Learn 6 Different Types of Yoga Asanas

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July 21, 2022

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Yoga is not a work-out; it is a work-in. Rolf Gates words perfectly encapsulate the nature of yoga. While most of the workouts aim to focus on physical strength, yoga asana works on both the physical and mental worlds. Due to its amazing benefits and easy postures, yoga is becoming the trend of the fitness world. This ancient technique has also evolved in the modern world to ensure everyone gets the most of this remarkable method. In this process, numerous types of asanas have also come into being. Those who approach this discipline for mental peace turn to 30 minutes yoga Nidra while those who want a healthy body can turn to Surya asana yoga. In short, the asana library of yoga has something for everyone. In this article, we will help you understand different types of yoga asanas. Learn them and practice the one that suits you the most!

Types Of Yoga Asanas

Hatha Yoga

Though it is a standard term used for all types of yoga, Hatha yoga is an ancient yoga asana whose techniques and style go back as far as the 1st century CE. Over the centuries, hatha yoga evolved a lot and focused on asana yoga poses. Typically, there are two interpretations of the word Hatha. Some believe that Hathawhich means forceful in Hindi refers to the physical force that is created during hatha yoga asana. In the second interpretation, it is believed that Ha in Hatha represents the sun while Tha represents the moon. Thus, hatha yoga aims to revoke join the power of both and balance them. In both of the meanings, it is clear that Hatha yoga is a physical practice rather than a mental practice like meditation - yoga nidra. Some health benefits you can get from this yoga - endurance, flexibility, and strength. Here are top hatha yoga asanas you should try:

Tadasana or Mountain Pose
Uttanasana or Standing Forward Bend
Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Facing Dog Pose
SetuBandhasana or Bridge Pose
Vrikshasana or Tree Pose

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa yoga is defined as an intelligent sequence of poses. In vinyasa yoga, you perform various types of asanas that help in building strength, improving flexibility, and calming the mind as well. The transition from one yoga mudra asana to another is smooth. One example of this is Surya asana yoga. It may also be known as power yoga, depending on the yoga studio where you learn it. Vinyasa yoga links movements with breath, making it perfect for an athletic yet dynamic flow. Here are some famous types of asanas you can do in vinyasa yoga:

Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation
Virabhadrasana II or Warrior Pose II
Trikonasana or Triangle Pose
Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose
Kumbhakasana or Plank Pose

Ashtanga Yoga

Also known as Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, this style was created in the 20th century by K. Pattabhi Jois. In Sanskrit, ashtanga means "Eight Limb path." It is very similar to vinyasa yoga and this is why the terms are often used interchangeably. Ashtanga yoga is best for those who are looking for vigorous types of asanas and want to achieve the advanced level in all yoga asanas. Below are some of the popular asana yoga poses in ashtanga yoga:

Utkatasana or Chair Pose
Padangusthasana or Big Toe Pose
Janu Sirsasana or Head-To-Knee Pose
Prasarita Padottanasana or Wide-Legged Forward Bend Pose
Virabhadrasana 1 or Warrior 1

Iyengar Yoga

Founded by B.K.S. Iyenger, this type of yoga emphasizes the detail, precision, and alignment in the asana yoga poses. Similar to Ashtanga yoga, Iyengar yoga also finds its roots in eight limbs of yoga. It can be done by anyone regardless of their age or gender. Iyengar yoga is believed to offer long-term health benefits. It rejuvenates the body by removing negative thoughts and bringing peace to you. In these types of asanas, you also require props such as belts, blocks, or blankets to perform the asanas the right way and to avoid injury.Some of the easy yoga asanas in Iyenger yoga are:

Trikonasana or Triangle Pose with a chair
Sirsasana or Headstand with a blanket
Vasisthasana or Side Plank pose
Adho Mukha Virasana or Downward Facing Hero Pose
Parsva Virasana or Side Hero Pose

Kundalini Yoga

Unlike all yoga asanas mentioned above, kundalini yoga involves singing, chanting, and various breathing repetitions to activate your Kundalini or shakti. Kundalini has been described as an energy that is located at the base of your spine. If you activate this energy, you will become more self-aware and let go of your negativity. This is one reason that Kundalini yoga is also known as yoga of awareness. Here are six main components of kundalini yoga:

Opening Chanting
Pranayama or warmup
Kriya or yoga mudra asana
Relaxation
Meditation
Closing Chant

Below are the types of easy yoga asanas in Kundalini Yoga:

Akarna Dhanurasana or Archer Pose I
Padmasana or Lotus Pose
Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose
Ego Eradicator
Laya Yoga Meditation

Yoga Nidra

Another unique type of yoga is yoga nidra. Also known as yogic sleep, yoga nidra asana was developed by Swami Satyananda in the 19th century. The goal of this yoga is to control your body and help it relax. In fact, yoga nidra asana acts as restorative sleep while you are fully conscious. Some of the best benefits you can get from this yoga asana are better sleep, a calm mind, reduced stress, and improved self-awareness. People also use this yoga asana for back pain. You can learn the steps and easy yoga asanas in yoga nidra by experts or yoga asana videos available online. Other than these, you can also try the below-listed types of yoga:

Bikram Yoga
Yin Yoga
Sivananda Yoga
Jivamukti Yoga
Anusara Yoga

The TakeawayIncorporating any of these yoga asanas in your life is one of the best decisions you can make for your health. All you need is a good yoga expert and the will to perform all yoga asanas every day. Now that you have read the different types of yoga asanas, it is time to start the yoga journey.

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