Yahoo Lifestyle Yoga: How It Can Beat The Winter Blues
You want: to boost circulation
Try: Hatha
A gentle yoga practice that encompasses many styles, Hatha’s flowing and strengthening stretches stimulate circulation to your limbs. Particularly crucial in cold weather when circulation is affected.
You want: to lift lacklustre skin
'Try: Bikram
Called “hot” yoga because it’s performed in a room heated to a sweltering 38 degrees, Bikram aims to heighten the meditation factor by repeating the same 26-pose routine each class. Designed to flush toxins and cleanse pores, it’s great for a radiance boost. It also promotes weight loss, and builds strength and flexibility.
You want: to power up your digestive system
Try: Ashtanga
Considered one of the most challenging styles, Ashtanga is based around six pose sequences with Ashtangis moving rapidly from one to the next. Although many poses boost blood flow to the intestinal tract, the Marichyasana series within Ashtanga aids digestion.
You want: respite from joint pain
Try: Iyengar
Cold weather tends to exacerbate skeletal issues such as joint pain, stiffness, back pain and osteoarthritis. A study in The Journal Of Pain showed that practising Iyengar reduced symptoms for sufferers of chronic pain. Nicknamed “furniture yoga” for its reliance on props such as blocks and harnesses, Iyengar promotes strength and flexibility.
You want: to boost your immune system
Try: Vinyasa
Often referred to as “flow yoga” since its breath-synchronised movements run together like a dance, vinyasa is vigorous and the sequences are always changing. As many of the positions require supporting your body weight against the force of gravity, it increases metabolic activity, assisting with weight loss and improving muscle tone. As an added winter benefit, many of the asanas target the circulatory system, helping white blood cells to charge through the body and defend against infection.
You want: to be mindful
Try: Restorative yoga
Less sunlight in winter can trigger symptoms of depression and stress – both of which are linked to health conditions. Restorative yoga focuses on healing the mind and body through a series of simple poses (often held for as long as 20 minutes) with the assistance of props such as pillows and bolsters.
This article was featured in the July 2015 edition of marie claire Australia.
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