More than just exercise: Yoga for holistic well-being

Yoga isn't just yoga. There are many different yoga styles that vary in their execution, focus, and intensity. So, if you say that yoga isn't for you, then perhaps you just haven't found the right type for you yet.

Here's an overview of some of the most popular forms of yoga:

Ashtanga Yoga

• Style: Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic and demanding form of yoga that consists of a fixed sequence of exercises. These exercises are interconnected and performed in a flowing transition.
• Focus: Ashtanga Yoga emphasizes the synchronization of breathing and movement, as well as the development of strength, stamina, and flexibility.
• Special features: The "warrior poses" (Virabhadrasana) are typical exercises in Ashtanga Yoga, which particularly strengthen the legs and improve balance.
• Suitable for: Ashtanga Yoga is ideal for those seeking a physically challenging yoga practice and who like to follow fixed sequences.

Hatha Yoga

• Style: Hatha Yoga is a slower and gentler yoga style, which is particularly suitable for beginners. Often, blocks, chairs or the wall are used as aids.
• Focus: Hatha Yoga concentrates on basic postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama).
• Special features: The exercises are usually held for longer to promote stretching and relaxation.
• Suitable for: Hatha Yoga is suitable for anyone looking for a gentle introduction to yoga or who wants to improve their flexibility.

Vinyasa Yoga

• Style: Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing yoga style where movements are synchronized with breath.
• Focus: Vinyasa Yoga emphasizes the flow between individual exercises and the development of inner warmth.
• Special features: Vinyasa Yoga classes can vary greatly, as teachers often set their own focus.
• Suitable for: Vinyasa Yoga is suitable for anyone seeking a dynamic and varied yoga practice. It can be overwhelming for beginners because the sequences are performed very quickly one after the other.

Hot Yoga

• Style: Hot Yoga is a sweat-inducing form of yoga that is practiced in a room heated to 38 degrees Celsius.  
• Focus: Hot Yoga is intended to warm up the muscles, improve flexibility, and detoxify the body.  
• Special Features: The heat stimulates blood circulation and promotes relaxation.  
• Suitable for: Hot Yoga is suitable for anyone seeking an intense physical experience and who can handle the heat well.

Aroma Yoga

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• Style: Aroma Yoga combines the effects of essential oils with yoga practice. Often this is combined with Yin Yoga or Vinyasa.  
• Focus: The essential oils are intended to deepen relaxation, improve mood, or support specific bodily functions.
• Special features: Depending on the oil used, Aroma Yoga can have different effects.
• Suitable for: Aroma Yoga is suitable for anyone who enjoys the additional relaxation and fragrance of essential oils.

Yin Yoga

• Style: Yin Yoga is a passive yoga style in which the exercises are held for long periods.  
• Focus: Yin Yoga aims to reach deep tissue layers (fascia) and release blockages.  
• Special features:
  • Long hold times: The long hold times of the poses allow you to sink deep into the stretch and reach the fascia.  
• Props: Props such as pillows, blankets, and blocks are often used to support the body in the poses and promote relaxation.  
• Reflection work and journaling: In many Yin Yoga classes, the practice is combined with reflection work and journaling. The long stretches can help bring emotional blockages and old traumas to the surface. By subsequently reflecting and writing down the experiences, these can be processed and released.  
• Suitable for: Yin Yoga is ideal for anyone who wants to improve their flexibility and release tension. It can also help to better perceive the body and accept the pain in the exercises as part of the process.  

"I find it interesting how you learn to enjoy the pain in your body over time, because after the tension, there is a deep relaxation. That's why I find Yin particularly great in the evening, and on days when I don't have the energy to do sports." Susanne Feldt, hermaid founder.

Kundalini Yoga

• Style: Kundalini Yoga is a spiritual form of yoga that combines elements of breathing exercises (Pranayama), meditation, mantras (sacred syllables or words), and physical postures (Asanas).
• Focus: The goal of Kundalini Yoga is to awaken Kundalini energy, which is visualized as dormant potential energy at the base of the spine (Muladhara Chakra) and is associated with life force. Through its practices, this energy is encouraged to rise along the spine, activating various energy centers (Chakras).
• Key features:
  • Dynamic breathing exercises – A distinctive aspect is the combination of breath and movement, often in repetitive patterns.
  • Circular movements – Rotational movements, especially in the pelvic area, help activate and direct energy in the root chakra.
  • Mantras – Chanting mantras plays an essential role in focusing the mind and enhancing the energetic effects of the exercises.
  • Music and sound – The practice is often accompanied by chanting, prayers, or rhythmic sounds to deepen the experience.
  • Breath of Fire (Kapalabhati) – A rapid, forceful exhalation with passive inhalation. This technique is used for purification, energy activation, and mental focus.
• Who its for: Kundalini Yoga is suitable for anyone looking for a spiritual yoga practice and is open to its energetic aspects. It is particularly beneficial for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and improving cardiovascular health.
  

"Kundalini Yoga has helped me find much more inner peace and strength. I use this powerful yoga practice to sharpen awareness and unlock inner energy sources."

Aerial Yoga

Style: Aerial Yoga is a modern form of yoga that uses a specially designed fabric or hammock to perform traditional yoga poses in the air.

Focus: Aerial Yoga combines elements of yoga, Pilates, acrobatics, and aerial arts. It promotes strength, flexibility, balance, and body control.

Key Features:

• The Fabric: The hammock provides both support and resistance, enabling poses that would be difficult or impossible on the ground.
• Weightlessness: The hammock allows for low-impact exercises, making Aerial Yoga particularly suitable for those with back problems or limited mobility.
• Playful Approach: Aerial Yoga often has a fun and liberating element, making it an enjoyable experience.

Who its for: Aerial Yoga is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. There are different difficulty levels and variations, allowing both beginners and advanced practitioners to benefit from the practice.

Face Yoga

• Style: Face Yoga is a series of exercises specifically designed to train and strengthen the muscles in the face, neck, and décolleté.
• Focus: Face Yoga targets the deliberate activation and relaxation of facial muscles to stimulate blood circulation, promote collagen production, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• Key features:*
  • Targeted Exercises: Face Yoga includes a variety of exercises that focus on specific areas of the face, such as the forehead, eyes, cheeks, chin, and neck. In addition to strengthening movements, Face Yoga also incorporates relaxation techniques to release facial tension and reduce stress.
• Effects:*
  • Reduction of Wrinkles: Regular Face Yoga can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Skin-Firming: Strengthening facial muscles can make the skin appear firmer and more youthful.
  • Improved Blood Circulation: The exercises promote better circulation in the skin, contributing to a healthier complexion.
  • Relaxation: Face Yoga can help release tension in the face and alleviate stress.
• Who it's suitable for: Face Yoga is suitable for people of all ages who want to enhance their appearance naturally and slow down the signs of aging. It is particularly beneficial for those who spend long hours in front of screens or experience facial tension

Conclusion

Each type of yoga has its own unique features and benefits. The best yoga practice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. The best way to find out? Try different styles and discover which one brings you the most joy and well-being!