Every day around 500 million people around the world spend a few minutes practising yoga. This figure has increased sixfold in the last five years and has been growing exponentially since 2020. In that year, hundreds of thousands of people took up the practice to combat sedentary lifestyles, social isolation and the stress caused by confinement. 

This was made possible by the definitive take-off of the already established yoga classes. An alternative that has contributed enormously - and continues to do so - to more and more people actively looking after their physical and mental well-being.

Nowadays, to enjoy the multiple and interesting benefits of this ancient discipline, it is enough to enrol in one of the many yoga courses that are offered, both in person and online. There's something for everyone, no matter if you're a complete beginner or a long-term yogi.

Benefits of practising yoga for your health

Although most people who practice yoga do it for exercise and to reduce stress, the truth is that it offers many advantages. Let's look at some of the most important ones:

• Helps burn calories.
• Tones almost all muscle groups.
• Strengthens bones and joints.
• Improves body coordination.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Decreases heart rate.
• Reduces cholesterol and cortisol levels in the blood.
• Promotes relaxation.
• Helps to reduce stress levels.
• It promotes productivity.
• Improves the ability to concentrate.
• Facilitates the reconciliation of sleep.
• Improves digestion.

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Moreover, as various medical studies have shown, spending a few minutes a day practising yoga relieves chronic pain and brings noticeable improvements in conditions such as:

• Neck pain.
• Lumbar discomfort.
• Back pain.
• Stress.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.

Types of yoga and its benefits

Despite what many believe, there is no single yoga, but dozens of different practices with a wide range of benefits. The seven most popular types of yoga practised around the world are:

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar yoga is all about synchronising each gesture with the breath. This requires a high degree of concentration in each asana.

The benefits of Iyengar yoga include:

• Increased flexibility.
• Muscle toning.
• Stimulation of the digestive, circulatory and nervous systems.
• Stress reduction.

Sivananda Yoga

It is a sequence of movements that starts with the 'Corpse Pose' (Savasana), followed by a section focusing on breathing, the 'Sun Salutation' and finally a dozen basic asanas; ideal for children to practice in yoga classes for children.

Some of the benefits of regular practice include:

• Strengthening of muscles and joints.
• Progressive improvement of postural hygiene.
• Encouraging positive thinking.
• Reduction of stress and anxiety.

Ananda Yoga

It is made up of 39 asanas that require a certain amount of coordination, agility and balance. It is therefore a type of yoga that requires time and perseverance in order to be practised correctly.

When carried out correctly, it helps to:

• Improve muscle and joint movements.
• Enhancing breathing.
• Stimulate the immune system.
• Decrease stress levels.

Bikram Yoga

The main characteristic of this type of yoga is that it needs to be carried out in an enclosed space at 40 degrees and 40% humidity. During the 90 minutes that each session lasts on average, 26 asanas and two breathing exercises are performed.

Among the many advantages of practising it, the following stand out:

• The elimination of toxins.
• Toning of the different muscle groups of the upper limbs.
• Strengthening of the lumbar and dorsal joints.
• Improved blood circulation.
• Increased lung capacity

Vinyasa Yoga

Also known as Flow Yoga, it consists of chaining a series of movements synchronised with the breath.

The main benefits of Vinyasa are:

• Promotes relaxation and meditation.
• Improves joint mobility and range of motion.
• Increases abdominal stability.
• Helps to reduce stress levels.

Power Yoga

It uses some of the most physically demanding asanas to develop muscle elasticity and strength.

Among the advantages of Power yoga are the following:

• Toning of virtually all muscle groups.
• Strengthening of bones and joints.
• Stimulation of the blood and nervous system.
• Reduction of blood pressure.

Yoga Nidra

Sleep Yoga' combines Hatha yoga asanas and different meditation techniques to promote conscious relaxation and induce sleep.

Some of the benefits of Yoga Nidra are:

• Promotes relaxation.
• Facilitates sleep induction.
• It helps to keep stress and anxiety levels at bay.
• It reduces the likelihood of developing cardiovascular problems.

In addition to these seven types of yoga, it is possible to find integral yoga, therapeutic yoga, laughter yoga, aerial yoga or water yoga, among others.

Regardless of which one you choose, the most important thing is that you start with a tutor who will help you to develop it according to your physical abilities and your objectives, as only then will you be able to enjoy all its benefits.

How to find yoga classes?

In order to enjoy the many important benefits of yoga, it is essential that the sessions are adapted to the unique reality of the practitioner.

That's why, whether you want to get started or want to improve your technique, we recommend that you opt for private tuition in yoga.