Most people think that yoga is the slow moving bore-you-to-tears type of activity that isn't really a workout. While its movements are meant to be gentle, the addition of yoga to your regular workout routine, especially the newfound 'power yoga' is a proven factor in aiding weight loss. Yoga's purpose is to help you understand the way your body works, which in turn helps you to mange your size, alleviates back problems and is unlocking the mystery of Alzheimer's.

For those interested in weight loss or management, yoga can be a beneficial and important part of your workout routine. There seems to be a new workout, fad diet, or alternative medicinal practice coming out of the woodwork these days, and yoga is no different. It’s nothing new, but with over 47 yoga classes and studios available in the Phoenix area alone, there is something for everyone.

The basics of yoga fall into four spiritual categories. Karma yoga, the yoga of action, focuses on giving of yourself without expectation of a reward. Jnana yoga, the yoga of knowledge, is a philosophical approach to understanding worldly illusions. Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion, focuses on channeling emotional energy into spirituality. Rhaja focuses on concentration and mind control.

Is anyone else's inner child yelling at you here? Rhaja was the name of the tiger in Aladdin. Remember the serpent shaped cane that had "mind controlling" power over the King? Yoga in a stick! Basically, the idea is that if you can decipher how to control your own mind, yoga practice coupled with healthier choices will allow anyone to unlock the secret of total well being.

Pulling from the four categories, there are innumerous forms of yoga created for classes in workout centers all over the world. There are 16 that are widely known, and many variations on each. Hatha, which means balance in Sanskrit, comes from Rhaja yoga. This is the more common, basic, gentle yoga, which has become probably the most well known and popular yoga form. It balances your metabolism, but might not achieve intense weight loss goals.

Bikram yoga traditionally takes place in a room that is heated to at least 100° F (no real room needed if you're in Arizona in the summer). It's a copyrighted practice, so unlike most yoga classes, the variation through 26 moves will give you exactly the same body burning experience whether you live in the desert or not. Bikram is not commonly practiced in America, but it is stated that it aids circulation, flexibility and eliminating toxins, something most Americans could benefit from.

Ashtanga is the “All Stars game” of yoga practice. It is very physical with constant, fast-paced movement. It is cardio without the treadmill, and the addition of an increase in strength and flexibility. Regular practice of Ashtanga is said to restore natural range of motion while regaining the physical fitness of an active child.

Sivananda is a more a way of life and is meant to be combined with proper exercise, breathing, diet, relaxation, thinking, and meditation. When utilized correctly with all components, it can aid in weight loss, but it is more of a meditative experience than anything else. This is a great yoga for those who are in their best shape and just want to peak their spiritual awareness.

Iyengar is all about sustaining poses and increasing your stability and endurance. It aids the body with alignment, flexibility and strength while engaging the mind. The effects are proven to help lose inches, and when you train yourself to feel better through Iyengar, you will be motivated to make other more healthy life choices.

Kundalini includes stretching, breathing, chanting, and deep meditation. It's all about changing your brain chemistry with the goal of taking care of your whole self. It channels the chakras (eight energy centers in the body) and uses the "breath of fire" or rapid breathing to heat up the body and "raise kundalini" to achieve high enlightenment.

Vinyasa yoga is a form of power yoga. It's considered breath-synchronized movement, so you move through poses while inhaling or exhaling on cue. It's active, but not rigid. Each teacher has the ability to change the order and compilation of movements such as the familiar "downward facing dog" pose. The versatility in this yoga form makes it a favorite for avid yoga-goers.

Not many can argue with a practice whose origin has been traced back to 3300 BCE, according to archaeologist Gregory Possehl. Its benefits and varied practices seem to continually increase. So whether you are starting, adding to, or replacing a health routine, yoga is a safe place to start.

Sources

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Diet/story?id=1457045

http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/minis/mini/basicyogamini/basicyogamini1.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga

http://www.shambhala.com/html/learn/features/yoga/basics/styles.cfm

http://www.healthclubdirectory.com/health_clubs/clubResults/AZ/Arizona/Phoenix/Yoga