types of yoga

[FirmDancer]

Originally Posted by calendria

I geuss I sometimes feel like I'm missing oout on the full "yoga" experience because I go for more gentle as opposed to the athletic videos.

That's interesting - I think my doctor would agree with you. As I get older, and have aches and pains from injuries, etc., my doctor suggested a daily yoga practice. I told her I do yoga almost every day, but more of a relaxed, restorative, yin practice. She said that wasn't enough; to get the full benefits I need to be doing standing poses, down dogs, etc.

[toaster]

Originally Posted by FirmDancer

That's interesting - I think my doctor would agree with you. As I get older, and have aches and pains from injuries, etc., my doctor suggested a daily yoga practice. I told her I do yoga almost every day, but more of a relaxed, restorative, yin practice. She said that wasn't enough; to get the full benefits I need to be doing standing poses, down dogs, etc.

I think it depends on what "benefits" you are looking for. If you want relaxation and health benefits like lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, etc., both yin and restorative (keep in mind that these are two different forms of yoga) are likely to be extremely beneficial. If you are looking for benefits such as building bone density, increasing muscle mass, and reducing risk of osteoporosis, than yes, you will need to do more weight-bearing postures.

[calendria]

Originally Posted by toaster

I think it depends on what "benefits" you are looking for. If you want relaxation and health benefits like lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, etc., both yin and restorative (keep in mind that these are two different forms of yoga) are likely to be extremely beneficial. If you are looking for benefits such as building bone density, increasing muscle mass, and reducing risk of osteoporosis, than yes, you will need to do more weight-bearing postures.

thank you! that makes a lot of sense. now where to go, hehe

[bzar]

Originally Posted by toaster

I think it depends on what "benefits" you are looking for. If you want relaxation and health benefits like lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, etc., both yin and restorative (keep in mind that these are two different forms of yoga) are likely to be extremely beneficial. If you are looking for benefits such as building bone density, increasing muscle mass, and reducing risk of osteoporosis, than yes, you will need to do more weight-bearing postures.

good synopsis. as counter-intuitive as it may seem, some power yoga moves/sequencing can also induce serenity.

[in paris]

This is a lovely half hour standing sequence with Rudy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7Wqej5h_Js

I like to use it when I'm travelling and don't have a mat. It might be a good one to try as it's gentle but good for building stamina initially. It's very easy to modify, too, so you can grow into it.

[Lannette]

Originally Posted by toaster

As a yoga teacher, it shocks me to hear any type of yoga described as "lazy"!

I love yin yoga and think it's wonderful for flexibility! Although most of the postures tend to be on the floor, the longer holds can be very demanding; it is NOT an easy or even a gentle form of yoga. Yin can be contrasted with restorative yoga (I'm a certified restorative yoga instruction)--in yin, the goal is to stretch, whereas in restorative, the goal is to relax the body into the poses without stretching.

More dynamic forms of yoga (e.g., vinyasa) can help you stretch in different ways and can enhance your flexibility as well, but it's great to focus on what you like! If you do enjoy other forms of yoga, a practice that adds more standing poses will round out your work on strength and balance in addition to helping you with flexibility.

Great thread! Thank you for posting this. I didn't truly understand the difference until now. Any suggestions for DVDS that take the restorative approach Beth?

Originally Posted by bzar

good synopsis. as counter-intuitive as it may seem, some power yoga moves/sequencing can also induce serenity.

Yes, this is very true as long as you are strong enough for the practice.

[Helen]

>>Found this that lists the various kinds, with descriptions<<

[toaster]

Hi Lanette! I have one restorative DVD that is very nice, Restorative Yoga Practice with Deborah Donahue. On Yoga for Stress Relief, Barbara Benagh offers a few segments that are mostly restorative. Keep in mind that if you are doing restorative at home, you will most like need a lot of props! A yoga bolster is great, but you can sub couch/other pillows, firm blankets, etc. There are also some nice restorative practices on YouTube--SarahBeth Yoga has a series of 20-minute ones that I like, and Ekhart Yoga always has nice offerings as well.

Jeannine, ITA that power yoga/other fast-paced types of yoga can induce serenity as well! Really, I think you can get this through ANY type of yoga that clicks with you, so long as you: 1) connect to the breath, 2) have a mind-body focus throughout your practice, and 3) take time for shavasana at the end.

[Lannette]

Originally Posted by toaster

Hi Lanette! I have one restorative DVD that is very nice, Restorative Yoga Practice with Deborah Donahue. On Yoga for Stress Relief, Barbara Benagh offers a few segments that are mostly restorative. Keep in mind that if you are doing restorative at home, you will most like need a lot of props! A yoga bolster is great, but you can sub couch/other pillows, firm blankets, etc. There are also some nice restorative practices on YouTube--SarahBeth Yoga has a series of 20-minute ones that I like, and Ekhart Yoga always has nice offerings as well.

Jeannine, ITA that power yoga/other fast-paced types of yoga can induce serenity as well! Really, I think you can get this through ANY type of yoga that clicks with you, so long as you: 1) connect to the breath, 2) have a mind-body focus throughout your practice, and 3) take time for shavasana at the end.

Thank you Beth! I actually have a ton of props from Egoscue along with folded blankets, etc. I'll check out everything you mentioned.

Jeannine, Beth has actually clarified what I mentioned. Power yoga can be very meditative but if the practice that I'm doing is too advanced I lose my connection with my Breath, mind/body connection and as a result lose that meditative aspect. Depending upon the practice that may not happen until 50 or 60 minutes in or in the first ten minutes. The wisdom comes in knowing it and moving to Shavasana, for a few minutes or as a closing on the practice. I'm working on the wisdom part.