Relaxing Kripalu Yoga

A form of Hatha yoga, relaxing Kripalu is a type of yoga focused primarily on breathing, inner focus, meditative techniques, and of course, relaxation. Although Kripalu yoga is developed from standard yoga poses present in very old forms of yoga, most experts point to the opening of the Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts in 1983 as the official beginning of relaxing Kripalu yoga in the West.

Kripalu yoga combines standard yoga poses with relaxation and introspection and incorporates what one learns from them into everyday life. It teaches students to become aware of their life energy and how to remove blocks to this force. Kripalu yoga uses the body to access the spirit and free up the life energy to heal itself.

Types of Movements

Concentrating on the mind is the main focus of Kripalu yoga. It is important to observe the workings of ones mind and learn where to find the blocks to life energy. Observing correct breathing practices and body positioning helps achieve unity with the mind and spirit and opens up these blockages. Thus, the mind and spirit are the most important areas for Kripalu. The body is means to get to those higher functions.

Mental and Physical Requirements

While you should be in reasonable physical condition (height/weight proportionate) to reap the maximum benefits from relaxing Kripalu yoga, it's far more important that your mind is open to some of the more spiritual concepts you'll encounter during any Kripalu yoga sessions. For example, the idea of life-energy can be a difficult concept for beginning Kripalu students to grasp if they are not open to new, Eastern ideas.

Equipment Requirements

• Yoga Blocks
• Yoga Straps
• Mat
• Yoga Blanket
• Comfortable, Breathing Clothes

Mental and Physical Benefits

Mental

• Increased Self-Actualization
• Improved Self-Esteem
• Increased Memory
• Better Concentration
• Decreased Anxiety

Physical

• Increased Endurance
• Improved Reaction Time
• Improved Sleep
• Decreased Pain
• Increased Balance

Aerobic Effect

Relaxing Kripalu is more targeted towards developing the mind than strenuously exercising the body. This being said, the Kripalu form of yoga typically offers limited aerobic benefits.

Most Kripalu yoga classes do not encourage increased heart rate to the point of significant cardiovascular development. However, individuals can increase the rate in which they move from pose to pose or lengthen the time in which they hold each pose to increase the cardiovascular benefits of their Kripalu yoga exercise routine. Moreno Valley Towing - just-opened Moreno Valley, CA, towing company, ready to teleport your ride to the nearest shop in no time!

Kripalu yoga is primarily a tool for personal growth and self-empowerment. In addition, Kripalu yoga is often regarded as one of the more relaxing types of yogas as well. Although practitioners will often attend courses to learn the various poses and interact with people of similar interests, a key concept within relaxing Kripalu yoga is to become dependent on your inner-knowing and self-knowledge rather than seeking guidance from external authority figures.