Many types of yoga are offered around the world. These three are taught locally:
Hatha: Hindu form of yoga uses classic postures, breathing and meditation to join mind and body. It's good for beginners, but also benefits those who want to progress to more challenging postures.
Ashtanga (also called vinyasa or power yoga): A set of flowing postures are performed with a rhythmic form of breathing. It's a rigorous, physically challenging workout.
Kundalini: Focuses on spiritual energy and includes postures, meditation, chanting and a rapid, intense breathing called breath of fire. It's considered one of the more spiritual forms of yoga.
To a newcomer, yoga can seem intimidating.
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Some people picture a yogi whose body is twisted into an intricate shape and think they could never do that. Or they're confused about the different forms of yoga and don't know their ashtanga from their kundalini.
The Twin Ports area is brimming with yoga classes. There are yoga studios and classes held in fitness centers, schools, YMCAs and places of worship.
Four local yoga teachers offered their suggestions on how to get started: Deborah Adele, co-owner of Yoga North in Duluth; Leanne Zeppa, owner of Three West Yoga in Duluth; Catherine Anderson, owner of Yoga Tree Studio in Superior; and Linda Glisson, owner of Zenith Fitness Studio in Duluth.
GETTING STARTED
You don't need any special equipment for yoga. Dress in loose clothing that allows you to move. Yoga mats are widely available and inexpensive if you want to buy one, but some studios loan them for classes.
Adele suggested finding an accredited teacher who offers a beginning class. If you have any health concerns, check with your doctor first, she said, and let your yoga instructor know about your health issues.
Zeppa said it's important to feel a connection with your instructor. Talk with the instructor before or after class. "You should feel a bond and feel that you're in a trusting environment," she said.
Anderson suggested a smaller class so the teachercan give you more attention. And don't let anyoneforce you into doing a yoga pose that you don't thinkyour body can do.
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"That's how people end up getting hurt," Anderson said. "It's important to honor where the body is today."
While people often say they can't do yoga because they're not flexible, Glisson said doing yoga eventually makes you more flexible. Come to class with an open mind, she urged.
TYPES OF YOGA
Yoga is a system of exercises created in India 5,000 years ago. Many consider yoga as a way to join the mind and body to increase spiritual awareness.
There are many yoga styles, so try classes in various styles to discover which appeals to you.
Popular styles offered locally include hatha, a Hindu school of yoga that uses postures, breathing and meditation; kundalini, a form of yoga that focuses on spiritual energy and includes postures, a rapid, intense breathing called breath of fire, meditation and chanting; and ashtanga, a vigorous form that also is known as vinyasa or power yoga.
"You flow from one pose to another," Glisson said of power yoga. "It's very much about riding the breath. You are moving through your poses through the breath. It's rigorous and physically challenging."
Hatha is quieter and more meditative, she said.
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The same poses are used in different forms of yoga, so it's hard to draw the line between them, Glisson said.
"One thing I learned in my yoga training is that when you come to yoga, you take what serves you and you leave the rest," Glisson said.
If hatha and other forms of yoga are at the base of the yoga tree, then kundalini is toward the top because it's considered one of the more spiritual types of yoga, Zeppa said.
Kundalini has postures that people hold from 30 seconds to several minutes. People hold the postures for as long as they feel they can, which make it good for people at all levels of experience, Zeppa said. You can become strong through kundalini, which also can be very vigorous, she said.
Yoga studios often offer classes geared to kids, families, people with disabilities and pregnant women.
Zeppa said the prenatal class at Three West Yoga not only prepares a woman for labor, but helps her commune with her baby through meditation. It's also a good way for the moms to form a community, she said.
"It's not vigorous," she said about the class. "We believe a woman should be treated like a queen during the prenatal time. It's relaxing and renewing."
LINDA HANSON covers family issues and religion. She can be reached weekdays at (218) 723-5335 or by e-mail at lhanson@duluthnews.com .
