By Claire Brinsden Jordan
What do poet Henry David Thoreau, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Lady Gaga all have in common? They are all yogis! The ancient practice of yoga originated in Northern India over 5,000 years ago. Unlike the many fitness fads of my lifetime – think ThighMaster and Tae Bo – the practice of yoga has endured for centuries to transform body and mind in tandem. I have been practicing yoga for about 25 years on and off, rediscovering its benefits with every life stage and move to a new city. Those who practice yoga come to their mat with various intentions. A yoga class accommodates both beginners and advanced yogis because every pose is adaptable to fit varying levels. Perhaps that’s why it has withstood the test of time – it’s a practice that you make your own, to fit your personal needs at any given moment. There are few physical activities I’ve found that include the mental and spiritual exercise of yoga (dance is another one). Finding that balance of mind, body and spirit is essential to being a human in a tumultuous world.
Yoga’s main tenet is ahisma – trading the “no pain, no gain” mindset for a “no harm” one. There are many benefits to a yoga practice, including gains in strength, balance, and flexibility. Yoga improves posture, eases back pain and arthritis, and boosts immunity. Beyond the physical benefits, yoga helps reduce stress and anxiety, lifts mood, and promotes mindfulness. As with most exercise, you must stick with it and practice regularly to feel the most progress.
Like a great tree growing many branches, yoga has evolved and expanded over time, offering many variations to meet different needs. So, let’s look at the different styles of yoga and see if you can find one that suits you.
Kundalini
In Sanskrit, Kundalini means “life force energy,” also known as prana. If you like a more spiritual physical practice with chanting and singing, this one is for you. Class starts with a mantra (focus), followed by a warm-up, and poses that increase in difficulty, then ends with meditation and relaxation. It is designed to reduce stress and negative thinking.
Yin
If you’re looking for a slower pace, then Yin is your speed, as it honors stillness. Poses are held longer, targeting connective tissues, and providing a deep stretch. Props like bolsters, blocks, and blankets provide support so that you can relax into the poses.
Vinyasa
The “flow” of Vinyasa keeps you moving, as the poses are synchronized with breathing in continuous movement. This rhythmic flow is meditative, and great for calming the mind.
Hatha
Sanskrit for the “sun and moon,” Hatha balances opposing forces like strength and flexibility. It combines poses (asana), breathing (pranayama) and meditation. There are three unique styles of yoga that fall under the Hatha umbrella – Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Bikram. Ashtanga is a more physical and regimented class that includes six series of poses given in a specific order. A student must master one series before learning the next, and each person moves at their own pace. “Power” yoga is a less regimented variation of Ashtanga. Iyengar is a more static practice that uses props and stationary objects like walls, chairs, and straps to ensure proper alignment while holding poses longer. It is a great choice for older adults or those with physical limitations who need less movement and intensity. Bikram is a form of “hot” yoga practiced in a 105-degree room with 40 percent humidity. Like Ashtanga it has a set series of poses that must be done in a specific order. If you do not do well in the heat or don’t like to sweat profusely, you should skip this one. I almost fainted once in a Bikram yoga class!
Restorative
If you need to wind down your nervous system and de-stress, then restorative yoga offers calm and peace. Using props to support the body, poses are held for at least five minutes or longer, giving the body and mind a chance to fully relax. If you’re an athlete in need of a recovery day, or just want to relieve stress, give restorative yoga a try. You may even fall asleep!
Prenatal
This practice is designed specifically for pregnant women and offers safe poses that can ease hip and lower back pain, as well as prepare the body for delivery day. As with all types of yoga, it can also help relieve the stress and anxiety that comes with being a mom-to-be.
Aerial
This newer form of yoga uses a hammock that hangs from the ceiling to assist with traditional poses, as well as inverted poses like handstands. The benefits to inversion include decompressing the spine and reversing blood flow in the body for a euphoric feeling. Hanging upside down can be a little scary at first, but it’s calming once you close your eyes and relax.
Unusual
This category is reserved for classes like Goat yoga (yes, with goats), Doga (with dogs), SUP yoga (balanced on a paddleboard on the water), and naked yoga (clothing optional… no, I’ve never tried it but admire the lack of inhibition).
Many yoga instructors offer their own unique combination of styles, which keeps it interesting for students. I’ve had instructors who were very “hands-on,” correcting alignment in poses, and instructors who never left their own mat during the practice. Some use calming music as the only sound, and some talk their way through class. The key is to find an instructor and a practice that you like to keep you coming back.
If you want to try yoga, there are some free or donation-based classes provided here in South Pinellas.
- The Body Electric Yoga Company offers “sunset yoga” on the St. Pete Pier the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm.
- Get Fit St. Pete and The Body Electric instructors bring you “Yoga in the Park” at Crescent Lake Park on the first Saturday of the month at 9am.
- The Kage Collective Real Estate Team and Beach Town Yoga offer “Namaste by the Bay” at the Mahaffey Theater Plaza the third Saturday of the month at 10am.
These three are outdoors, weather-permitting, and you should bring your own yoga mat. Beach Town Yoga hosts a free class at The Floridian Social on Central Ave. the third Sunday of the month at 1pm. So go Yogi! Namaste!