What is Yoga?

Yoga is a branch of Indian philosophy. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, meaning union and refers to the union of the individual self with the universal consciousness as well as the union of the physical body with the mind and spirit. The ultimate goal is to transcend the limitations of the ego and reach a state of enlightenment. There are several different paths of yoga with each one approaching the ultimate goal of self-realization in a different way.

Yoga brings balance, serenity and physical health to the practicing student by working the body, observing the breath and quieting the mind.  It helps develop strength, endurance and flexibility of body, mind, and spirit. Although there are many different approaches to yoga, the basic yoga teachings include nonviolence, truthfulness, compassion, awareness, tolerance and integrity.

The discipline of hatha yoga—the physical aspect of yoga—was originally developed as a vehicle for meditation. This system of hatha yoga prepared the body, particularly the nervous system, for stillness, creating the necessary physical strength and stamina that allowed the mind to remain calm during meditation.

Today many people come to yoga through the practice of poses (asanas) and are often pleasantly surprised at the wealth of benefits that arise (better sleep, less stress, fuller breaths, greater joy) in addition to building stronger, more flexible bodies.

Learn About the Different Types of Yoga

Some of the commonly practiced forms of hatha yoga include:

• Ashtanga (“Power”) Yoga – a distinct form of practice that is dynamic and physically demanding. The postures or asanas are connected to one another by a flowing series of movements called vinyasa. This powerful and vigorous practice purifies and realigns the body clearing energy channels blocked by years of stress and arouses the internal fire helping to cleanse, detoxify and strengthen the body. The synchronization of movements with breath awakens the mind-body-soul connection establishing consistent states of balance, inner peace, and well-being.
• Bikram Yoga - typically a 90-minute class consisting of 26 postures (asanas) and two breathing exercises, each performed twice.  In the Bikram yoga class, the 26 postures are always performed in sequence, each posture made more effective by building on the ones before it. Bikram yoga is practiced in a heated room (recommended temperature is 105 degrees with 60% humidity) to warm muscles, which allows you to work deeper in a shorter amount of time, seeing results faster.  Heat is thought to take the trauma out of stretching and heals and helps prevent injuries.   Sweating is believed to help flush toxins from your body. For more complete information, visit www.bikramyoga.com
• Iyengar Yoga - classical hatha yoga based on the teachings of living yoga master BKS Iyengar. Iyengar yoga is the safe, orderly, progressive practice of postures (asanas) which focus on developing strength, flexibility, stamina and balance within the practitioner. This approach emphasizes precise alignment and the use of props to enable all students to benefit from the effects of poses.
• Kundalini Yoga – considered the “yoga of awareness” where everyone can do it. This is an ancient and synergistic form of yoga practiced for centuries in India and the East. It incorporates the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of yoga into a cohesive and integrated system. Much of Kundalini Yoga was kept secret until Yogi Bhajan first came to America in 1969. It is dynamic in it's practice, vast in practical information and powerful in it's experience For more information, visit www.3ho.org
• Viniyoga – a gentle approach to Yoga that adapts the various means and methods of practice to the unique condition, needs and interests of each individual - giving each practitioner the tools to individualize and actualize the process of self-discovery and personal transformation. It evolved out of the teachings transmitted by T. Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar of Madras, India. The practice includes breathing, postures and spiritual and philosophical teaching. For more information visit www.viniyoga.com.
• Vinyasa Yoga - popular, evolving form of traditional hatha yoga thatfocuses on integrating breath and movement, awareness and alignment, strength and flexibility, your practice with your daily life. Likened to a dynamic dance, postures or asanas are connected through the breath for a transformative and balancing effect.