By Seyma Calisgan

Wondering if you should start yoga? But don’t know what it is or where to begin? Let’s get you started!

Yoga is a comprehensive wellness approach that incorporates physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation. It comes from Sanskrit word ‘yuji,’ which means unity. Yoga has been gaining widespread attention, especially since the 1980s, when it swept the Western world.

Types of Yoga

There are various types of yoga. The most well known forms are Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Iyengar yoga, Restorative yoga, Kundalini yoga, and Yin yoga.

1. Hatha yoga

Hatha yoga is the most popular type of yoga. It is traditional technique used for breathing and exercises. If you are new to yoga, hatha yoga might be the best option for you, as it is more slow-paced than other types of yoga.

2. Vinyasa yoga

Vinyasa yoga is the practice of arranging yoga poses in a certain order and involves sessions in which breathing and movement go hand-in-hand, including poses that are grouped according to a common theme.

3. Ashtanga yoga

Ashtanga yoga is a very energetic and athletic version of hatha yoga. It is divided into 6 series of levels, each having a predetermined sequence of poses. It is based on Vinyasa and emphasises energy and breath. The difference between Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga is that Ashtanga does the same poses in the same order every time.

4. Iyengar yoga

Iyengar yoga emphasises precision and alignment. In comparison to Vinyasa or Ashtanga, Iyengar poses are sustained for longer periods and props are frequently utilised to assist.

5.Restorative yoga

Restorative yoga encourages deep relaxation by using the support of the body. It is an excellent complement to more energetic practices.

6. Kundalini yoga

Breathing exercises, singing, chanting, and repetitious positions are all part of Kundalini yoga. Its goal is to enhance your degree of self-awareness and consciousness, while also strengthening and energising your body.

7. Yin yoga

Yin Yoga is a type of yoga in which all poses are done passively on the ground and emphasises relaxing poses to relieve stress, cultivate mindfulness and improve breath awareness. What makes it unique from other types of yoga is that the poses are held for longer periods while remaining stationary.

You can use this list above to help you decide which type of yoga is the most suitable for you.

You can select a yoga type to begin based on:

• What you enjoy
• Your current flexibility level,
• Your fitness and state of health
• Whether you have enough time or even money

You can also ask your yoga instructor to help you decide on which is the most appropriate for you.

Doing Yoga

When you look at the process of yoga, it starts with breathing exercises, then it continues with physical exercises, and ends with a relaxation stage. This typically lasts 30-60 minutes but the time can be adjusted to a shorter or longer session, depending on the type of yoga classes, your specific needs and expectations, since it is very individual-centred.

Benefits of Yoga

Some benefits of yoga include:

• Stretching, balancing, and strengthening the body
• Helping to release of back pain
• Helping you sleep better by relaxing you
• Boosting your energy levels
• Reducing stress

If you want to start yoga class and wish to seek further information or support, the University offers local yoga places, such as UoM on Zoom and face-to-face. https://www.sport.manchester.ac.uk/sport-and-activity/