Issue Date: December 4, 2005
Which yoga is right for you?
Madonna twists herself into a pretzel during her concerts. Sting, Christy Turlington, Annette Bening and Gwyneth Paltrow can't get enough. We've seen how great these stars look; they must be doing something right. It's yoga. They do it, and maybe you should, too.
According to Yoga Journal, 7.5% of U.S. adults practice yoga; that's up 43% since 2002. In addition, about 25 million people who don't currently practice it say they intend to try yoga within the year.
Interested in flexing your flexibility? There are many types of yoga, and they all have different benefits and believers. Most physical forms of yoga fall into the category of "hatha" -- yogic exercises emphasizing specific postures and breathing. To get started, find classes near you online at yogafinder.com.
Although yoga styles vary greatly by instructor, here's a guide to popular forms: Benefits differ for each type.
| YOGA TYPE |
WHAT IT IS |
IS IT FOR YOU? |
MORE INFO |
| Ashtanga |
Intense classes focus on synchronizing breath with a fast-paced series of postures. |
For those who want a serious workout. Madonna does it. |
ashtanga.com |
| Power yoga |
Rigorous workout focuses on strength and flexibility while keeping heart rate elevated. Little to no chanting is involved. |
Americanized yoga. A tough workout is the focus; Helen Hunt and Raquel Welch power through |
Pick up Baron Baptiste's The Yoga Bootcamp Box, or visit power-yoga.com |
| Bikram |
26 set postures in 90 minutes performed in a 105-degree studio. |
Not for the faint of heart; a definite physical challenge. |
bikramyoga.com
|
| Iyengar |
Focus is on the nuances of each pose. Postures are held longer for close attention to body alignment. |
A great start for the less flexible; use of helpful props is encouraged. |
iyengar-yoga.com |
Contact Contributing Editor Jorge Cruise, author of The 3-Hour Diet, at 3hourdiet.com.
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