The Ultimate guide to choosing a Yoga Style
Feeling overwhelmed by the big, beautiful world of Yoga? Trying to navigate yourself through the many different Yoga Style variations? Confused of which Yoga Style to choose for your Yoga Teacher Training Certification? Follow this guide to find the perfect Yoga Style for you!
Firstly, let’s discuss what exactly is yoga?
Yoga derives from the Sanskrit root “yuj”, meaning “to join” or “unite”. It can be loosely translated as union of the individual atma (soul) with Paramatma (the universal soul), by integration of body, mind and spirit. Yoga is an ancient holistic system of health and self-development that is composed of eight elements including Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. Asanas are the physical exercise of yoga practice. Asana postures not only increase our flexibility, strength and balance, but also lead us on the path to self realisation, awareness and compassion.
What are the benefits of Yoga Asanas?
● Increase flow of circulation
● Nourish nerves with necessary nutrients and oxygen
● Aid digestive system
● Detoxify organs
● Improve insomnia
● Improve energy levels
● Reduce injury and stress
● Improve posture
● Mindfulness and inner peace
The main Yoga Style categories include:
Classical Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga Vinyasa and Therapeutic Yoga.
Regardless of the Yoga Style, regular practice will see many improvements in physical health and mindfulness. On Mahi Yoga, Yoga Teacher Training Certification Courses, our students learn about the following main four Yoga Style variations.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is an ancient form of yoga, from which most of the modern day yoga style variations have adapted and developed. ‘Ha’ means sun, and represents the never changing soul (like the never changing brightness of the sun), heat and masculine energy. ‘Tha’ means moon, and represents our fluctuating mind (like the changing phases of the moon), coolness and feminine energy.
In Hatha Yoga style we aim to balance these energies through awareness, strength and stretching. Hatha comprises of gentle asanas, without any flow between poses. These classes often move a little slower, with the chance to really understand each posture. Pranayama (breathing techniques) are also a very important aspect of Hatha Yoga practice. If you have just started your yoga journey, or want to build flexibility and strength while minimising the chance of injury, this Yoga Style is a great option for you!
On Mahi Yoga 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification our teachers instruct Hatha yoga in detail, explaining how to practice, instruct, observe and adjust correctly.
Therapeutic Yoga
Therapeutic Hatha yoga style is based on the B.K.S. Iyengar yoga tradition, and has an emphasis on detail, precision and alignment in the performance of Asana and Pranayama. Iyengar yoga does not flow through a sequence of asanas, but instead incorporates the use of props which allows practitioners to perform Asanas with the correct alignment. This minimises the risk of injury or strain, and makes the practice accessible to both young and old. Therapeutic yoga assists individuals facing health challenges, and aims to bring strength, mobility and stability to the body. At all Mahi Yoga Teacher Training Certification Courses individual attention is paid to students who have some physical troubles and special asanas are taught to overcome their problems. If you would like to learn more about the alignment and foundation of postures, this Yoga Style is for you!
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Ashtanga yoga translates to “eight-limbed yoga”, and is a fast-paced, intense flowing Yoga Style rediscovered by Pattabhi Jois in the 1930’s.
Ashtanga Vinyasa combines Asanas with Ujjayi breathing, Bandha energy locks, and Dristhi eye gaze, to create a practice that synchronises rhythmic breathing with movement. Traditionally there are six series which are practiced each day of the week, with Sunday being a rest day. Each series is a set sequence of asanas, always in the same order, with one asana systematically preparing the practitioner for the next. Ashtanga Yoga Style connects breath with movement, creating a continuous flow of energy which heats, brings oxygen to the blood, nourishes organs and detoxifies the body. If you enjoy a fast-paced, energising flow, this is the Yoga Style for you!
On Mahi Yoga 200 hour On Mahi Yoga, Yoga Teacher Training Certification our teachers instruct the Primary series of Ashtanga Vinyasa in detail.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa yoga style is a power flow practice that synchronises breath with a series of postures through sun salutations. Vinyasa is derived from the Ashtanga Vinyasa system, Vinyasa Yoga Style incorporates space for creativity and focus on particular areas of the body.
Vinyasa connects Ujjayi breathing with a continuous flow from one posture to the next, allowing the practice to be a beautiful moving meditation on impermanence. The breath is used as an anchor to the movement, which builds heat, burns toxins, and creates a balance between strength, flexibility and stretching.
On Mahi Yoga, Yoga Teacher Training Certification Courses, our students practice Vinyasa Flow under the guidance of experienced teachers. Paying close attention to the creative sequencing process.
Indecisive on which Yoga Style is for you?
Mahi Yoga School incorporates all four Yoga Style variations in the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification, giving practitioners a deeper understanding and expansion of knowledge of all yoga techniques. This is not only invaluable for individual practice, but for your future students too!
Whether you want to deepen your own practice, or teach Yoga classes across the globe, the Yoga Teacher Training Certification in Dharamshala at Mahi Yoga School is the place for you.
Come and explore the path of yoga with us!
We believe, Asana Yoga practice is a beautiful method that connects the body, mind and spirit. It not only strengthens our physical body, but also brings peace to the mind, and prepares the body for deeper spiritual practices such as meditation.
Remember that Yoga is not limited to the mat… it is a way of life and a beautiful inner journey.
“Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.” – B.K.S. Iyengar