Hatha Yoga Or Iyengar Yoga For Flexibility

By Patricia | December 23, 2008
Hatha Yoga Or Iyengar Yoga For Flexibility

Which Type Of Yoga Will Make More Flexible

Yoga is becoming extremely popular with people across the world. There are numerous yoga studios and classes, and also various styles of yoga. You can choose from a whole list of yoga practices: Hatha yoga, Iyengar yoga, Asthanga yoga, Bikram yoga, Power yoga, and Vinyasa yoga. All these types of yoga have certain similarities, though in many ways they are different too. For instance, Hatha yoga is much gentler than Ashtanga yoga. Vinyasa yoga has flowing movements, where as, Bikram yoga is rigorous and done in high temperatures. So, while each of these forms is good for flexibility, since yoga is all about becoming more supple, you have to decide which form of yoga would you like to begin with.

Hatha yoga

Ha means sun and tha means moon in Sanskrit. This is a gentle, slow yoga and highly recommended for beginners. Hatha yoga is said to unify the body, soul and the mind. Many of the other forms of yoga are derived from Hatha yoga.

Asthanga yoga

Ashtanga, which means eight limbs in Sanskrit, is a vigorous and intense form of yoga. Each of the yoga sequences is connected to breath work. In this, you are constantly moving from one posture to another, and Ashtanga yoga tests your stamina and strength.

Power yoga

Derived from Ashtanga yoga, this is the western version of yoga. Another rigorous form of yoga, you are constantly on the move through the yoga session.

Iyengar yoga

Formulated by B.K.S Iyengar, this form of yoga is about correct posture and alignment of the body. Every posture is held for a longer time. Iyengar yoga also involves using props to help you do complicated postures.

Vinyasa yoga

An intense form of yoga, Vinyasa begins with Sun Salutation and moves on to more complicated, flowing postures and stretching.

Bikram yoga

Also known as hot yoga, this vigorous yoga is practiced in a room which is heated up to 105 degrees, with humidity of 40%. It has a sequence of 26 yoga postures, which loosen up the muscles and flush out the toxins.

Guidelines To Help You Decide

  • If you’re just starting out with yoga, we recommend that you attend a few yoga classes and try a few forms of yoga before picking out the style that will help you become more supple and will suit your body.
  • If you’d rather practice just one form of yoga, then you can try Hatha yoga, which is said to be ideal for beginners.
  • You may also try Iyengar yoga to help you develop a sense of alignment and balance as well as flexibility.
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