THEWorld Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21st. A discipline that is conquering more and more people all over the world, in Italy alone there are around 6 million and all over the world there are over 300 million who practice asanas and sun salutations every day. And this day can be the opportunity for discover something more about this discipline, for example the many variations. A way to “get an idea” if you want to try your hand at the mat in September.
World Yoga Day, promoted by the UN
Since 2014, every June 21st not only the summer solstice has been celebrated but also World Yoga Day. Promoted by the UN, on the proposal of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United Nations General Assembly, yoga is a discipline that was later recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The reason? Not just being practiced daily by millions of people around the worldin fact they exceed 300 million, but above all because it is a practice that has been handed down from generation to generation for centuries and helps to have greater control over the mind, spirit and body. With many benefits in every sphere. Behind every sun salutation or every dog position there is in fact a type of breathing, a self-control that everyone exercises on their own body and mind, a freeing oneself from every thought and worry the time one is on the mat. Besides being a discipline that does not discriminate against anyone. Yoga is in fact suitable for everyone and all ages.
There are different types and, if you want to start becoming familiar with the discipline, choosing may not be easy. «It is necessary to make a premise: There is no “best” yoga, but the one most suited to the moment we are living in. We may need an energizing practice in some stages of life and a softer, more introspective approach in others. Listening to your body and your needs is the first step to choose with awareness” he explains Paola Miretta, Personal Trainer, Yoga and Pilates Director and founder of Fitness Boutique.
From Hatha Yoga to Yin Yoga, the different variations of the discipline
1. Hatha Yoga, the starting point
«It is considered the ideal starting point to approach yoga. Positions are held for longer and the pace is generally calm.” Hatha Yoga is composed of a series of psychophysical exercisesie originates in Indian and Tibetan schools.
Who is it recommended for?: “AND suitable for beginners and those who want to get closer to the disciplinebut also to the people who they want to improve posture, flexibility and body awareness».
2. Vinyasa Yoga, the dynamic version
«With respect to the Hatha, in this case the postures follow one another fluidly, are coordinated with the breath and create real sequences in movement. It’s a very energizing and creative practice.” It is also very suitable for those looking for a cardiovascular workout because this type generates body heat. Like the previous one, too it lowers stress levels because it requires high concentration.
Who is it recommended for?: «To those who love dynamism, wants to improve coordination and endurance and is looking for a more physically intense practice».
3. Ashtanga Yoga, for lovers of consistency
Derivation of Hatha Yoga, this variant «envisages a spre-established sequence of positions always performed in the same order. It requires discipline, strength and consistency» and is much more vigorous than the older variant.
Who is it recommended for?: «Definitely at people who are already trained, who appreciate the structure and want a challenging practice and progressive.”
4. Power Yoga, the evolution of Ashtanga Yoga
In turn Ashtanga Yoga is the evolution of Power Yogaan even more dynamic and above all intense variant. Compared to the previous one, the difference is that it is freer in the construction of sequences. Furthermore, the focus is on muscle strengthening, cardiovascular resistance and body stability core. The transitions are fluid and the pace is fast, transforming the lesson into a true total body workout, explains the teacher.
Who is it recommended for?: «To those who love physical challenges, want to improve strength and muscle tone and seeks a more athletic and contemporary approach to yoga. It is suitable for people who are already moderately trained or have previous movement experience.”
5. Yin Yoga, for those who need relaxation
If you are experiencing a period of high stressif you are always in a rush and need to slow down, if you need to recharge, this is the variant that could be ideal. Its peculiarity? Slowing down. «The positions are in fact maintained for some time, giving not only the possibility of work in depth on the connective tissues but above all to relax the nervous system. And to take your own space.”
Who is it recommended for?: “AND suitable for those who experience periods of stress and feel the need to slow down. But it is also suitable for those who want to improve mobility and flexibility.”
6. Restorative Yoga, when you are very tired
Also called Restorative Yoga, it is a very gentle and relaxing practice and focuses on psycho-physical recovery. Not surprisingly, positions are held for a long timefrom a minimum of 10 minutes to a maximum of 20, deep relaxation is achieved and supports such as pillows, blankets and bolsters are used to promote a complete state of physical and mental relaxation.
Who is it recommended for?: “AND suitable for tired peoplerecovering from particularly intense periods or looking for a space to regenerate and listen.”
7. Iyengar Yoga, to be more specific
Also derived from Haha Yoga, it was founded by the Indian master BKS Iyengar and in practice pays enormous attention to the precision of execution, posture and body alignment. Furthermore, it also uses tools.
Who is it recommended for?: «To people who are already experts who they want to learn more about the techniqueimprove posture or require specific adaptations.”
8. Kundalini Yoga, to awaken vital energy
«Combine movement, breathing, mantra and meditation with lThe aim is to stimulate energy and inner awareness» explains the teacher. The purpose of this variant is to awaken the vital energy dormant at the base of the spine and can be performed after Hatha Yoga, which prepares the body.
Who is it recommended for?: «For everyone who they love more the more spiritual and meditative aspects of the practice”.