A simple Google search will reveal that there are many different types of yoga, and that yoga is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages at various levels of health and fitness.
Various forms of yoga focus on and work towards similar benefits. Yoga is about aligning the mind, body and soul, building energy, core strength, stability and flexibility, and can lead to weight loss too. It aims to awaken a harmonious mental and emotional state, as well as promote relaxation and concentration. So, there are certainly a number of positive outcomes.
I've tried two types of yoga - hatha and bikram - which are vastly different in style. Nevertheless, I loved both.
Hatha yoga is a good introduction to the practice. It's certainly relaxing to the point where I fell asleep at the end of class once or twice but interestingly, upon leaving I always felt energised.
Viroga in Brighton offers hatha yoga, as well as a range of other styles and specialised classes such as pre and post-natal yoga. Similarly, Core Yoga in West End offers beginner and intermediate classes, as well a range of other styles such as "energiser" yoga.
More recently, I have tried (and quickly become addicted to) bikram yoga. Bikram yoga is a series of 26 postures over 90 minutes, conducted in a room heated at 39 degrees. As you work through each posture, the heat assists your muscles and joints to achieve maximum movement and flexibility. Have a good look at some of the postures
here.
Yoga can be challenging, but is also rewarding.
You will sweat a lot during bikram, so unlike hatha yoga, it is a requirement that you bring towels to the session and wear tight, fitted clothing. Sweating may sound unpleasant, however it allows for one of the major benefits of bikram to occur essentially, you will be sweating out toxins, which is great for your body inside and out.
I began bikram yoga just two weeks ago at
Bikram Yoga North Brisbane, and can honestly say I see and feel positive physical and emotional changes occurring already. Postures are always the same and are suitable for beginners to yoga, or those that are more experienced. If you think you'd like to try bikram, perhaps you could attend a more relaxing style of yoga first, such as hatha, to get a feel for the atmosphere and postures.
Generally yoga practices offer various payment packages depending on whether you intend to practice casually or more regularly. It might be a good idea to check a few yoga websites - such as the ones suggested above - to gather payment information, timetables and find a style of yoga that suits you.
