GLOSSARY Y
oga, a holistic art and practice that originated some 5,000 years ago in India, aims to integrate mind, body
and spirit. Te word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to yoke or unite, and refers to the joining of body with mind and mind with soul to achieve health, bal- ance, tranquility and enlightenment. Individuals of every age and physi-
cal condition can benefit from the regular practice of yoga, which has been proven to enhance flexibility, strength, stamina and concentration. Using a combination of asa- nas, or postures, and breathing techniques, yoga works to induce deep relaxation and reduce stress, tone the body and organs, increase vitality, and improve circulation and energy flow. Upliſting and meditative, yoga can be applied as a spiritual practice, as well. Although many schools, or styles, of
yoga exist, most differences derive from the primary focus of the practitioner’s attention: precise alignment of the body; holding of the asanas; flow between the postures; breath and movement coordina- tion; or inner awareness and meditation. No particular style is better than another, and many students practice more than one.
Aerial: Originated in California and now in several countries. Sometimes branded as AntiGravity Yoga, aerial incorporates traditional yoga asanas with the use of a hammock or sling and combines elements of Pilates and dance. Tis style is said to deliver benefits on emotional and psycho- logical levels and has a fun component.
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Aqua: Also known as water or pool yoga. Aqua yoga is practiced in water—a warm indoor pool or natural body of water. Asa- nas are adapted to work with the buoy- ancy provided by water and have a positive effect on joints. Tis form is a viable option for older individuals or anyone else with physical conditions that prevent them from practicing land yoga. Its benefits include lymphatic stimulation and improved range of motion.
Ashtanga: A physically demanding style that is light on meditation, ashtanga yoga employs a fast-paced series of flow- ing poses to build strength, flexibility and stamina. Developed by Indian yoga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, ashtanga’s progres- sively difficult postures are synchronized with a loud breath (called ujyaii breath in Sanskrit) and are designed to produce intense internal heat and purifying sweat in order to detoxify muscles and organs. Te room is usually heated to warm muscles and increase flexibility. Preferred by many athletes, this style is too intense and de- manding for most beginners.
Ananda: A form of gentle hatha yoga with an emphasis on meditation. Ananda combines classic yoga postures with breath- ing and silent affirmations to attune with higher levels of body sense, energy and silent inner awareness. As an inner-directed practice, it has less appeal to those desiring a more athletic or aerobic experience.
Anusara: Anusara means “go with the flow,” and blends spirituality with inner/ outer alignment and balanced energetic actions. Developed by John Friend in 1997, this style urges students to think of poses as artistic expressions of the heart. Indi- vidual abilities and limitations are deeply respected and honored, so Anusara yoga can be helpful for everyone and is good for beginners.
Chair: Practiced sitting or standing, it uses a chair as a support/prop. Asanas are adapted from traditional hatha yoga. It benefits older individuals and those that are body-challenged. Flexibility is en- hanced, as well as mind-body awareness.
Hatha: Hatha yoga is the foundational discipline on which nearly all other styles are based. In Sanskrit, ha represents the sun and tha, the moon—hence, the practice is designed to bring the yin and yang, light and dark, masculine and feminine aspects and polarities into balance. Essentially, hatha yoga brings all aspects of life together. A class described as hatha will likely include slow-paced stretching,
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