From hatha to vinyasa, the practice of yoga is vast and varied for the beginners so sit back relax and enjoy our guide to finding which style will work for you. "Have you tried yoga?" Is a common response when telling friends you're stressed. Much like long walks, warm baths and steamy cups of tea, it's a go-to for relaxation and recuperation, stretching out the knots of hardened worries.
While traditionally evokes imagery of dimmed lights and downward dogs, the practice is hugely varied, with different teachers drawing on numerous styles including hatha, vinyasa, Iyengar, ashtanga, yin and more. Originating in Northern India more than 5,000 years ago, the word yoga was first seen in the ancient Hindu sacred texts 'Rig Veda'. Since its globalisation over the last century, it has evolved massively to be more focused on movement and physical postures.
At the core of every type of yoga are poses known as asanas, which can range from calming, like the child's pose, to vigorous - handstand scorpion, anyone? Although, with so many different terms and types, it can become a bit of a minefield for beginners to figure out where to start. “The best is the one that works for you,” said Tim Senesi, who has been teaching yoga in California for the last 22 years. “There are many different paths leading toward the same aim.
” Here's a guide to some of the most popular styles of yoga and their different intensity levels. While it might mean 'force', hatha is actually very gentle and a.
