses at their own pace while the teacher walked around the room and assisted students individually. Within Toronto most Ashtanga style classes are no longer taught in a Mysore style but rather taught as yoga teacher led classes.
Ashtanga yoga is quite popular with those who wish to practice a physically vigorours style of yoga. There are several Asthanga yoga studios located in most areas of Toronto.
Bikram Yoga
This form of yoga was founded by Bikram Choudhury. Bikram yoga is also a more physically challenging form of yoga performed in heated rooms. ( Hot Yoga) This form of yoga consists of a series of 26 postures which is repeated at every class. If you want a good workout and wish to give hot yoga a try then Bikram yoga maybe what you are looking for. There are several hot yoga studios in Toronto some of which teach in the Bikram style.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is a gentler form of yoga that emphasizes slower transitions between poses. Poses are typically held for longer term periods and there is a greater emphasis on incorporating the breath into the postures. For those that are interested, the word "Ha" means Sun and the word "tha" means Moon. Hatha Yoga was introduced in the 15th century by Yogi Swatmarama. Hatha Yoga is very popular and widely available within Toronto. Most yoga studios in Toronto will offer some Hatha Yoga classes.
Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu yoga is a form of yoga developed by Swami Kripalu. Its main center is located at the Kripalu Center of Yoga and Health in Stockbridge Massachusetts.
Kripalu yoga is a type of Hatha Yoga with the mission of making yoga available to everyone. There are several areas of emphasis within this style, which differentiate it from other styles of yoga. Warming up the body through simple and easy to perform postures are encouraged prior to engaging in formal yoga practice. This serves the purpose of preparing the body to enter more intense postures and greatly reduces the risk of injury. It also serves the purpose of allowing individuals to more easily enter yoga postures. A second area of emphasis within the Kripalu Yoga tradition is the focus on teaching students to listen and observe their own bodies. Through a heightened connection and awareness of their bodies students learn to adapt yoga postures to their own bodies shape, abilities and limitations. This allows the Kripalu Yoga student to find success, joy and benefits in performing yoga in a way that meets their needs. The result of this methodology is that yoga now becomes accessible to those of all body types, and ages including seniors.
www.kripalu.org