Healthy Living Blog

oga has been around for thousands of years, and it remains a popular form of exercise today. Originally used primarily for attaining higher states of consciousness, it now serves as a method of reducing stress and becoming physically fit. Yoga classes are available almost everywhere.

Most people, however, do not realize that yoga is an extremely general term. There are dozens of types of yoga that have been developed over the years. Outside of Hinduism, however, there are relatively few types practised. Those doing yoga for health purposes usually practise one of four types:

* Hatha yoga - This is the most common type of yoga practised in the United States. It consists of slow, smooth movements. The asanas, or poses, are usually relatively simple. Students of Hatha learn to incorporate pranayamas, or breathing patterns, into their movements and poses, and they may chant as well. Hatha yoga is perfect for beginners, because it moves slowly and introduces many of the concepts used in other types of yoga.