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Yoga Styles Decoded

Shape — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:34:24 PDT

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar.

Hatha Yoga

Origin: Introduced in 15th-century India by Hindu sage, Yogi Swatmarama, Hatha poses - Downward Facing Dog, Cobra, Eagle, and Wheel, for example - make up most yoga sequences practiced today.
Philosophy: The goal of Hatha yoga is to bridge the body and mind with the breath in a series of physical poses called asanas.
What to Expect: Prepare for a gentle routine that often includes Sun Salutations, balancing poses, forward bends, and back bends to work the body and focus the mind. These movements all lead up to the final relaxation - the blissful Savasana at the end of class.

Try it if…
… you want an easy-going class that will challenge without overwhelming.

Ashtanga Yoga

Origin: One of the oldest forms of yoga, Ashtanga yoga was first recorded in ancient Indian manuscripts, but brought to life by K. Pattabhi Jois, who has been teaching it since 1948. Ashtanga (which literally translates to eight-limbed yoga) is influenced by Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a yogic guideline for a meaningful life.
Philosophy: The Ashtanga technique is concerned with linking breath and movement - also known as Vinyasa. The advanced practice utilizes the dristi (the gaze) and the bandhas (internal body locks), which assist in holding the challenging poses of the sequence.
What to Expect: Think of traditional Ashtanga as the zen form of yoga. You'll flow from pose to pose with your breath - no props, no music, and no self-help lecturing - staying present in the moment. You'll earn your Savasana, the final relaxation pose, with plenty of arm strengthening chaturangas, inversions, and other advanced poses.
Try it if…
… you're looking for an old-school, kick-ass practice that's rooted in tradition rather than trend.

See even more styles of yoga decoded after the break!

Yoga Props Explained: Blocks

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 02:30:00 PDT

When I walked into my first few yoga classes, I was intrigued by all the blocks neatly stacked against the wall next to the perfectly rolled-up mats. I soon came to realize that those different sized blocks had many useful purposes.

Blocks are often used by beginners and those with injuries to help them modify certain postures, but they are also used by experienced and flexible yogis as tools to get deeper into poses. I'm a huge fan of blocks, and here's why:

Blocks can be used when doing standing poses to bring the ground closer to your hands if you can't quite reach yet.
Blocks can also be used in restorative poses to support your bones and the weight of your body. Iyengar and Kripalu classes often use blocks to deeply open certain parts of the body, or for relaxation poses.

Want to see how else you can use yoga blocks? Then

Blocks can also make poses more comfortable, especially in seated poses. Sitting on a block will bring your hips above your knees, reducing pain if there is too much pressure on a certain muscle or joint.
Placing a block beyond your reach can help you stretch your muscles even further, increasing flexibility.
You can also use blocks to makes poses more challenging. I like to work on more advanced poses such as inversions, and the blocks help to keep my hands (my base) steady.

Source, Source, and Source

Kinds of Yoga

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 03:00:00 PST

Deciding to try out a yoga class is really exciting, but it can also be confusing since there are so many different types. Here's a brief explanation of some popular kinds of yoga:

Ashtanga - Hot, fast-paced, same series of poses every 1 1/2 hour class. This style is great for runners, bikers, or anyone looking to really move and strengthen your entire body.

Jivamukti - Physically challenging with a strong focus on spiritually. You'll chant, meditate, and learn about yogic philosophy in this class.

Anusara - Grounded in spirituality, the poses are heart-oriented. Instead of trying to control the body and mind from the outside, the poses originate from a deep creative and devotional feeling inside.

Iyengar - Deep emphasis on correct body alignment, with the use of props like straps, blocks, bolsters, chairs, and blankets.

Vinyasa - Poses flow from one to another in conjunction with the breath, like a choreographed dance. Music is usually played and the class moves quickly incorporating a whole range of poses.

Bikram - The hottest yoga by far - you complete a series of 26 postures, twice, in a room heated to 100 degrees.

Kripalu - A gentler class that's great if you're looking to relieve stress, relax, and spend a lot of time moving deeper into poses.

Do you have a favorite type of yoga that I didn't mention? I'd love to hear all about it at Yoga Stretch and Tell.

Will Yoga Help Me Lose Weight?

Jenny Sugar — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 03:07:02 PST

Trying to slim down and wondering if yoga is the answer? In order to lose weight, you need to burn calories, and like anything physical, doing yoga can help you achieve that goal, but it depends on what style of yoga you do. You want to choose vigorous vinyasa, power, or ashtanga classes rather than slower-paced styles such as kripalu or iyengar. These classes move quickly so they really get your heart pumping - you can burn over 400 calories per 90-minute class! These styles also incorporate poses that strengthen your muscles, and more muscle mass also contributes to your caloric burn.

What about Bikram? While this style of yoga involves practicing in a super-hot room so you sweat your butt off, sweating alone isn't what results in dropping pounds. You'll experience water weight loss, but as soon as you rehydrate with a few gulps from your water bottle, you'll "gain" it right back.

Keep reading to find out how to get the greatest calorie burn from yoga.

Common Yoga Myths Busted

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:08:16 PDT

Yoga offers numerous health benefits, but there are some rumors about this ancient practice that need a little debunking. While it's obvious that regular Down Dogs won't cause instant enlightenment or help you live to 150, we'd like to dispel some persistent yoga myths before you step on your mat.

Hot Yoga Helps You Lose Weight
Certain types of yoga like Bikram and ashtanga are practiced in a heated room, and you end up sweating buckets. Weigh yourself after one of these intense classes, and after sweating so much you probably lost a couple pounds. This is only water weight and will quickly be "gained" back as soon as you rehydrate. While any type of exercise will help with weight loss, yoga is better for building muscle rather than burning calories. If it's pounds you're trying to drop, complement your yoga practice with cardio sessions.

It'll Give You Better Orgasms
Yoga improves sex right? Not exactly. I'm sorry to say hitting a few classes won't instantly turn you into a sex goddess and make your time under the sheets more satisfying. What practicing yoga can do is increase your flexibility, which increases your ability to try new and adventurous positions in the bedroom.

Continue reading to hear more yoga myths.

Skip the Prozac, Take a Downward Dog Instead

FitSugar — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 05:50:23 PDT

We've known for a while that exercise is a great way to combat stress and increase endorphins levels, but a new study says that the effects of yoga are even more profound when it comes to mental health. In a small study, practicing yoga produced higher levels of "mood improvement" in participants than other types of exercise. Researchers say it's because yoga seems to increase levels of GABA, a brain chemical that helps reduce depression.

Participants either practiced Iyengar yoga or went on walks, three times a week for an hour each time, totaling three months. Prior to starting the study all participants filled out mood questionnaires and underwent brain scans. At the end of the study, they did the same. Researchers found that participants who did yoga scored better on the mood questionnaires and had higher GABA levels. Though doctors say it is too early to replace drug therapy with yoga, these preliminary findings provide hope for alternative, in not complementary, therapy.

Alanis Morissette Does Camel on the Cover of Yoga Journal

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:51:52 PDT

Rock stars aren't typically the picture of health, but then again, Alanis Morissette isn't like most rockers. At age 37, she's made a lot of choices toward a more healthy lifestyle. The Canadian star has followed a vegan diet to help prevent cancer, completed a marathon to raise awareness about eating disorders, and now she's using yoga to rejuvenate and re-energize.

Way back in 1995, a young 21-year-old Alanis was thrown in the fire of stardom when she released her first album, Jagged Little Pill. Her busy and stressful schedule with traveling between shows and interviews was somewhat grueling, and she tells Yoga Journal, "I wanted to find a practice that was both physical and spiritual. Yoga was perfect for that. I felt like I was born to do yoga."

Keep reading to find out Alanis's favorite type of yoga.

Tips For Surviving Sweaty Summer Yoga Classes

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:01:12 PDT

Summertime heat means practicing yoga in an extremely hot and humid room that can make breathing unbearable - especially when the guy next to you forgot his deodorant. Who can focus on their drishti when sweat is pooling in their eyes? If you're not used to practicing in super high temps, you'll need to take some precautions to get through the 60- to 90-minute class without passing out. First, make sure to drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and bring an insulated water bottle with ice water with you to class. Sip your chilled water every 15 minutes or so to cool yourself down and prevent overheating.

Make your yoga outfit work for you and wear clothes made of lightweight, breathable material designed to wick moisture away from your skin. You'd think sporting less clothes, like spandex shorts and a sports bra, would be the perfect outfit for a sweaty practice, but you actually want material to cover your body. Slip on your regular tank top, but wear leggings on the bottom that cover your calves. Loose shorts or pants tend to trap heat, so make sure they're skintight. Pants or capris won't make you feel that much hotter than shorts, and they'll help absorb your perspiration, keeping puddles of sweat off your mat.

Speaking of your mat, some types become dangerously slick when wet. When it's really hot and humid, sweat may pour off your body like a leaky faucet, so invest in a rug or towel designed to go on top of your mat. It'll absorb dripping perspiration and offer a stable surface you can grip without slipping. Don't forget to bring along a hand towel to wipe sweat off your face and arms.

For more tips on enduring your hot and sweaty Summer yoga class, keep reading.