The TriBalance Yoga Method is a form of hot yoga that integrates aspects of several styles, including Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga may refer to:*Raja Yoga or Yoga, the classical system described in the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali *Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, a system of yoga developed by Pattabhi Jois...

, Bikram Yoga

Bikram Yoga

Bikram Yoga is a system of yoga that Bikram Choudhury synthesized from traditional hatha yoga techniques and popularized beginning in the early 1970s. Bikram's classes run exactly 90 minutes and consist of a set series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises...

, Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga, created by B. K. S. Iyengar, is a form of Hatha Yoga known for its use of props, such as belts, blocks, and blankets, as aids in performing asanas . The props enable students to perform the asanas correctly, minimising the risk of injury or strain, and making the postures accessible...

, Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga

Hatha yoga , also called hatha vidya , is a system of yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama, a Hindu sage of 15th century India, and compiler of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika....

, Yin yoga

Yin yoga

Yin yoga is a style of yoga founded by Paulie Zink. It is a synthesis he created by combining Indian Hatha yoga and several disciplines from the Chinese Taoist tradition with yoga postures and variations, movements, vocalizations, visualization techniques, and insights he developed himself...

, and therapeutic yoga. The style emphasizes mind-body-spirit union and action meditation.

One concept behind the TriBalance Method is self-discipline and modernization of an ancient tradition. One aspect of early yoga was as a martial art, which warriors would practice to be strong and limber for battles. Another is Tapas

Tapas (Sanskrit)

Tapasya in Sanskrit means "heat". In Vedic religion and Hinduism, it is used figuratively, denoting spiritual suffering, mortification or austerity, and also the spiritual ecstasy of a yogin or tāpasá . In the Rigveda, the word is connected with the Soma cult...

, which is a Sanskrit

Sanskrit

Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...

 word that translates literally to heat. In yogic discipline it means ecstasy, burning out negativity on the journey to enlightenment. It is an egalitarian method of yoga emphasizing modifications of poses and use of props, designed to help students gradually grow strong enough to perform the full posture on their own. Lastly, the TriBalance Method emphasizes helping students to uncover their practice, rather than teaching it to them.

Differences from Bikram

Though TriBalance yoga is hot yoga, it differs from Bikram in many ways.

• In the TriBalance classes, lights are dim, which is to remove self-consciousness and make the process more internal for students.
• The sequence can vary from class to class, rather than adhering to a set 26-pose sequence . .
• Bikram is taught with 105 degree heat and 50-60% humidity; Tribalance at 110 degree heat and 30% humidity.
• TriBalance involves more poses to strengthen the core and upper body and stretch the hips and back, particularly to recover from and prevent spinal injury and discomfort.
• Most Bikram poses are done twice in a row; once for 60 seconds and again for 30. Tribalance poses are generally held once and for longer to stimulate more fascia release. This ties in to the Yin Yoga influence; Yin referring to the deep tissues as opposed to the more superficial Yang (outer muscle) tissues
• TriBalance discourages pregnant women from practicing heated yoga; Bikram encourages it .

History

Corey Kelly and Shawnda Falvo opened TriBalance Yoga in 2007. Kelly had worked as a personal trainer for 10 years, as well as training in martial arts, before discovering yoga. He then had an intensive, year-long study with a live-in yoga instructor Shiva Kumar Madayya, the world-class yoga champion who won many competitions in India. There he was first introduced to Iyengar and therapuetic yoga.

Kelly trained in Bikram, but wasn't totally satisfied with the one sequence and monologue. He was inspired by class and conversations with Mac McHugh at Niyama Yoga, Gabriel Halpern from Yoga Circle, and Paul Grilley of Yin yoga

Yin yoga

Yin yoga is a style of yoga founded by Paulie Zink. It is a synthesis he created by combining Indian Hatha yoga and several disciplines from the Chinese Taoist tradition with yoga postures and variations, movements, vocalizations, visualization techniques, and insights he developed himself...

. He determined that heat is a benefit but there could be many styles of hot yoga. He gradually created the TriBalance Method, integrating different aspects of his yoga practices with his background as a personal trainer and experience with sports injuries. He and his wife Shawnda run the first TriBalance studio in Schaumburg, IL.

External links

• http://www.tribalance.com
• http://tribalance.blogspot.com