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<\/p>\nIs 2022 the year you have decided it\u2019s finally time to take up yoga?<\/p>\n
A quick Google will soon reveal there are many types of this increasingly popular pastime and finding the one that is right for you will depend on what it is you are hoping to achieve and how physically challenging you want it to be.<\/p>\n
Making that first move into yoga might feel daunting but throughout the Bellarine, Surf Coast and Geelong region we are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to wonderful yoga studios and expert instructors.<\/p>\n
You can also dip your toe into the yogi pond from the comfort of your own living room with many online options to choose from.<\/p>\n
A yoga mat, block and comfortable exercise clothing is all you need to get started.<\/p>\n
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One of the most popular online options would have to be Yoga With Adriene on YouTube. Together with her adorable sidekick Benji the blue heeler, American yoga instructor Adriene Mishler offers free at-home classes suited to everyone and her warm, encouraging approach has rightly earned her a huge following.<\/p>\n
Due to the pandemic, many local studios also now offer online classes.<\/p>\n
Online yoga might be a good place to start but finding a local studio will have the increased benefit of feeling embraced by a like-minded community \u2013 something that is equally beneficial to our mental wellbeing as the physical and meditative benefits of the yoga itself.<\/p>\n
So, back to the different types of yoga.<\/p>\n
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Let\u2019s take a look at five of the options that are out there for you:<\/p>\n
Hatha yoga<\/strong> is a traditional yoga practice suited to anyone seeking yoga that is steeped in tradition. It covers yoga asana (yoga poses), pranayama (breathing), meditation and relaxation. Research has shown that Hatha yoga has a wide variety of benefits, including\u00a0stress reduction, reduced depression symptoms, muscle and joint flexibility, and core strength.<\/p>\n Vinyasa yoga<\/strong> (pronounced vin-yah-sah) is an approach to yoga in which you move from one pose directly into the next. There\u2019s a flow to a Vinyasa yoga session, though the specific poses and the pace will vary from one instructor to the next. A fast-paced Vinyasa session can be provide more of a challenge. Benefits include improved energy levels, lower stress and anxiety, endurance and strength training, stability and balance, and cardio workout.<\/p>\n