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We've found that doing yoga helps reduce the stress that comes from life in the New New Orleans. It can also bring back a sense of balance and mindfulness. Below, we briefly describe the different kinds of yoga and list local yoga studios.
Types of YogaHatha, Kundalini, Bikram, and Ashtanga yoga are the four most popular types practiced in fitness centers and local yoga studios throughout the U.S.
The lotus flower symbolizes the union
of the four elements; earth, air, fire, and water. Hatha yoga is the most widely practiced type in the U.S. and is excellent for beginners. It is a gentle practice where you move slowly and smoothly through dozens of poses (called asanas). The focus is on holding the poses and integrating your breathing into the movement. Hatha is a great way to stretch, work your muscles, get in touch with your body, relax, and decrease stress. Iyengar yoga, a form of Hatha, uses similar poses but focuses more on body alignment and balance, holding poses longer, and using props such as straps, blankets, and blocks. Like Hatha it's also a good choice for beginners. Kundalini Kundalini yoga emphasizes rapid movement through the poses and emphasizes breathing, chanting, and meditation. It has a more spiritual feel than Hatha and focuses on energy balance in your body. Beginners unfamiliar with Hatha poses, chanting, and meditation, might find Kundalini more physically and mentally challenging then they are comfortable with and might want to start with Hatha. Bikram Bikram yoga is practiced in a room (sometimes unventilated) heated to about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The idea is that muscles will loosen and sweating will cleanse the body and remove symptoms of disease and chronic pain. Please note: Because of the risk of dehydration and changes in blood pressure, it is recommended that people with an existing heart problem or high blood pressure should speak with their physician before doing this type of yoga. Ashtanga Ashtanga, or power yoga, is designed to build strength and endurance. It is an aggressive workout where you move quickly from one pose to another. There is little emphasis on meditation with Ashtanga, and at the end of the session you will feel more like you have completed a traditional weight training or calisthenic workout than you would with any other type of yoga. Ashtanga is for you if you're looking for a tough, physically challenging workout.medicinenet.com Want more details? Read Yoga Journal's Yoga Basics article. 
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Drishti Earth-Friendly Yoga Mat Brightly Colored PVC-free Mat Local Yoga StudiosAstanga Yoga Room1138 S. Carrollton Ave NOLA 70118, (504) 813-3738 Audubon Yoga Studio 511 Octavia St NOLA 70115, 504-821-9885 New Orleans Yoga Center 4436 Toulouse St #21, NOLA 70119, (504) 910-7445 NOLA Yoga 1937 Sophie Wright Place, New Orleans, LA 70130 (917) 568-6158 Swan River Yoga 2130 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA, (504) 566-4922 Tapas Yoga 4413 Chastant St, Metairie LA, (504) 256-5255 Wild Lotus Yoga 4842 Perrier St, NOLA 70115, (504) 899-0047 Yoga 108 8229 Oak Street NOLA 70118, (866) YOGA-108 Yoga Bywater 900 Louisa St NOLA, (504) 945-4597 |
