Many Paths, One Destination

Bikram Yoga

Bikram Yoga is series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises done in the same sequence every time, and practiced in a heated environment (105º/40% humidity). Bikram Yoga is hot yoga, but not all "hot yoga" is Bikram Yoga. The specific sequencing prepares the body in such a way that benefits are maximized, touching on practically every muscle, joint, and system of the body.

The heat helps to achieve deeper stretching and more flexibility, flush toxins from the body, improve immune-efficiency, burn calories, and build endurance. It also helps to cultivate better concentration. Benefits from the postures themselves are many, including improved circulation, increased spine strength, flexibility and health, muscle strength, length and flexibility, reduced pain and reduced risk of sports injury, stress relief, better balance and coordination, increased energy, clearer mental state, and of course weight-loss. It helps to balance and regulate the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, nervous, digestive, elimination, respiratory, endocrine, and mental systems of the body.

Vinyasa

Vinyasa, also called Vinyasa Flow due to the fluid linking together of asanas (postures), is often faster paced with an emphasis placed on synchronizing the breath to the movements, particularly when transitioning in and out of postures. Typically, expansive or upward movements are done on inhalations, and compressive or downward movements are done on exhalations.

A "vinyasa", in the form of a noun, also refers to a standard sequence of postures which is done in between other posture combinations. This consists of Plank Pose, Low Plank, Upward Facing Dog, and Downward Facing Dog. Continual movements from one pose to another provides cardiovascular benefits, which more traditional forms of yoga do not have, and can help to increase muscle strength, endurance and flexibility, and reduce stress levels.

Vinyasa sequences and paces vary from class to class, teacher to teacher, which is part of the beauty of this style of yoga. You can literally "go with the flow", without expectations or anticipations.

Yin Yoga

The Yin practice is a slow practice, in fact, very slow. Postures may be held for up to 20 minutes at a time, but typically for 3 to 5 minutes. Yin Yoga focuses primarily on the tendons, ligaments and fascia of the body, rather than the musculature. The poses apply moderate "stress" to these connective tissues, with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility.

The approach to Yin Yoga is much different than more active practices. There is an attitude of surrender, introspection, and meditation—cultivating awareness of inner silence. The postures are passive and may be supported with props, allowing for the muscles to entirely relax, which moves the "stress" to the yin tissues of the body. Beyond the physical aspect, Yin Yoga also targets the Taoist meridian system, helping to align and regulate the more subtle functions.

The three tenets of Yin Yoga are to come into the posture to the appropriate edge (absent of pain, effort or goal), to be still, and to hold for a while. Yin Yoga helps to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety, improve circulation and flexibility, allow for fascial release and improved joint flexibility, and improve the flow of chi, or prana, through meridian stimulation.

Stand-Up Paddle Yoga

As the name implies, this style of yoga is done on a stand-up paddle board. It's a wonderful way to bring your yoga practice into the beauty and ever-fluctuating environment of nature, although it can also be done in a pool, or even on an Indo Board indoors.

SUP Yoga requires constant re-calibration of the body's equilibrium, which helps to improve balance and develop core stability. There is a certain element of unpredictability with this yoga practice, offering an opportunity to surrender to what is happening at the moment and become more present. It's also tons of fun, so if pure joy is what you're after, this is a great way to go!