Hatha Yoga is the umbrella term for the practice associated with stretching, breathing, and meditation. Hatha refers to balance, and yoga means union, so the practice itself aims to bring the body, mind and breath together as one. Within the Hatha tradition, there are many styles or "brands" of yoga to explore, and Indianapolis is home to numerous studios and teachers from many of modern yoga's different modalities of practice.
When choosing a place to do yoga, it is extremely important to work with an experienced, certified instructor. While yoga is safe for most people, there are contraindications to many poses and types of practices. Teachers should always be informed of a student's injuries or medical conditions (recent surgeries, untreated high or low blood pressure, pregnancy, diabetes etc) prior to class. Before beginning a yoga practice, students should consult their healthcare providers if there is any existing condition that could be exacerbated by physical activity.
In the US, yoga instructors can be certified by accredited schools and registered with Yoga Alliance. In Indiana, there currently is no license required to teach yoga. Whereas fitness instructors at gyms may have some sort of training or experience in yoga, yoga studios usually employ professionals who meet the criteria mentioned above. A registered yoga teacher has completed at least 200 hours of professional education, and may use RYT (registered yoga teacher) after his or her name.
Anusara Yoga: an uplifting, affirming, spiritual practice that celebrates the heart of living through "attitude, alignment, and action." Students of all levels can expect a different experience in each session of this style of yoga. All People Yoga Center offers Anusara classes among their diverse program schedule. Northside Indy, 1724 East 86th Street.
Hot Yoga: the style to choose if you are looking to lose weight and become extremely fit. The room is heated to a very warm temperature (about 100 degrees), and students sweat profusely through a challenging series of postures. Fit beginners may enjoy this type of yoga, but it can be very vigorous and contraindicated for those with uncontrolled high or low blood pressure or heart conditions. Hot Yoga classes are taught at Cityoga, which also offers teacher training courses, intensives and some of the best comprehensive yoga programming in the country. Near-Northside Indy, 2442 Central Avenue.
Vinyasa: athletic, flowing yoga that focuses on linking the movements with the breath to create a moving meditation. Rather than performing a posture, stopping, then doing another, Vinyasa is more dynamic. It can be either slow or vigorous and adapted to the individual. Expect a lot of Downward Dog and Plank; if you like doing lots of Sun Salutations, you'll love Vinyasa! Invoke Yoga & Pilates is a beautiful downtown studio featuring this style. Downtown Indy, 970 Ft. Wayne Ave. Suite C.
Restorative Yoga: the gentlest of all practices. Students use props like bolsters and blankets to sink deeply into relaxing postures, many of which occur lying down. Postures are held longer, to facilitate myofascial release and healing. Altered Body Mind Yoga currently schedules restorative sessions. Southside Indy, 271 N. Madison Ave. Greenwood.
Comments
Thanks for this great information. I just took my 4 y.o. daughter to her first yoga class by our local community center. She loved it and many expressed how they wish they would have started that young!
Alice, thanks for your comment. I find some of my most enthusiastic students are 4-6 years old! Yoga is a life skill, and it's wonderful to learn young! Namaste, Kelly.
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