YOGA FOR BEGINNERSBikram Yoga
Created by Bikram Choudhury, Bikram Yoga is a set
sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. It
is meant to restore the body to its proper working order,
creating a sense of good health, proper weight, muscle tone,
and flexibility. Bikram Yoga is practiced under a strict set of
guidelines, which includes a room heated to 105 degrees
with 40 percent humidity. Only teachers who have trained
under Bikram can teach the Bikram method.
Kriya Yoga
Kriya yoga is an ancient system brought to the West by
Paramahansa Yogananda. Kriya is a system of meditation
using breath, concentration, and a meditation technique
meant to accelerate one’s spiritual growth. It focuses on
controlling the breath.
Raja Yoga
Raja yoga is sometimes referred to as Royal yoga. It is known
as the yoga of the mind. The premise of the practice is this:
The mind controls the world. Controlling the mind makes it
possible to control the world around us. The biggest part of
the practice is meditation. Other techniques are included,
such as asana and breath work. These are meant to teach
practitioners to calm their minds and bring them to one
point of focus.
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar is based on the eight limbs of yoga described in
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Founded by BKS Iyengar in 1937,