about yoga

yoga styles

teaching style

about yoga

In the midst of so −called “yoga boom”, you might see or hear the word “yoga” everywhere. Because of the popularity yoga has gained in recent years, more and more people are taking an interest in yoga. Here is my attempt to explain a little about yoga :)

First of all, the word yoga means “union” in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. You can say that yoga is a state in which the mind, body and spirit are united and become one.

What we know of "yoga" can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word asana which means pose or seat and it refers to physical practices of yoga.

Asana is only one of the eight "limbs" of yoga, the majority of which are more concerned with mental and spiritual well being than physical activity. Yoga is therefore not a mere exercise, but far deeper than that. But the reality is that the words asana and yoga are often used more or less synonymously except in India.

When you think of yoga, stretching is the word you most probably come up with first. But while yoga requires stretching of muscles, its true purpose is to create balance in the body by developing both strength and flexibility. Through the practice of poses each of which has specific physical benefits, you will be able to obtain all rounded health in the real sense.

yoga styles

Nowadays many different styles of yoga are offered at yoga studios and sports clubs all over the world. For instance, Hatha is a very general term that can cover many of the physical types of yoga. Normally Hatha class is slow-paced and gentle and it provides a good introduction to the basic yoga poses.

Whereas Vinyasa Flow tends to be a more vigorous style based on the performance of a series of poses called Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations) in which movement is matched to the breath. Vinyasa means breath-synchronized movement.

Ashtanga, which means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit, is a style of yoga spread to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Its characteristic is seen in Vinyasa and the way a set series of poses is performed, always in the same order. Ashtanga is physically demanding because of the constant movement from one pose to the next, a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs.

Power Yoga has been evolved from Ashtanga and it has many Ashtanga characteristics. It does not, however, necessarily follow the set Ashtanga series of poses.

Another popular style is Iyengar which is based on the teachings of B.K.S Iyengar. This style of yoga is most concerned with bodily alignment. It means that your body should be positioned in the precise way in each pose in order to obtain the maximum benefits and avoid injury. Iyengar class usually emphasizes holding poses over long periods and it also encourages the use of props such as blocks and straps, in order to bring the body into alignment.

The aforementioned styles could be all described as yang style of yoga and they emphasize internal heat, and the lengthening and contracting of our muscles, while Yin Yoga targets the connective tissues, such as the ligaments, bones, and even the joints of the body that normally are not exercised very much in a yang style of asana practice.

To relieve chronic stress, Restorative Yoga is considered very beneficial. In Restorative Yoga class, mainly supine or reclining poses are performed. By supporting the body comfortably with props, the body is alternately stimulated and relaxed to move toward balance.

The above are just a few examples of yoga styles and there are many more styles widely available. One thing for sure is that regardless of age, body type, life style and personality, you can easily find a style of yoga that will best suit you.

teaching style

My teaching style is versatile - from Gentle Yoga suitable to beginners, Restorative Yoga for relaxation, Hatha Yoga for all abilities to the more dynamic style of yoga such as Vinyasa Flow and Ashtanga.

I believe that yoga should be accessible to everyone - there is a style of yoga which suits every one of us regardless of age, life style, body type and personality. So why are you still waiting? Let’s begin yoga!