Traditional Kripalu Yoga

If you choose to practice traditional Kripalu, you will focus heavily on concepts such as life-force energy (also known as prana) and self-acceptance. These concepts will be reinforced by light physical activity using a variety of yogic poses from various other types.

While most Kripalu sessions, in the traditional style, use slow and deliberate movements, some practitioners achieve an aerobic effect by decreasing transition speed between movements, the series of movements, and the poses. While, on the other hand, some individuals maintain the precision and traditional transition speed when performing their yoga session but conduct their routine in an environment where the humidity and temperature are elevated.

Kripalu yoga has strong traditional roots in many other ancient types of yoga, but was not really popularized in the West until the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts was opened in 1983. Today, this center employs around 626 people and has accommodations for over 650 overnight guests.

Types of Movements

The movements of Kripalu are more dynamic and flowing than in some other types of yoga. There are three stages to this type of yoga, which determine how long the poses are held. In the first stage, the poses are not held for very long at all and the exercise focuses controlling breathing while moving through the various postures.

Mental and Physical Requirements

Kripalu uses the body to access mental and spiritual blockages, so you must be able to meet both physical and mental challenges. A certain degree of flexibility is needed to achieve the poses and strength to hold them, but there are three levels of Kripalu to accommodate the different abilities of students. A person must also be able to concentrate and relax to participate in this form of yoga, as all the benefits depend on his or her ability to self-analyze.

Equipment Requirements

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

Mental and Physical Benefits

Mental

• Decreased Anxiety and Depression
• Improved Memory
• Improved Learning Efficiency
• Improved Depth Perception
• Increased Social Skills

Physical

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

Aerobic Effect

Regularly performing a Kripalu yoga session does not significantly exercise the cardiovascular system. However, the benefits to the circulatory system are derived as a by-product of proper breathing and releasing blocks to life energy.

Kripalu does, however, lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health if practiced correctly and with a high level of frequency. The only equipment needed to perform a Kripalu class is a good mat and comfortable, flexible clothes. Moreno Valley California hot water heater replacement

Since concentration and close inspection of your mind is so vital to this yoga type, you need to be someplace quiet and relaxing that is free from distractions.

Because Kripalu frees blocked energy within the body, it has many health benefits. These benefits, both physical and mental, include increased overall vitality and energy, improved circulation, better concentration, less stress, and increased happiness.

In addition, performing the poses creates more flexibility, strengthened, toned muscles, and better circulation. While the benefits of Kripalu cover all aspects of health, it is mostly an exercise of the mind and spirit. That is where most people gain the most satisfaction from its practice.