Yoga
AN AESTHETIC APPROACH TO THE PRACTICE : CALIFORNIA STYLE
By Roxana Vosough
The Roots Album Cover, Phrenology
Yoga is a gradual progression of flexibility, strength, and patience. It calms the mind, strengthens your soul, and leaves you walking away energized and refreshed. The ancient practice, which stems from Hindu philosophy, dates back to the first millennium BCE. However today’s modern practice, has gained great popularity and is notorious for keeping with its rudimental foundations of poses and conceptual idea.
Below is a variety of yoga poses that exemplify the pure simplicity, flexibility, and strength that the human body is capable of with proper practice, demonstrated by notable Equinox and Yoga Works instructor, Paul da Silva. Photographed by Maicol Chavez.
Image Credit: Maicol Chavez for Mode-Moderne Journal
In California yoga studios and classes are everywhere. Californians have taken the basic concept of yoga and adapted it to the modern era, through the influx of music, variations in poses, and even the array of practices to suit personal preferences in regards to pace, strength, and heat.
Image Credit: Maicol Chavez for Mode-Moderne Journal
Types of Yoga
Below is a list of the most common practices, note that many instructors often use their own names for their courses,to give a more unique touch, however most derive from the established practices listed below, with variations.
Hatha
Pace: Slow
Focus: Breathing & Meditation
Level: Beginner-Advanced
Bonus: Relieves stress, provides physical exercise, improves breathing and cardiovascular condition
Vinyasa
Pace: Medium
Focus: Link breadth with movement to develop balance in the entire body
Level: Beginner-Advanced
Bonus: Builds core strength, improves overall strength and flexibility
Ashtanga ("Power Yoga")
Pace: Slow-Fast
Focus: Alignment
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Bonus: Great to maintain and develop strength and stamina, improves coordination and flexibility
Bikram ("Hot Yoga")
Pace: Slow
Focus: Heat allows for deep stretching and detoxification, a specific pattern of 26 postures
Level: Beginner-Advanced
Bonus: Detoxifies at a greater rate, improved flexibility
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Roxana Vosough is the Founder and Publisher of
Mode-Moderne Journal
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