Most popular yoga practices
Svaroopa Anusara, Iyengar, Vinuasa, Ashtanga? Huh???
Yup, these are all various types of yoga practice. Looking at those names and not having clue one as to what they mean could make you turn tail and run, giving up on yoga before you even begin. But, I don't want to see that happen so I'm going to break those practices down for you and try to explain them in layman's terms so you can walk into your local club or yoga studio and know exactly which class is right for you. I'll list them in order of difficulty starting with the easiest form of practice first.
SVAROOPA: This yoga practice blends moderately challenging poses, or asanas, with core-opening exercises. This is beneficial to triathletes who need to learn how to self-massage the deepest layers of their muscles. Many of these types of classes focus on the spine, hip flexors and low back. Svaroopa yoga is an excellent entry point for anyone interested in beginning a yoga practice or for those looking to increase flexibility.
ANUSARA (HATHA): Anusara is a form of Hatha yoga, one of the oldest derivatives of yoga itself. Literally translated Anusara means "following your heart". In keeping with its name, Anusara yoga focuses on heart-opening poses. These can be especially beneficial for cyclists who are continually hunched over their bikes and possibly suffer from shoulder or upper back soreness. Anusara applies a strict set of principles, called the Universal Principles of Alignment to its sequences. These principles promote postural awareness and focus on breathing techniques.
IYENGAR: Developed by B.K.S. Iyengar more than 50 years ago, this form of yoga is another type that is inviting for beginners as it offers varying levels of participation. Iyengar classes typically employ props, such as belts, blocks, exercise balls and blankets These props are helpful for beginners and intermediates alike in keeping the alignment of the postures correct and true to form. This practice is beneficial to all triathletes, as there are many leg-strengthening standing poses and movements that challenge balance, control land coordination.
VINYASA (FLOW): Due to its moderately difficulty in terms of pose memory and needed flexibility, Vinyasa yoga, sometimes called Flow, is usually reserved for those who have practiced yoga before. Generally, Vinyasa classes move quickly and have an aerobic element to them. The series of poses shift with the teachers tempo, usually coordinating with the breath, and connect in sequence, hence the flow aspect of the practice. Vinyasa is an excellent class for the more experienced yogi triathlete who would like to build lean muscle mass, core strength and awareness of breath.
ASHTANGA: Metaphorically, Ashtanga yoga is more like the Ironman of the yoga practices, whereas Vinyasa could be considered the half-iron. Ashtanga requires a lot of discipline and focus, as well as strength. The poses are performed in sequence, like Vinyasa, but are done more quickly and strictly repeated.These poses combine all the elements of yoga; breathing, balance flexibility and awareness; into a fast paces practice often done in a heated room which adds an additional element of intensity to the practice.
On a side note, while digging more and more into yoga I've found it interesting to learn that it is considered more a practice rather than a form of exercise. Yogi's train, or practice, to be fully in the moment and to perform each movement to their fullest potential, striving to improve their balance, self-awareness and focus, much like triathletes who train, or practice, to be faster, stronger, and more efficient. We both aim for our best through practicing a series of motions over and over again. We both look deep within to find the strength and focus to push through either a challenging pose or a difficult set. Looking at yoga as an enhancement to our training will provide triathletes another way to become stronger, more mentally focused, and more flexible translating to a leg up next year when the season starts.
Keep on training gang!
