What Type Of Yoga Is Right For You?

So, you’re ready to take the plunge and start practicing yoga. But, beyond that, you’re stumped.

It’s true, there are so many different types of yoga, and although they’re all based on the same poses, their approaches are all different.

In deciding which type of yoga to try, you need to take several things into account; your likes, your dislikes, you personality, and your physical condition.

Here’s a guide to help you decide which type of yoga is right for you. If you are:

A Beginner, you’ve never tried yoga and want to see what it’s all about while taking it slow, you should try-
Hatha
Integral
Kripalu

Injured, meaning you have an injury or condition that may need special attention, you should try-
Iyengar
Mellow

A traditionalist, meaning you like the old traditions and the fact that yoga was all discovered by an Indian guru, you should try-
Ashtanga
Iyengar
Integral
Kripalu
Kundalini

A spiritual Seeker, meaning you’ll put up with the physical if you must, but are more interested in hearing some uplifting teachings and getting in touch with your spiritual side, you should try-
Anusara
Jivamukti
Kundalini

Meticulous, meaning you appreciate a more precise instruction, you should try-
Anusara
Iyengar

Self-motivated, meaning you like to learn how to do it and then be on your own, you should try-
Ashtanga
Singer

A Free Spirit, meaning you like all sorts of different experiences, you should try-
Vinyasa

A “Type A” Personality (anal), meaning you need to know exactly what you should expect and precisely how long you will be doing it, you should try-
Ashtanga
Bikram

A Gym Enthusiast, meaning you only feel that you got something out of it if you’re hot and sweaty, you should try-
Bikram/Hot
Power Yoga
Vinyasa

A Gymnast, meaning you enjoy being bent like a pretzel, you should try
Ashtanga
Forrest

A Participator, meaning, for the purposes of this article, that you enjoy chanting with a classroom of people, you should try-
Jivamukti
Kundalini

What Is “Laughter Yoga?”

The latest trend in yoga is “Laughter Yoga.” It’s even been talked about on CNN and Oprah! It did originate in India and does include laughing, however, if you attend a class, don’t expect too much yoga.

According to the Laughter Yoga International website, laughter yoga began in 1995 when a Dr. Madan Kataria wrote about the health benefits of laughter. He gathered a bunch of his students in a park in India and tested to find out if regular laughter in a person’s life could improve their sense of well-being.

At first, he tried telling jokes. But he soon discovered, perhaps after the forced laughter of the students at his jokes, that simulating laughter offered the same benefits and usually led to real laughter.

And, since Dr. Kataria was a practicer of yoga, he included some simple stretches and deep breathing exercises into these testing sessions.

Since then, there are those who swear by laughter yoga, and there are many classes offerred. In fact, Dr. Kataria has opened many “Laughter Clubs” and he even offers laughter conference calls to those who aren’t near one of his Laughter Clubs.

It’s true that medical research has suggested for some time that laughter is a good way to feel better and reduce stress by the releasing of your body’s feel-good hormones, endorphins. And, even if it doesn’t benefit you the way other yogas do, what can it hurt?

What Are The Benefits Of Yoga?

If you have any knowledge at all about yoga, you probably know that the goal is to bring together your body, mind, and spirit. Yogis tell us that your mind and body are one, and if provided with the correct tools and used in the right environment, it will be harmonious and heal itself.

Yoga is therapeutic and helps you to become aware of your body’s alignment and movement. Your body will be more flexible and relaxed, even during stressful times. It’s actually a science that’s been practiced for 1000’s of years. It’s made up of ancient principles, observations, and theories that tell us that the mind and the body are connected.

Modern medicine is even beginning to prove these ancient theories with studies having been done. The research looks at the three composites of Yoga:

* Meditation
* Postures or Asanas
* Breathing or Pranayama

The benefits of yoga fit into three different catagories; biochemical, psychological, and physiological.

Here are the proven benefits of yoga, broken up into their respective catagories:

Biochemical Benefits of Yoga

Decreased glucose
Decreased sodium
Decreased cholesterol
Decreased triglycerides
Decreased HDL cholesterol
Decreased LDL cholesterol
Decreased VLDL cholesterol
Decreased catacholamines
Decreased Catecholamines
Decreased total white blood cell count
Increased Vitamin C
Increased Thyroxin
Increased Lymphocyte count
Increased total serum protein
Increased cholinesterase
Increased ATPase
Increased Hematocrit
Increased Hemoglobin

Physiological Benefits of Yoga

Integrated functioning of body parts improves
Pain decreases
Immunity increases
Endurance increases
Steadiness improves
Energy level increases
Sleep improves
Weight normalizes
Balance improves
depth perception improves
Increase in strength and resilience
Reaction time lessens
Improved posture
Decrease pulse rate
Decreased respiratory rate
Decrease blood pressure
Stable autonomic nervous system equilibrium
Increase in Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)
Decreased EMG activity
Increased cardiovascular efficiency
Normalized gastrointestinal efficiency
Normalized endocrine functioning
Improved excretory functioning
Increased joint flexibility and range of motion
Increased grip strength
Improved eye-to-hand coordination
Increased dexterity

Psychological Benefits of Yoga

Improved mood and feeling of well-being
Improved self-acceptance
Improved self-actualization
Increased social adjustment
Improved concentration
Improved memory
Increased attention span
Increased social skills
Increased learning capacity
Decreased anger and hostility
Decreased Anxiety
Decreased Depression

A Yoga Video Game?

Yes, it’s true. There is a video “game” that you can do your yoga with.

It’s called Wii Fit. It’s a video game that was developed by Nintendo for the Wii console. It’s an actual exercise game consisting of activities you do using the “Wii Balance Boardk.”

The balance board measures your weight and your center of balance. The software can then calculate your body mass index when you input your height.

The game, or “training,” has about 40 different activities, including yoga poses, push ups, strength, balance and aerobic exercises. Also, Wii Fit allows you to compare your fitness by using Wii Fit’s own channel on the Wii Menu. The game tracks your “Wii Fitness Age” through a body test. It bases the results on the your current age, weight, and balance.

Training on Wii Fit is divided into four categories: yoga, strength training, aerobics, and balance games. The activities provide a core workout, emphasizing controlled movements rather than overexertion. Activities include:

* Yoga - Work on your balance and flexibility with Yoga poses and activities
* Strength Training - Put your strength to the test with muscle-toning exercises
* Aerobics - Get your heart pumping with fun, interactive Aerobic exercises
* Balance Games - Get into the action with fun, balanced-based games

The advantages of using Wii Fit for your yoga, and other exercises, are many.

* Cheaper - At $20 a class for yoga, the entire system will pay for itself after just 10 classes
* Solitary - If you’re just beginning, you may have reservations about getting into all these funky positions in front of 40 other people
* Information - Analyzing you for your Wii Fitness Age and your body mass fat offer valuable info to your about your overall health
* Did I mention, Cheaper?

Normally, when you people talk about how computers have infiltrated out lives, they always mention how we get less exercise because of them. Wii Fit proves that it doesn’t have to be that way.