International Yoga Day 2019: Iyengar to Ashtanga, check out the 5 popular types of Yoga

Yoga is one of the popular forms of physical, mental and spiritual exercise and it is also now widely recognized and practiced across the world. The same not only helps to boost health but also increases your strength, flexibility, and balance. The practice of yoga comprises of breath control, meditation and various body postures. Speaking of International Yoga Day 2019, the same will be celebrated all over the world on June 21 and yoga followers from all over the world will be performing yoga including India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other famous personalities. For the unversed, PM Modi had proposed in his UNGA address in 2014 that International Yoga day should be observed.

Speaking of Yoga, the word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word yuj which means to unite and the same dates back to thousands of years. Yes, yoga may be popular now especially in western nations but many do not know that it is the gift from India to the world. Speaking of types of yoga, there are many variants. Apart from Hot and Ariel yoga, there are several types of this form of workout. Gander below to know various types and their details.

Iyengar yoga

This is one of the popular types of yoga and the same was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar in the 1970s. This type of yoga is form-focused and prop-centric. With the help of Iyengar yoga, one can achieve proper alignment, get strength and balance as well. The main purpose of Iyengar yoga is to boost our overall health and instructors majorly focus on getting the pose just right. B.K. S has written many books on the same which shed light on this type of yoga.

Anusara yoga

Anusara (which means flowing with grace) yoga or Yoga of the Heart was developed in the late 1990s by an American teacher John Friend. Friend, who was a student of Iyengar yoga, developed the same on the basis of the universal principles of alignment. There is a set ritual for each class. It starts off with three oms and is followed by three chants of the Anusara invocation in Sanskrit. As per several reports, the main goal of Anusara yoga is to align with the divine. With the help of this Yoga, one can achieve strength, flexibility, and inner peace. Currently, it has a very large following in the United States, Europe, and Asia. So those who want to focus on both physical and spiritual well-being can go for this. Check out the below-mentioned videos to understand more in depth.

Ashtanga yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is one of the more popular styles and the same was introduced by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in 1975. In this type of yoga, one pose flows to the next and our breathing is also linked to the movement of your body. The same is quite a challenging one. The practice of the same is usually divided into four parts: Opening series, the main series, the back-bending sequence and a finishing sequence. Those who are bored with regular cardio can go for the same as it provides the same benefits.

Yin yoga

Yin yoga (originally called Taoist yoga) was apparently started by Paulie Zink. This type was later developed by Paul Grilley and he focused on the muscle temperature and static stretching. If you can stay in a posture for long periods of time, then this type of yoga is for you as during the classes the instructor will ask you to hold a posture for several minutes. The same helps connective tissue such as tendons, ligaments and fascia. There are around 35 to 100 different asanas. Also, it improves circulation, rids the body of blockages and many more.  The yoga poses could be tough but your body will thank you later.

Restorative yoga

This type of yoga is quite similar to the other types. In the same, practitioners follow yoga props and accessories such as yoga blocks, to provide support. With the help of this yoga, one can revitalize body and soul through relaxation. This type of yoga is also recommended for the elderly. Check out the below-mentioned video to know more details of this style.