To many people, the word yoga conjures up the image of a long-haired, bearded Indian man sitting in the lotus position and chanting. It has been increasingly in the public eye, mainly due to celebrities such as Madonna, Geri Halliwell and Gwyneth Paltrow singing its praises.

Reported improvements such as toned upper arms, trim stomach and firm thighs and bums have encouraged them to take up yoga classes, but for the uninitiated and uninformed, what is it all about?

Yoga originated in India around 6000 years ago. The practice sometimes seems to have an air of mystery about it, which perhaps prevents many people from trying a class. It can be seen as new-age, 'alternative' or a bit of a fad in the exercise world. In reality it is a holistic practise that benefits body, mind and spirit.

People take up yoga for a surprisingly wide range of reasons: to gain flexibility, to tone-up or lose weight, to improve their ability to relax or to prepare their body for a physical event such as childbirth. Regular practice of yoga will improve your general fitness and body shape; make you stronger, calmer and more able to cope with the stresses and strains of life. Types of yoga Hatha (or physical) yoga is broken down into eight stages or limbs.

Traditionally these are followed progressively to reach Samadhi, the last stage, where the spirit is liberated and becomes 'at one' with the universe. Yoga practised in the west mainly encapsulates stages three and four. Stage three (Asana) is the practise of the postures or poses and stage four (Pranayama) is rhythmic control of the breath.

There are many styles of Hatha yoga currently being taught, all of which have slightly different emphases.

• Astanga yoga is the form of yoga currently enjoying the most attention. Also known as power yoga, the moves or transitions between asanas are performed at a higher speed than usual, thus providing an aerobic workout, missing in the alternative yoga forms.

• Iyengar yoga, based on the teachings of BKS Iyengar from Pune, India, concentrates on the postural alignment of the body and limbs. The practice makes use of ropes, blocks and belts to aid in the attainment of the asanas.

• Sivananda yoga focuses on the flow of energy in the spine. This style is built around a specific sequence of twelve postures or poses.

• Yin yoga is a blend of Indian yoga practises and Buddhism. It is based on Hatha Yoga postures including some variations in its purpose and practise. All postures are practised on the floor. 

• Kripalu yoga is a practise more based on a Yang, or external practise versus Yin practise. While encouraging being fully present in the body sensations, emotions and thoughts, Kirpalu yoga teaches to meet challenges with a sense of relaxation, self-acceptance and strength. 

DHARANA
28009 MADRID  -  MADRID
Tel: 913 093 607
Website: www.escueladeyoga.com

Very friendly staff will be glad to introduce you to the yoga centre and its philosophy. The school which focuses mainly on yoga classes offers many different classes throughout the day. They also offer Pilates classes.

Hermosilla, 102

CITY YOGA
Artistas, 43
28020 MADRID  -  MADRID
Tel: 915 534 751
Website: www.city-yoga.com
Email: info@city-yoga.com

Groups of Yoga tuition start quarterly and can be scheduled for one or two days a week for the three months which makes a total of 14 or 28 classes. Should you have any further queries, just ask for the English native manager.

ELSA WOHLER
Kripalu and Yin Yoga Personal Trainer
Profesora de Yoga para niños www.creativekidsyoga.com
Health and Wellness Life Coach C.P.C. www.icoachacademy.com
Tel: +34 619 709 088
Email: meditacionenmovimiento@aasterisco.com

Daura Carballo / Expatica

[updated June 2010]