In Ashtanga, as taught to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois by Krishnamacharaya in Mysore, India, there are six set sequences which are gradually worked through under the strict guidance of a teacher. The Ashtanga method encourages daily vinyasa practice, a breathing practice called Ujjayi and core work involving moolha bandha (engagement of the pelvic floor) and uddiyana banda (contraction of the lower abdominals).
What are the benefits? 'Ashtanga is physically challenging and very effective,' says Sally. Aids concentration, endurance, strength and balance.
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What is Iyengar yoga? The hugely popular Iyengar method was developed by B.K.S Iyengar in Pune, India. Another former student of Krishnamacharaya, Iyengar is known for his use of props such as yoga blocks, blankets and bolsters to help the body move into perfect alignment.
What are the benefits? 'Iyengar yoga is great for people with injuries or who are new to yoga as the detailed instruction sets you up with an effective foundation that can be applied to any yoga style,' says Sally. 'Classes will get stronger as you progress and teachers tend to take a strict approach to their teaching, but often with excellent results.'
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What is Anusara yoga? Created by John Friend who was a student of B.K.S Iyengar, Anusara yoga focuses on alignment of the body and intertwines yoga philosophy into its teachings. Mainly derived from the Tantric teachings of yoga, Anusara teaches that all beings are inherently good whilst yoga postures emphasise opening your heart.
What are the benefits? 'Expect a spiritual, fun, positive and light hearted class,' Sally says. 'Anusara is still challenging however with a lot of alignment work as well as vinyasa flows.'
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What is Scaravelli yoga? 'Vanda Scaravelli, an Italian teacher who was also trained by B.K.S Iyengar, had a different approach to yoga than her peers. With amazing awareness of physics and how the body is affected by its surrounding environment, Scaravelli's method works on the premise that all movement and tension originates from the spine, and once we both relax and strengthen the spine by working with it, we will feel renewed energy and ease within the body,' Sally explains.
What are the benefits? Scaravelli yoga is slow and analytical. It will teach you alignment and help you to move with ease.
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What is Kundalini yoga? This mystical style of yoga was brought to the west in the 1960s by Yogi Bhajan who founded the Healthy, Happy and Holy Organisation. Chanting and 'Kriyas' are used with the aim of cleansing the mind and body. The Kriyas are positions that are held for several minutes while a strong breathing technique is practiced.
What are the benefits? 'The thinking behind this approach is that your 'Kundalini' (powerful energy from the base of your spine) will be released to work its way through the chakras, ultimately bringing you joy and enlightenment,' Sally says. 'Kundalini is not for those who simply want a physical work out. As with all yoga, it is useful to attend Kundalini with and open heart and mind.'
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What is Bikram yoga? This is the original hot yoga method innovated by living yogi Bikram Choudhury. The Bikram method uses a set sequence of twenty six postures all of which are done twice. The class is held in a room heated to a toasty 40 degrees.
What are the benefits? 'Expect a hot and strong class that takes no prisoners,' says Sally. 'Bikram yoga emphasises being strong and focused whilst in class and as a result the method has a big following of young professionals and 'type A' personalities. Having said that, Bikram himself believes that it is never too late to start his method of yoga and that anyone with the right commitment will benefit.' Bikram yoga is said to detox the whole body as well as building strength and endurance.
Posted By: Ben Iyoha
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