Yoga Information

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a fast growing trend in the health and wellness segment. It is popular and almost everyone today has at least heard of the term. A direct and accurate answer to the question, 'what is yoga?' is a system of physical, meditation, and breathing exercises which improve a person's control over their mind and body. The practice originated in India in fifth or sixth century and has been in existence ever since. Yoga is very important to enhance the flexibility of your body and maintain balance between mind, body, and soul. It is the perfect means to attain all the different aspects of health and fitness.

What are the Different Types of Yoga?

The term, 'yoga', is very broad and covers a multitude of exercises and techniques. Thus, to understand the different parts more clearly, it has been divided into many subsets which one can follow. Each type has its own specific benefits and can complement different types of training programs you might already be following.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga has been defined as a set of exercises and postures which focus on physical as well as mental strength building. Hatha yoga is what people refer to as 'yoga' because it comprises all other branches of yoga which are based on the system and poses of Hatha yoga.

Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga was created by Bikram Choudhary and is based on the traditional and ancient, Hatha yoga. It is a sequence of 26 movements which are performed strictly in the described order. Bikram yoga is said to be a systematic and challenging style of Vinyasa yoga which brings the different parts of the body to synchronization.

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga yoga is a modern style of yoga which employs Vinyasa yoga. Also known as power yoga, this style is an aerobically vigorous one and is very powerful and systematic.

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa is a certain style of yoga which focuses on the synchronisation of body movement and breathing. This branch of yoga comprises a sequence of postures which flow from one through next smoothly. Each movement is linked to either inhaling or exhaling to create a balance.

Iyenger Yoga

Iyenger yoga is a form of Hatha yoga which focuses on precision and alignment. This class of yoga puts great emphasis on how the body is aligned during a yoga asana (pose). The creator of Iyenger yoga, B. K. S. Iyenger, has created a system of over 200 classical yoga poses which move from simple ones to more complex poses. When a student is able to perform one yoga pose with precision, they can graduate to the next one.


Practicing yoga can be one of the best things you can do for yourself. Thus, it is important to consider the different types and choose which one works the best for your body, mind, and spirit.

Further Information

https://www.yogaaustralia.org.au/