| Revitalise > Classes > Yoga > Yoga Styles |
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| The
Different types of Yoga at Revitalise |
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| There
are many different styles of yoga being taught
and practiced today. Although all of the styles
are based on the same physical postures (called
poses), each has a particular emphasis. Here
is a quick guide to the different types of
Yoga at Revitalise that can help you decide
which class is right for you. |
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| Hatha
Yoga |
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| Hatha
means yoga of the body. Therefore all yoga
involving the body is Hatha yoga. Hatha is
a very general term that can encompass many
of the physical types of yoga. If a class
is described as Hatha style, it is probably
going to be slow-paced and gentle, and can
provide a good introduction to the basic yoga
poses. |
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| Ashtanga
Yoga |
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| Ashtanga
is based on the teachings of Sri Pattabhi
Jois and emphasizes the connection between
movement and breath. It is a dynamic system
composed of a specifically designed series
of postures that emphasizes strength and flexibility,
while working to focus and calm the mind.
It is especially well suited for active people
that are looking for a workout. Ashtanga,
which means eight limbs in Sanskrit, is a
fast-paced, intense style of yoga practice.
A set series of poses is performed, always
in the same order. Ashtanga practice is very
physically demanding, because of the constant
movement from one pose to the next. In yoga
terminology, this movement is called flow. |
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| Vinyasa
flow Yoga |
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| This
is a graceful flowing practice that creatively
fuses the elements from other hatha methods,
primarily Ashtanga and Iyengar, depending
on the approach of the particular teacher.
Each class is original and creative, focuses
on the marriage of breath and movement and
blends the artistic expression of the human
heart with universal principles of alignment
or bio-mechanics of the body. Like Hatha,
Vinyasa is a general term that is used to
describe many different types of classes.
Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized movement,
tends to be a more vigorous style based on
the performance of a series of poses called
Sun Salutations in which movement is matched
to the breath. A Vinyasa class will typically
start with a number of sun salutations to
warm up the body for more intense stretching
which is done at the end of class. |
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| Kundalini
Yoga |
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| The
emphasis in Kundalini is on the breath in
conjunction with physical movement, with the
purpose of freeing energy in the lower body
and allowing it to move upwards. All asana
practices make use of controlling the breath,
but in Kundalini, the exploration of the effects
of the breath (also called prana, meaning
energy) on the postures is essential. Kundalini
uses rapid, repetitive movements rather than
holding poses for a long time, and the teacher
will often lead the class in call and response
chanting. An intensive form of yoga, awakening
the body, mind, and spirit. Kundalini yoga
is based on the teachings of Yogi Bhajan and
it emphasizes breath (Pranayama) and Mantra
(sound or chanting), focuses on raising consciousness
and energy (Kundalini) up from the base of
the spine. |
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| Sivananda
Yoga |
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| Sivananda,
founded by the late Swami Vishnu Devananda,
set the tone for many of the first yoga classes
taught in this country. The 60 to 90-minute
classes incorporate a short chant, poses,
breathing, and deep relaxation. Classes are
gentle in approach, and usually follow the
12 poses found in the Sun Salutation. Sivananda,
one of the world's largest schools of yoga,
is very supportive to beginners. It follows
a set structure that includes breathing, classic
asanas, and relaxation, as well as principles
of diet and positive thinking. |
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| Scaravelli
Yoga |
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Scaravelli
Yoga is based on the teaching of Vanda Scaravelli
who is a student of BKS Iyengar. Scaravelli
developed a gentle fluid approach to yoga
that focuses on the spine, the ground and
the breath and teaches one’s body to
use asanas rather than the other way around.
The spine has three underused friends: gravity,
breath, and wave. These three companions (fused
in one) should be constantly with us - says
Vanda Scaravelli. According to Scaravelli,
gravity puts us in contact with the spine,
which, in turn, is the key to the natural
alignment of our bodies. When the body works
with the pull of gravity and its contact with
the ground, resistance ceases, order is regained,
and natural rhythms are re-established. As
with much yoga discipline, Scaravelli is preoccupied
with the importance of focusing on the elongation
of the spine and working with the body rather
than against it, but also focuses on wider
holistic approaches to life to aid the purpose
of the practice. This is a gentle form of
yoga that favours concentration over sleek-lined
agility, but improves both. |
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| E-mail
Now or call the reception on 01273
738 389 |
