January 19, 2022 |
Read Time: 9 minutes
It’s a good question because there are so many different styles of yoga that it can be hard to decide. As a result, some people are scared of all the options. For others, they want to dive right in before researching which type is right for them. This blog post will help you learn all the different yoga classes in Bangalore and offer some insight into how they stack up against one another. Each class is different in length and style; however, it can be tricky to know which practice is the best for your needs.
Let’s look into some of the best and convenient yoga practices that you can indulge into.
Hatha vs Ashtanga
The two most popular styles of yoga are Hatha and Ashtanga. Both of these styles have their devotees, but the differences between them are confusing for many people. It’s good to know that both types are active forms of yoga – they’re not designed to be “passive” meditative experiences like you might hear about in some classes. In fact, many schools have a vigorous approach.
Here’s how each style is different:
Vinyasa Flow (Ashtanga)
This is a regimented style of yoga that originated in India and was developed by K. Pattabhi Jois during the 1930s and 1940s. The classes usually involve many repetitive movements and have a lot of emphasis on postures. In addition, Ashtanga emphasizes breath control, so many yoga practitioners use it as a way to learn breathing exercises.
As you continue taking these online yoga classes, you’ll work through a series of poses (there are over 100 in this style) that help increase strength and flexibility. The idea is that by knowing the entire sequence of each pose, it’s easier to transition from one posture to the next with fluidity. This is why some people love Ashtanga – it’s a great way to get on track with flow yoga.
The downside to this style of yoga is that it’s very controlled. Some people prefer something a little less structured, and this style requires a certain amount of time and energy to commit to. Because of the sheer number of poses, it can also be tough to learn the sequence. This can make some people feel like they’re not progressing because they can’t remember them all.
Vinyasa Flow (Hatha)
A vinyasa flow class is more casual than an Ashtanga class. There aren’t as many repetitions, and there’s more focus on breathing and getting the correct form when you’re doing the poses. While there are some similarities, it’s a much gentler approach. A vinyasa flow class can be appealing because of the slight difference from a typical yoga class.
Hatha gets its name from the ancient Hindu text called the “Hatha Yoga Pradipika.” The practice is more focused on postures, so if you’re looking for breathing exercises or meditation, this probably isn’t the right choice – but it’s still a very healthy practice. If you’re just getting started with yoga, this is a good place to start because it teaches students how to move before focusing on flexibility and strength. This can help bring your body into balance over time.
Kundalini vs. Ashtanga
These two styles are not as widely known, but they’re no less popular. Kundalini is a yoga system based on the practice of breathing and purifying one’s mind. According to this practice, your body is made from subtle energy called prana (you have a store of it in your navel chakra). When you inhale and exhale with each breath, you increase the amount of prana available for your physical body. In Ashtanga yoga, a similar idea is that your body has an energy that can be accessed through breathing exercises. The difference is that it’s not achieved through asanas, as seen in Ashtanga.
In Ashtanga, many of the postures are building blocks for a “final pose.” In Kundalini, you’re not supposed to work towards any one pose. Instead, you’re meant to be in a constant state of purification – purifying your mind and slowing down your breath to less than ten breaths per minute. Some people don’t like this approach because it can be tough to maintain a slow and still breathing pattern.
You’ll learn postures that help build strength and flexibility through repetition in both styles. For example, in Kundalini, some postures involve repeatedly moving into and out of the pose until you can hold it for a longer time. The idea is that as your body becomes accustomed to doing each pose, they become easier.
While most styles of yoga have a similar format (i.e., you do a series of poses in order), other styles veer off this path. For example, Hatha yoga is based on ancient Hindu texts called the “Hatha Yoga Pradipika” and the “Siva Samhita.” In these texts, you can find actionable instructions for certain postures.
Bottom Line
When choosing a yoga studio in Bangalore, there are many factors to consider in finding which one suits you best. One important thing to think about before beginning a new routine is how much time you have to practise each day – before and after work and during dinner time. A quick glance at how long particular online yoga classes will take will help decide if it’s feasible with your schedule.
For example, half an hour class might be perfect for you if you have a busy schedule and don’t want to spend much time on practice. On the other hand, you may also want to think about how long you will be able to hold your body in one position and how many times you would need to stretch before your muscles start feeling tired.
Another important factor is your body type. If you are more flexible than others, then perhaps the best yoga practice for you is slow-paced and gentle. However, if your muscles are stiffer and harder to stretch, consider a faster-paced session that includes more repetitions of a particular pose.
Lastly, don’t forget to take a look at the teacher of the yoga class. The teacher will have a significant impact on your experience of the practice. If you find that you connect with your teacher, you will be more likely to attend the classes regularly and get better results. Although most teachers are experts in the subject and can help you learn new postures, some may be more suitable for beginners than others. You can also take advantage of some teachers’ willingness to instruct private lessons. This is especially beneficial for people who want to learn new poses or improve their skills in certain areas.
Ms. Mimi Partha Sarathy
Founder, Managing Trustee and Sr. Yoga Teacher Sri Krishna Wellness Yoga Centre
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
