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Naked yoga and 9 other types that we hear for the first time
We understand the most fashionable directions.
The history of yoga goes back millennia, but every year interest in it only grows. Hatha-, jivamukti-, vinyasa-, ayengara-, ashtanga-, kundalini-yoga – these are just a few of the most widespread classical directions of yoga today. However, the practitioners’ imagination is inexhaustible, and yoga classes today are not only breathing exercises and stretching on the mat. The West, where Indian practitioners have found the largest number of adherents, constantly presents to the world more and more new and sometimes very funny versions of yoga. For those who have not yet found their direction, here are 10 of the most unexpected types of yoga.
Bikram yoga
Another name for this trend, created by Bikram Choudhary, is hot yoga. 26 classic hatha yoga poses and 2 breathing exercises are practiced in a hot room with a temperature of 35–45 degrees Celsius. Such yoga classes can be compared to going to the sauna. Together with sweat during hot yoga, both the body and the spirit are freed of toxins, and the heat also protects the muscles and tendons that are being used from overexertion.
Naked yoga
The name of this type of yogic practice speaks for itself: classical asanas (yoga postures) are performed in this case without clothes. During such sessions, the practitioner must not only come to a balance between body and mind, but also free from fears and develop confidence in himself and his body.
Budokon yoga
This type of yoga was invented by the American fitness guru Cameron Shane, who, after many years of practicing martial arts, discovered yoga and combined these two types of practices. Budokon yoga (translated from Japanese “bu” – fighter, “do” – path, “con” – spirit) forever changed the idea that yoga is an exceptionally easy female practice, and brought men to the studios of America, Japan and Europe, who before that could not imagine their life without dumbbells. While in Russia this combination of yoga and martial arts is rather unknown, in the Western world there is already a whole system of budokons, which includes not only physical practices and meditation, but also the order of healthy eating and attitude to life in order to train a relief body and fighting spirit.
“Doga”, or yoga with dogs
During the execution of the classic poses, the owner of the dog either strokes, or lifts, or simply touches his pet. This yoga practice should positively affect both the owner of the four-legged friend and the animal itself, strengthening their connection and restoring inner harmony.
Acro-yoga
This type of yoga combines yogic philosophy, elements of acrobatics and Thai massage, is practiced most often in pairs and is aimed at developing creativity, attention, balance, coordination, trust, feeling of one’s body and the ability to let go and relax. During acro yoga, one of the practitioners holds the other on his arms and legs, allowing the partner (or more often the partner) to perform yoga poses as if in flight. It looks amazing and is perfect for couples where partners share each other’s passion for yoga.
Aerial, or anti-gravity, yoga
This type of yoga is practiced with a hammock or tape attached to the ceiling and combines elements of yoga, Pilates and dance. Invented by former dancer and gymnast Christopher Harrison, this type of yoga is primarily good for the back muscles and joints. Hammocks or ribbons also increase the tension of muscles that are not often used in everyday life, and help practitioners quickly master difficult poses, especially inverted ones.
SUP yoga, or yoga on a surfboard
SUP comes from the English “stand up paddle” and means “standing with a paddle.” This is a fairly young sport in which surfboarding requires paddle rather than waves, which makes it possible to practice on any water surface and not only as a professional surfer. Such accessibility and the fact that this sport develops balance and concentration, suggested that it was time to replace the mat and do classic yoga on a surfboard. The combination of yoga, water sports and nature, however, not only brings a lot of positive emotions to practitioners, but also requires them to maximize body concentration when performing even the simplest asanas, otherwise there is a risk of falling into the water.
Water yoga
This type of yoga is especially suitable for older people and is practiced in a pool in which the water level only reaches the thighs. Warm water with a temperature of at least 35 degrees, on the one hand, protects muscles and joints during stretch marks, on the other hand, it makes it possible to perform postures that are impossible, for example, for patients with arthritis for health reasons under normal conditions.
Yoga with goats
This type of yoga has taken root so far only in America and is practiced on farms, where hay is placed under the rugs, and goats walk between the yogis. The adorable appearance of dwarf goats should soften and distract yoga practitioners. The connection with nature and oneself, as well as inner peace and good mood after such classes, according to the organizers of yoga courses with goats, are guaranteed.
Yoga for the face
It looks, of course, fun, but the effect on the face is promised to be serious. This type of yoga was invented by the Japanese woman Fumiko Takatsu, who, thanks to regular exercises, corrected the asymmetry of her own face. Stroking, massaging movements, tension and relaxation of the facial muscles are a classic yogic set of exercises for the muscles and skin of the face. Through such gymnastics, teachers of this style promise to relax certain areas of the face, prevent headaches, wrinkles or bags under the eyes, smooth the skin and give the practitioner’s face a freshness and expression of peace and joy.
Conservative yoga adherents argue whether all this variety of styles and types can still be called true yoga, which was once brought to the Western world by practitioners from India. However, while experts are tackling these serious questions, millions of people are discovering yoga, in a hammock or on a rug, and simply enjoy it for both body and soul.