Have you been bored and stressed lately? Looking for ways to revive your youthful, adventurous spirit but don’t know where to start from, what to do? I happen to know the most effective way to help you raise energy levels and work towards your goals – Yoga.
Yoga is a layered science, working on the unity of mind, body, soul, and helping the consciousness grow.
If you are a beginner or picking up yoga practice after a break, sieving through excessive information on the internet, choosing the right pose, the correct form can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed?
Think of Yoga to be a big tree with various branches and fruits. The trick is to choose the branch that suits your physical, mental and spiritual growth at this moment. Each branch (read – Yoga form) has its own unique style, difficulty level, and emphasis.
Here are 7 Unusual Types of Yoga forms for Adventurous Souls to choose from and give a boost to their life
1. Kundalini Yoga
Taught by Yogi Bhajan, Kundalini Yoga is known for its highly spiritual and dynamic approach. Kundalini refers to the life force (sleeping serpent) dwelling in every living being.
The yoga form is a powerful blend of yogic exercises, hand mudras, breathing techniques and mantras. The classes usually begin with chanting mantras, followed by pranayama, warm-up exercises such as sun salutation, cat-cow pose, and ending with relaxation breathing techniques.
The powerful yoga form helps people listen to their intuition and connect to the divine source within. Kundalini Yoga is a suitable practice for those wanting to reduce anxiety, lose weight, and create a happy change in their lives.
2. Bikram Yoga
Taught by Bikram Chaudhary, Bikram yoga involves all your muscles, strength, concentration, will power and is an exhilarating physical experience.
The yoga form consists of 26 yoga postures, two breathing exercises done in 105 degrees heat with 40 percent humidity in 90 minutes.
The yoga form strengthens, relaxes, detoxes the body and helps in releasing pent up emotions.
The classes are conducted only by certified yoga experts and remember-
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after class
- Do not eat at least two hours prior to class
- Wear light, form-fitting clothing
- Carry a large towel
Celebrities such as Ted Kennedy, President Clinton, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Aniston, and David Beckham have tried and benefitted from this sweaty yoga form.
Hot yoga, Moksha yoga, Forrest Yoga are variations of Bikram Yoga.
3. Aerial Yoga
Founded by Christopher Harrison, the gorgeous gravity-defying yoga is one of the newest variants of yoga and spreading like wildfire.
The yoga form is characterized by carabiners, hanging 3 to 4 feet above the ground and participants performing headstands and backflips on them. The carabiners are made of dense nylon-like fabric which can easily support up to 1000 pounds.
The aerial yoga encourages flexibility, correct alignment, core strength, and playfulness.
4. Naked Yoga
Also known as Noga, the yoga form is ideal for those looking to unleash their adventurous spirit and remove inhibitions. As the name suggests, the yoga form is practiced without any clothes and helps in creating a body-positive image among the participants.
The yoga form is deep-rooted in Indian scriptures but gained popularity in the US during the 1960s. The first class is usually the most uncomfortable with removing clothes in front of strangers but gradually the experience becomes liberating.
The naked yoga makes you forget about your clothes or imperfections and helps you focus solely on the movement and correct alignment of the pose.
5. Acro Yoga
There is no greater adventure than sharing your vulnerability and healing with a partner. Acro yoga, co-founded by Jason Nemer and Jenny Saver in 2002, is partner-based yoga where one partner becomes the base and the other is a flier. The classes begin with each partner sharing their current physical and emotional state followed by gentle stretching and massage. The session ends when both the partners have based and flow. The yoga form encourages communication, openness, and connection among the participants.
6. Yoga Rave
A rave devoid of beer, drugs and bright lights – sounds impossible? Well, it isn’t. The Yoga rave, developed by Art of Living Foundation stimulates the body and mind by music, yoga & meditation. The class begins and ends with stillness and meditation while the middle is a nonstop 4-hour dancing session on electronic music. At times, the sessions also include a vegetarian gourmet food bar along with shots of Wheatgrass/Aloe vera juice shots. The classes are spreading like a rage all over the world and are an ideal way to party sans any hangover.
7. Power Yoga
Developed by yoga teachers Beryl Bender Birch and Bryan Kest, this American cousin of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga method is an athletic, intense, and sweaty yoga form.
The yoga form consists of vigorous pose sequences designed by the teacher helping the people connect to their breath. The classes are usually free of any chanting or meditation. Power Yoga promotes increased stamina, strength, balance, and flexibility, detoxification, weight loss, and stress reduction.
