Squeezing in some time to exercise and get fit is a real challenge for moms who are always in the midst of a crazy-busy schedule, trying to balance work, life, and parenting. Every single day.
But you have to make time for it, mama. Regular physical activity has immediate and long-term benefits. This and proper nutrition are the keys to a healthy, happy life.
One way you can work up a sweat and enjoy positive effects on your mind and body is through yoga. An ancient practice characterized by breathing and different body postures, yoga can make you feel more grounded and calm—not to mention it’s great for boosting one’s metabolism and improving body alignment.
Now, it’s time to roll out your yoga mat and reap the many benefits of this physical and mental exercise. Discover which type of yoga is right for you by checking out the list below.
1. Vinyasa Yoga
One of the most common types of yoga, Vinyasa yoga is also known as “flow yoga” or “Vinyasa flow.” Coined from the words nyasa (which means “ to place”) and vi (which means “in a special way”), this style is characterized by stringing postures together using breath, creating a seamless and coordinated flow of movement. It’s perfect for those who want to move a lot during practice.
2. Ashtanga Yoga
If you’re into routinary postures that will challenge you physically, Ashtanga yoga is for you. Consisting of six series of specific poses, each pose is taught in the same order and done in the same way with increasing difficulty. The sequential movement requires you to connect with your breath even more as you go through the series nonstop.
3. Bikram Yoga
Named after its founder, this type of yoga is done inside a hot room with a temperature of up to 105° Fahrenheit, making every movement more challenging. Expect to sweat a lot and drink lots of water. Bikram yoga follows the same sequence of movement—with consistent practice, you’ll learn to master it. Some of its benefits include better sleep and more toned muscles. The heat also helps flush out toxins from your body through sweat.
4. Kundalini Yoga
If you wish to experience mental clarity and focus as well as improve your body’s endurance, this style is one of your best options. Kundalini, which means “yoga of awareness,” helps relax your body and mind through movement, sound or chanting, dynamic breathing, and mantra meditation. This is great for releasing your untapped energy and letting go of those that don’t serve you.
We recommend: Unlimited yoga classes by Urban Ashram's 1-month All-Access Pass with classes done via Zoom. Urban Ashram offers Kundalini yoga classes, alongside Vinyasa and Hatha yoga.
5. Yin Yoga
Would you rather have a more still practice? Yin yoga, a slow-paced type of yoga, is perfect for beginners who are intimidated by complicated yoga poses. This yoga features seated postures that are held for longer periods of time, offering a meditative and more relaxed experience. Some postures are held for as long as two minutes.
6. Prenatal yoga
Especially designed for soon-to-be moms, prenatal yoga offers relief to some common pregnancy woes including back pain, lack of sleep, headache, and even preterm labor. The practice consists of some pelvic work, breathing exercises, and gentle postures. Aside from the physical benefits of prenatal yoga, it also helps calm pregnant women and prepare them for labor.
We recommend: Yogamama's Prenatal yoga class, a one-hour practice that will leave you feeling energized and more relaxed
7. Restorative yoga
Restorative yoga is another mellow practice designed to relax and destress your body and mind. The poses are held longer, sometimes from five minutes and up, allowing you to remain still in each pose and restore your energy. Props such as yoga blocks, bolsters, and blankets are used during class to help you get the most of the poses.
