Madonna, Meg Ryan and Ricky Martin swear by it, so what can yoga do for your health, and which type is the perfect fit for you?
With so many different types of yoga out there, it can be tricky trying to pick one! Qualified personal trainer and yoga instructor Kristi Lees has practised and taught most of them.
"I think in general, all yoga has the same benefits; it's more [a question of] what type would suit the person to get the results," Lees says.
"Obviously the more active types (Bikram, Ashtanga, Power and Vinyasa) are going to be more toning/fat burning, while the slower types (Iyengar, Sivanada) will be more meditative and relaxing.
"There are benefits in both [active and slower] types though — you can still 'tone' in an Iyengar class for example. Also, all yoga has a meditative aspect; that was the original point of it."
Om, what is it?
Yoga is a 3000-year-old Indian philosophy, exercise, way of life and health routine designed to connect your mind with your body and spirit through breathing techniques, meditation and health-promoting postures (asanas).
Decisions, decisions! Yoga styles laid bare
Ashtanga yoga
Breath is harmonised with a series of progressive postures to produce intense internal heat, and a purifying sweat that detoxifies organs and muscles.
Seventy-five poses are performed in 1.5-2 hours, starting with the "primary" postures (concentrating on alignment), and working up through a series of "grades" as strength and flexibility builds.
Health and fitness benefits
- Tones the body (think Madonna — she does Ashtanga yoga!)
- Improves circulation
- Realigns the spine
- Calms the mind
- Detoxifies
- Builds strength, stamina and flexibility
More info: www.ashtanga.com
Bikram yoga
A series of 26 postures in a 38°C room! "The sequence of postures is designed to stretch, strengthen and prepare specific muscles, ligaments and joints needed for the next posture," says Bikram yoga instructor and Yoga Tree Melbourne director, Mili Crncevic.
"The method then also stimulates the organs, glands, and nerves, moving fresh oxygenated blood to 100 percent of the body, restoring all systems to a healthy working order. This, combined with a hot room, helps you flush toxins from your body."
Health and fitness benefits
- Promotes weight loss
- Reduces stress
- Increases vitality, energy, relaxation, concentration and mental clarity
- Keeps joints supple
- Increases blood circulation
- Improves immunity (eg, arthritis and thyroid disorders)
- Helps heal injuries
- General sense of wellbeing
More info: www.bikramyoga.com
Iyengar yoga
Focuses on correct posture and body awareness. The creator, BKS Iyengar, wanted to make yoga suitable for everyone, regardless of age, health, disability, etc. so he included props, including pillows, mats, bolsters and sticks so everyone could do the poses without strain or injury. Postures are held for varying amounts of time.
Health and fitness benefits
- Mental and emotional wellbeing
- Helps alleviate postural/structural problems
- Stress release
More info: www.iyengaryoga.asn.au
And then some
Hatha: slower and more passive yoga
Power: exercise-class-style yoga (no set postures)
Yogalates: yoga meets Pilates
Jivamukti: modern spiritual teachings, chanting, meditation, readings, music and affirmations
Viniyoga: therapeutic and tailored to the individual's personal needs
Mantra: repeat words or phrases
More info:www.findyoga.com.au
Real-life story: 'I overcame anorexia through yoga'
Claire, 28
At the age of 15, I was diagnosed with anorexia. The more weight I lost, the more of my life I lost with it. The thinner I got, the worse my life actually became.
Then I discovered yoga. I found myself seeking solace in weekly classes. Away from the stresses of everyday life, I was free to just be me.
With no external pressures, expectations or judgements, I was given the space to get back in touch with the body I had been numbing myself from. On and off the mat I saw how it was changing my attitude towards myself, others and to life in general.
Moving through the poses enabled me to discover my body and see the real me — the girl beneath the physical appearance. I finally saw that there was much more to me than how I looked or what I wore.
As I began to release muscles and go deeper into the poses, I found memories and feelings began to release also.
It helped me get back "into" my body and helped me work with it, instead of ignoring it.
By nourishing my spirit with yoga, I started to see that not only was it okay to nourish my body, it was essential. By focusing on what I could do, give and receive, I realised how I looked seemed to be less important.
My attention shifted from the size of my stomach or the width of my thighs to the emotions in my head and heart. Working from the inside out, yoga made all the difference in my ability to overcome my eating disorder.
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