Yoga - The Indigo Studio

Sep212023 by IndigoNo Comments

What Is Ishta Yoga

Ishta is a contemporary type of yoga that focuses on the individual, emphasizing their personal sense of growth, confidence, and control over themselves. The practice combines various yoga traditions, so it can be challenging to understand how it relates to other yoga practices. So, today, we’re here to answer all the questions you have about it to help you decide whether it’s the right choice for you. We’ll go into how it’s different from your average yoga class and its benefits and share our views on who may benefit from it the most. What Is Ishta Yoga? Ishta is an unorthodox and dynamic blend not only of different types of yoga but also of various teachings and traditions, both ancient and contemporary. Aside from the conventional yoga exercises, students get instruct...

Sep212023 by IndigoNo Comments

What is Prana Flow Yoga

Benefits Of Yoga, Yoga

Prana Flow Yoga or Prana Vinyasa Yoga is a distinct yoga practice created by Shiva Rea in 2005. As a form of Vinyasa yoga, it’s based on an almost non-stop movement and sequences (dynamic set of poses) that spontaneously flow into each other, usually accompanied by music and dance. We can say that it resembles a traditional Vinyasa Yoga practice, which at times spontaneously transforms into a dance, but keeping at all times grounded on the yoga mat. However, Prana Flow Yoga focuses more on the physical aspects of yoga, meaning it’s a challenging exercise enriched with breathing techniques and relaxing music. Prana Flow Yoga is a syncretic contemporary yoga practice, which means that it’s a combination of many traditional and modern forms of yoga schools, spiritual practices, and ...

Sep182023 by IndigoNo Comments

How Long Are Yoga Classes

Yoga, Yoga Class

Yoga classes can last anywhere from 15 minutes to over two hours. A standard yoga class typically lasts 60 minutes, although some classes, usually intended for advanced yoga practitioners, can last up to 90 minutes. But, there are also “express” classes, which last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. And nowadays, you can also find extra short classes that squeeze one yoga session into 20 or even 15 minutes. Since yoga is so widespread and integrated into the everyday lives of so many people with different lifestyles, there’s no concise and straightforward answer to this question. But we can share some tips based on the type of yoga you decide to practice to guide you and prepare you for your upcoming class. From 15 Minutes to 3 Hours The 45 to 60-minute classes are the golden stan...

Sep182023 by IndigoNo Comments

What Is Sanskrit Yoga?

Sanskrit, Yoga

If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, you probably noticed that the word “OM” is used often. In fact, many Sanskrit words are often used in yoga to describe different poses and actions. But why do yoga teachers use this ancient language in today’s modern practice? The reason is that many words commonly used in yoga come from the Sanskrit language. So, let’s take a look at why we use Sanskrit in yoga and some other common uses of the ancient language today. What Is Sanskrit? Sanskrit is an Indo-Aryan language used in ancient India and neighboring areas. Scholars believe that the language first emerged around 1500 BCE. Sanskrit was the most widely spoken language in the Indian subcontinent until the 19th century CE when the British Empire pushed English as a language of gover...

Sep182023 by IndigoNo Comments

Do You Need a Yoga Mat?

Yoga, Yoga Accessories, Yoga Mats

Broadly, we can describe yoga as a bridge between us and the natural world, fostering a deep connection with our own bodies and the universe at large. But beyond its spiritual benefits, yoga is also an effective form of physical exercise. Because of this, it's essential to practice the poses correctly; otherwise, you risk straining your body and even sustaining injuries. Today, we’ll focus on the importance of the yoga mat and find out if you need one. Spoiler alert: You can do yoga without a mat, but it’s recommended to use one in most cases, and here’s why! Why Do You Need a Yoga Mat? Yoga mats are a fundamental part of most if not all, yoga sessions. They will help you keep your balance and correct posture as you progress through different poses during your yoga training. ...

Jul232023 by IndigoNo Comments

What Is Mandala Yoga?

Yoga

Even if you’re new to yoga, you’re probably familiar with the concept of a mandala. Admired for its beauty and calming effect, it's often used as a decorative element and featured in adult coloring books. A mandala is an ancient geometric representation of the universe that appears in many spiritual teachings and translates to “circle,” “completion,” or “essence” in Sanskrit. Although there’s a myriad of ways to draw a mandala, they all share similar features, like being concentric and symmetrical, and end up looking somewhat alike. The images of mandalas are often used as meditation tools, and that’s where Mandala Yoga comes in. Mandala Yoga is a practice that connects the physical practice of yoga with four elements of the universe, Earth, Fire, Water, and Air, each correspo...

Jul232023 by IndigoNo Comments

What Is Satsang Yoga?

Yoga

Satsang, derived from the Sanskrit words "sat" (true) and "sangha" (association/community), translates to “to be associated with the wise” or “association with the good.” In general, it refers to uplifting like-minded individuals, especially on the path of spirituality. The meaning of the word Satsang also stands for people engaged in spiritual dialogue, growth, or, more abstractly, the individual's relationship to the truth. In Satsang Yoga, the relationship of the individual to the community or other individuals is strongly emphasized. The term Satsang is further associated with Sattva, which, along with Rajas and Tamas, belongs to the three Gunas. Gunas are natural attributes; Rajas means passion, Tamas stands for inactivity, and Sattva means “the quality of goodness.” With...

Jul232023 by IndigoNo Comments

What Is the Difference Between Tai Chi and Yoga

Yoga

Yoga and Tai Chi have a lot in common, which is why they are often called “cousins” in the world of fitness and belong to the so-called “mind-body movement” – a category of physical activities that combine physical movement, mental focus, and breathing exercises. So, both are focused on physical strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility while emphasizing the power of the mind and inner piece. However, despite their similar nature, they still have many differences. This article discusses the differences and unique characteristics of yoga and Tai Chi and how one can benefit from practicing either discipline. What Are the Differences Between Tai Chi and Yoga? While both originate on the Asian continent, the two practices were born in different places, times, and cultures. Yoga...

Jul232023 by IndigoNo Comments

What Is Amrit Yoga?

Yoga

Although relatively new (started as a movement in the 1960s), Amrit Yoga represents a return to the ancient yoga practice whose wisdom gets passed from the master yogi (guru) to their students. By employing a holistic approach, this type of yoga tends to transcend the physical practice of asanas. It dives into the original purpose of yoga, which is to enhance and deepen one’s awareness and cultivate spiritual development. It’s often said that Amrit Yoga integrates the body’s awakened prana with meditative awareness. The movement and sensations of the body are joined with the mind and the spirit. Amrit Yoga has three stages: Willful practice. In this first stage, the student learns how to properly perform postures (asanas) without applying force. The movement should be slo...

Jul232023 by IndigoNo Comments

Why Is Breathing Important in Yoga?

Yoga

Anyone who's ever attended a yoga class guided by a licensed instructor was probably instructed to "breathe consciously" as they were flowing through the different poses. But what does this mean? And why is breathing regulation (pranayama) vital in yoga? Breathing consciously during yoga helps you connect your mind with your body and allows you to focus entirely on the movement. Breathing in sync with your body's movements reduces stress, induces a meditative state, and aids a state of calm and tranquility. Sounds good, right? However, like the poses, learning to breathe properly during yoga takes practice and patience. It's worth the effort, though, so let's see why this is important and how to breathe properly while doing yoga. What Is Conscious Breathing? First thing first —...