What is hatha yoga?

The yoga poses included in this book are basedon Hatha Yoga. The primary focus of Hatha Yoga is to unite your mind and body through the physical movement of poses, the awareness of your breath,and relaxation and meditation techniques. You can practice Hatha Yoga to increase your strength and flexibility, learn proper body alignment and improve your health and well-being.

TYPES OF HATHA YOGA
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga, also called Power Yoga, is the most athletic type of Hatha Yoga. Developed by K. Pattabhi Jois, Ashtanga Yoga emphasizes intense stretching and building muscular strength. A specific series of poses and breathing exercises are practiced in order toheat up your body and sweat out toxins. The room temperature in which Ashtanga Yoga is practiced must be kept at approximately 70 to 75oF to keep your muscles supple.

Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga is a popular type of yoga that was created by Bikram Choudhury. The Bikram Yoga practice consists of a sequence of 26 postures, which are each held for approximately 20 to 30 seconds. The room temperature in which Bikram Yoga is practiced should be approximately 105oF and 60% humidity. The heated room is beneficial for warming up your muscles to allow a deeper stretch and to detoxify your body.

Integral Yoga
Integral Yoga was originated by Swami Satchidananda. When practicing Integral Yoga, you participate in poses, breathing techniques,meditation and deep relaxation. Integral Yoga also emphasizes the importance of eating a healthy diet and service to humanity. Practitioners ofIntegral Yoga believe the purpose of a pose is more important than perfecting a pose.

Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga, established by B.K.S. Iyengar, makes extensive use of props, such as blocks, chairsand straps, to ensure the body is correctly aligned during a yoga pose. Iyengar Yoga also places emphasis on building strength and endurance, encouraging relaxation, increasing flexibility and relieving ailments.

Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga, sometimes referred to as the “mother yoga,“ was initiated by Yogi Bhajan. When practicing Kundalini Yoga, you practice poses, breathing, chanting and meditation to move energy through yourbody, specifically through your spine.

Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu Yoga was inspired by Kripalvananda. Kripalu is derived from the Sanskrit word ”kripal,” which means ”compassion.” This type of yoga emphasizes the importance of your mind and body being treated equally.There are three stages to progress through when practicing Kripalu Yoga. In the first stage, you must focus on your alignment, breathing and movement, without concern for how long you can hold a pose. In the second stage, you can use meditation to help you hold the pose fora longer period of time. The third and final stage involves using meditation to allow your body to move instinctively from one position to another, depending on what feels right to you at the time.

Viniyoga
Viniyoga was developed by Shri Krishnamacharya and carried on by his son T.K.V. Desikachar. Krishnamacharya taught several well-known yoga gurus, including B.K.S. Iyengar. In Viniyoga, you practice poses that are gentle and relaxed. Instead of trying to achieve perfect form when you practice poses, you only need to practice to meet your needs and capabilities.

Sivananda Yoga
Swami Sivananda, who was a medical doctor, yoga master and world spiritual teacher, created Sivananda Yoga. This type of Hatha Yoga consists of a series of twelve poses: Headstand, Shoulderstand, Plow, Fish, Seated Forward Bend, Cobra, Locust, Bow, Spinal Twist, Crow, Standing Forward Bendand Triangle. Sivananda Yoga is based on five main principles: proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet and positive thinking and meditation.