Time Out
By Jeffrey Crupi

With report cards, placement exams and student evaluation plans to write, it's no secret that you're under a lot of pressure in the months of May and June. With all of this work piling up, it's important to take some time out for yourself. Yoga is an excellent form of exercise that can relieve the stress and tension that can occur during the end of the year.

Practicing yoga helps to develop strength, flexibility and body awareness. Since there are several types of yoga classes available, it's important to choose the yoga instruction that's right for your needs.

Ananda yoga. This type of yoga is ideal for beginners. It requires less flexibility and strength. The moves are fairly basic, which makes Ananda yoga a perfect class for kids and beginners.

Ashtanga yoga. This is also known as "power yoga." Ashtanga yoga is very physical and requires a lot of strength, flexibility and endurance. During power yoga classes, you're continuously moving from one pose to another, without any rest. Power yoga is recommended for advanced yoga students.

Anusara yoga. Anusara yoga is very spiritual. It involves good posture and body alignment.

Bikram yoga. Bikram yoga is very physical and is practiced in a room that has been heated up to 100 degrees. The purpose of this intense heat is to help your muscles stretch. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, you should avoid practicing Bikram yoga.

Kundalini yoga. Kundalini yoga is meant to dispense energy from the body. It requires a lot of breathing exercises that assist with relaxation. Flexibility is an important element in Kundalini yoga classes.

Kripalu yoga. Kripalu yoga focuses on balance, alignment and breathing. It's not as physically demanding as other types of yoga.

Iyengar yoga. This type of yoga uses equipment such as foam blocks and stretching belts. An Iyengar yoga instructor will often focus upon body alignment during class sessions.

Most of the classes listed above can be found in local health clubs, YMCAs or yoga facilities. A little bit of yoga can do wonders for your mind and body.

Jeffrey Crupi is the owner of Peak Fitness Gym in Westport, CT. He is a certified fitness specialist with a degree from Marymount Manhattan College.

May, 2004, Vol.34, No.8