Yoga meditation is a valid cross-training method for athletes that has been known to increase flexibility, agility, muscle strength and body endurance. Meditation classes can also help sufferers of depression, arthritis, joint pain and poor flexibility. People working at high-stress jobs may find that meditation helps them to get through the workday and unwind when they get home. There are many different types of yoga to examine. Here are some of the most popular.
Iyengar Yoga Meditation (as developed by Yogi B.K.S. Iyengar) uses a number of props to help individuals reach certain body positions (asanas) and alignments. Students of varying levels can use wooden blocks to raise the floor level or cotton straps to assist in stretching. Many students find the Iyengar meditation methods effective for treating sports injuries or improving flexibility. Your teacher will pay close attention to your precise posing and will help you correct any imperfections so you can achieve the maximum benefit. Iyengar Yoga is best for new students who like the hands-on assistance and learning all the poses.
Ashtanga Yoga Meditation — sometimes called Vinyasa or Power Yoga — creates heat in the body to purge it of toxins and is considered one of the more rigorous methods. Students will go through a number of asana sequences rapidly, which are designed to improve flexibility, endurance and strength. There is also a spiritual side, which involves eight limbs: Yama (conduct code and self-restraint); Niyama (study and devotion); Asana (mind and body connection through physical exercise); Pranayama (breathing regulation), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses); Dharana (concentration); Dhyana (quiet meditation); and Samadhi (blissful awareness). Ashtanga classes are great for those who are fit enough to conquer the poses and who also wish to practice transcendental meditation.
Most yoga meditation occurs in a group setting, with 10-20 other students and a trained teacher. Often times, incense is lit and light music plays in the background. If you’re new to how meditation works and how yoga works, then you may want to purchase a book that shows you the various poses so you don’t feel lost in the class. Some meditation styles — like Iyengar, Kundalini and Sivananda — move at a slower pace, which is helpful for beginners; whereas, Bikram Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga are more intense for people who are generally drawn toward more active workouts.
Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed treat anxiety attacks as well as tips on the various anxiety attack medication available at anxietydisordercure.com.
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