Yoga question answered

I am keen to introduce regular yoga sessions into my exercise routine, but I’m a little bit confused about the various different types of yoga, such as Hatha and Ashtanga. Can you explain this to me and which one would be best for me to gain general fitness benefits?

 Like you, I have also felt very confused at times with the variety of different Yoga styles that are offered today. Especially with my years of experience with Yoga in the U.S, where you can find the most interesting styles and combinations ever imagined. What is even more confusing is that many of the different “types” or “branches” of yoga claim to be the “correct” one.  Yoga, especially in India, is much more than just the exercises but rather a lifestyle.

But I feel strongly that there is no right or wrong in the world of Yoga. The end result is always the same: a more flexible physical body, a calmer mind and a softer heart, through concentration and the control of the mind. Combined, these should provide the general fitness benefits that you are seeking.

Hatha is any form of Yoga which focuses on the postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama). Variations of Hatha yoga include, Ashtanga classes, which are quite strenuous and powerful, while Iyengar-style classes emphasize absolute correct alignment during each pose held for a longer duration. Vinyasa Yoga, on the other hand, creates a flow between each pose, with the breath as the tool to connect and align, more with your heart than with your big toe.

Personally I would recommend that you try the different styles.  Have an open mind and an open heart. Often a student will start with a specific yoga style and then move naturally into another style, eventually finding the one that best suits their individual needs. So instead of differentiating among the various systems, they become a union, which is the basic meaning of Yoga.