Yoga in Spain

Yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago and offers a holistic approach to body, mind and spirit, which can provide tools to cope with the challenges of daily life. Everyone can practice yoga, regardless of age, sex or ability.

You may practice yoga for health and fitness or to aid relief of a specific physical condition. You might want help with managing stress, would like to attend some pregnancy yoga classes or exercises suitable for the less able-bodied.  There are many different types of yoga with some offering hard, vigorous workouts while others are more contemplative and aimed more at spiritual development than physical:

Ayurvedic yoga combines Asanas (physical exercises and postures), Pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation. It aims to bring natural order and balance to neuro-hormones and metabolism making it a natural way to treat stress and stress-related disorders.

Ashtanga yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a series of postures resulting in intense internal heat and profuse sweating detoxifying the muscles and the organs. Ashtanga yoga is the most vigorous form practiced and can improve circulation and calm the mind.

Meditation (also known as Sahaja Yoga) aims to awaken a dormant energy (known as the Kundalini) located at the base of the spine. This yoga emphasises the spiritual aspects of the practice.

Hatha yoga is most commonly practiced in the west offering a combination of Asanas, Pranayama and meditation providing a balanced approach to physical and mental health.

Iyengar yoga practices specific techniques involving precise alignment in the execution of the postures (Asanas)

Kundalini yoga incorporates a number of elements including; Breathing techniques (Pranayama) - Postures (Asanas) - Sounds - Chanting (mantra) and Meditation. Regular practice will help you to develop a healthy body and balanced mind.

Bikram yoga is a unique series of 26 traditional Hatha Yoga postures and 2 breathing exercises all performed in a heated room. The workout takes around 90 minutes and will leave you with a feeling of vibrant good health and well being.

Prenatal yoga is an excellent way for pregnant women to stay in shape and prepare for pregnancy and childbirth. The stretching and strengthening work is a great preparation for labour, with exercises which can be safely practiced in all three trimesters of pregnancy.

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