Yoga has been important in Eastern philosophies for centuries, and has made its way to the West. However the term may or may not mean the same thing in India as it does when identifying London yoga characteristics. Hatha, Ashtanga and Kundalini are some of the typical styles of the discipline that are offered. Students may also decide to focus on one type of classes to resolve a problem. Examples are to relieve stress, to lose weight, or to increase flexibility.

Both raja and hatha yoga focus on the physical aspect of the discipline. Traditional hatha has several forms. Practitioners will be aware of postures (known as asanas), disciplines, purification procedures, meditation, gestures and breathing. In Western forms of hatha, asanas are emphasized. They are usually called exercises.

K. Pattabhi Jois brought the Ashtanga type of the asanas to the West. This format emphasizes flow over form. It seeks to move smoothly from one asana to the next. Another crucial factor in Ashtanga is breathing properly. Students focus on how each breath moves into and out of the body. The asanas are coordinated with the breaths. Breathing properly results in relaxation and in gently warming the internal organs of the body.

Kundalini is also a dynamic form of the discipline. It is the original form and the most powerful form. In spite of this fact, it can be practiced by anyone who is willing to work using the concepts and instructions that describe the techniques. Kundalini uses yogic postures, positions, meditation, chanting and breathing control. This type of yogic emphasis strengthens health and well-being physically. It also provides mental clarity, emotional balance, stress relief and personal transformation.

Many people begin the practice of yogic exercises in order to improve flexibility. Balance between strength and flexibility is usually improved when flexibility is increased. Bunched up muscles may provide strength, but stretching and loosening the muscles helps with other requirements of performance.

Yogic exercises may be used to achieve weight loss. In the past, this may not have been recognized because asanas didn't necessarily burn calories obviously. Instead, doing the asanas correctly along with visualization and breathing control helps overall good health and proper weight levels.

Stress reduction is not only a benefit to help with a busy lifestyle, but is a strong characteristic of overall good health. Mental and physical health enhancement is one result of taking time to remove thoughts from the stressful situations of life and forcing the mind to become calm and serene. Taking a few minutes to relax physically doesn't require elaborate equipment or even breaking into a sweat. It can even be done at an office desk.

Beginning London yoga classes can be done individually, online or in formal classes. Check online for free and easy routines to get started. There are movements and instructions that are easy enough to begin without special instruction. Books and tutorial videos are another way to practice the techniques. You can also sign up for group instructional classes. A leader is helpful to demonstrate and correct positions, and to reinforce correct breathing techniques.