20 Most Popular Types of Yoga Explained Concisely By Ann Pizer - Reviewed by a board-certified physician. Updated October 06, 2016 One of the biggest hurdles to starting yoga is figuring out what kind you want to do. It's confusing because there are quite a wide variety of options available. Although almost all of them are based around the same physical postures, each has a particular unique emphasis. This cheat sheet highlights the differences so you can figure out what type is most appealing to you and get started now. To learn more, click though to a full length article on each style. Hatha Hatha is a very general term that can encompass any of the physical kinds of yoga. In contemporary yoga lingo, hatha has come to mean a slow-paced and gentle way of practicing. Hatha class can be a good place to begin a yoga practice because in provides an introduction to the basic yoga poses in a low key setting. Vinyasa Flow Like hatha, vinyasa is a general term that is used to describe many different types of classes.

Vinyasa, tends to be a more vigorous style based on the performance of a series of poses called sun salutations , in which movement is matched to the breath. A vinyasa class will typically start with a number of sun salutations to warm up the body for more intense stretching that's done at the end of class. Vinyasa is also called flow, in reference to the continuous movement from one posture the next. Anusara Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara combines a strong emphasis on physical alignment with a positive philosophy based on a belief in the intrinsic goodness of all beings. Classes are usually light-hearted and accessible, often with a focus on heart opening. As of 2012, Friend is no longer associated with Anusara following nearly a year of turmoil within the yoga system he founded over his personal indiscretions. Anusara is now a teacher-led yoga school and Friend has started a new yoga style called Sridaiva (see below). Ashtanga Ashtanga is a fast-paced, intense, flowing style of yoga founded by Pattabhi Jois in the 1960s. A set series of poses is performed, always in the same order.

This practice is very physically demanding because of the constant movement from one pose to the next and the emphasis on daily practice. It was one of the first yoga styles embraced by a large number of western students and had been very influential in the evolution of yoga in the past 30 years. Baptiste Power Vinyasa Baron Baptiste is a power yoga innovator who studies many different styles of yoga, martial arts, and meditation before coming up with his own unique way of teaching yoga. His style is based on "5 Pilllars": vinyasa, ujjayi pranayama , heat, uddiyana bandha , and drishti . Classes, which are conducted in a heated room, are typically strong and sweaty. Bikram / Hot Yoga Hot yoga was pioneered by Bikram Choudhury, whose name became synonymous with yoga classes taught in a room heated to 95 to 100 degrees. The heat allows for the loosening of tight muscles and profuse sweating, which is thought to be cleansing. The Bikram method is a set series of 26 poses, but not all hot classes make use of this series.

Iyengar Based on the teachings of the yoga master B.K.S Iyengar, this style of practice is all about bringing the body into its best possible alignment, often using props such as yoga blankets, blocks, and straps to assist students as necessary. Iyengar practice usually emphasizes holding poses over longer periods of time instead of moving quickly from one pose to the next (as in a flow class). Iyengar has been very important in the development of modern yoga asana . Jivamukti This style of yoga emerged in the 1980s from one of New York City’s best-known yoga studios. Jivamukti founders David Life and Sharon Gannon were influenced by the rigor of Ashtanga yoga (see above), in combination with chanting, meditation, and spiritual teachings. They have trained many teachers who have brought this style of yoga to studios and gyms, predominantly in the U.S. and Europe. Jivamukti classes are physically intense and often include an inspirational theme selected by the teacher. Forrest Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and gaining popularity around the U.S., Forrest Yoga is the method taught by Ana Forrest.

The performance of vigorous asana sequences is intended to strengthen and purify the body and release pent-up emotions and pain to encourage healing of physical and emotional wounds. Expect an intense workout with an emphasis on abdominal strengthening, inversions, and deep breathing. Kripalu Kripalu is both a yoga style and a retreat center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Kripalu is a yoga practice with a compassionate approach and emphasis on meditation, physical healing, and spiritual transformation that overflows into daily life. It also focuses on looking inward and moving at your own pace, making it a good practice for people with limited mobility due to age, weight, illness, or injury. Kundalini The emphasis in Kundalini is on the breath in conjunction with physical movement, with the purpose of freeing energy in the lower body and allowing it to move upwards through all the chakras . All asana practices make use of controlling the breath, but in Kundalini the exploration of the effects of the breath (also called prana, meaning energy) on the postures is essential. Kundalini exercises are also called kriyas.

Integral Integral is a gentle hatha style of yoga based on the ideas and principals of Sri Swami Sachidananda, who sought to give followers guidelines on how to improve their lives. In an attempt to integrate mind, body, and spirit, classes also include pranayama, chanting, and meditation. Moksha/Modo Moksha hot yoga was founded in Canada in 2004. In 2013, they changed the name of their affiliated U.S. studios to Modo Yoga. Both styles are based on a series of 45 poses done in a heated room. The studios are expected to adhere to environmentally conscious building and cleaning standards and to foster a sense of community for their students. Power Yoga In the mid-1990s, several prominent teacher who were well-trained in traditional yoga were looking for ways to make flow yoga more accessible to more people. The resulting classes came to be known by the umbrella term of power yoga. Power yoga was initially heavily influenced by the intensity of Ashtanga but allowed for variation in the sequencing of poses at the discretion of the teacher. Contemporary power yoga classes are essentially vigorous vinyasa flow.

Restorative Restorative yoga makes use of props to support the body as it relaxes into poses over the course of several minutes. The idea is to stay in each pose long enough to encourage passive stretching. Seated forward bends, gentle supine back-bends, and twists are examples of the type of poses that can be adapted to be restorative with the addition of props like blankets and bolsters. Sivananda The first Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center was founded in 1959 by Swami Vishnu-devananda, a disciple of Swami Sivananda. There are now close to 80 locations worldwide, including several ashrams. Sivananda yoga is based upon five principles, including the practices of asana, pranayama , and meditation. The mastery of twelve carefully selected poses is at the core of this practice Sridaiva/Bowspring After leaving Anusara Yoga (see above) in 2012, John Friend started Sridaiva with Colorado studio owner Desi Springer. This style introduces a new alignment system, which they call the bowspring.

It's pretty different from other types of yoga in that the knees stay bent in many poses and the pelvis is always tipping forward to maintain the spinal curves. Proponents say they find a new source of strength and power from this alignment. Viniyoga Viniyoga is the term used by T.K.V. Desikachar to describe the methodology that his father, revered teacher T. Krishnamacharya , developed late in his life. It is based on an individualized approach to each student, creating a practice that suits his or her unique stage of life and state of health. Even in group classes, Viniyoga is adapted to fit each person's particular needs. Yin Yoga Yin Yoga is a practice developed by teacher Paul Grilley to stretch the body's connective tissue, particularly around the joints. In order to do this, specific poses are help over the course of several minutes. Grilley intended this practice to prepare the body to be able to sit in long meditation sessions and to act as a counterpoint to movement-oriented vigorous yang styles of yoga. Still not sure which yoga style is right for you? Take this quiz and find out what your yoga personality is!

Continue Reading Different types of yoga Different types of yoga By John Kraijenbrink on 17 March 2015 in Philosophy , TTC , Yoga Hatha yoga, vinyasa flow, Ashtanga, yin yoga, restorative yoga, Anusara, Bikram, hot yoga, Iyengar, Kundalini yoga; there are so many different types of yoga that it’s sometimes hard to find out what what is. Most yoga types follow the Royal Path of yoga , only their focus on asanas is different. A little overview: Acro Yoga is a combination of yoga, acrobatics and Thai yoga massage. By acro yoga you work in pairs; one is the base, the other one the flyer. The flyer does yoga poses (asanas) on the feet and/or hands of the base and is (by therapeutically flying) massaged by the base. Anusara Yoga is a relatively new type of yoga (1997), which focusses on opening the heart to connect with the divine in yourself and others. It combines a strict principle of alignment (coming from Iyengar) with a playful spirit.

Ashtanga (or Astanga) Yoga is a physically, demanding type of yoga, where synchronized breathing is paired with a progressive and continuous series of postures. The idea is to produce a enormous internal heat which purifies and detoxes old emotions, bad karma, muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light and strong body and a calm mind. Ashtanga is an athletic yoga practice and is not really suitable for beginners. Ashtanga in this way was first taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Bikram yoga is yoga done in a sauna-like room, which is heated up to 40 degrees Celsius.Bikram yoga is a series of 26 basic yoga postures, each performed twice. It’s named after it’s founder Bikram Choudhury, a gold medal Olympic weight lifter in 1963. According to him the heat more promotes flexibility, detoxification and prevents of injuries. Hatha is an easy-to-learn, basic form of yoga where poses are done one by one and teachers take a lot of time to explain the pose and it’s alignment. Iyengar Yoga, named after and developed by B.K.S.

Iyengar, focusses on body alignment. The poses are generally held longer than in other styles of yoga. In Iyengar you slowly move into a pose, hold it for a minute or so and then rest for a bit, before moving into another asana. Because the focus is so big on alignment a lot of props (blocks, straps etc) are used in Iyengar yoga. Kundalini practice concentrates on awakening the kundalini energy at the base of the spine and drawing it upward. Kundalini classes are a mix of asanas, chanting, meditation and breathing exercises. Power Yoga is Vinyasa flow yoga, with a Western twist; emphasizes on poses where a lot of strenght is required. Meditation, chanting are mostly no part of the class. It’s more a physical exercise than a spiritual and starts to loose touch with what yoga is about. Restorative Yoga focuses on ‘curing’ the body by realigning it with help of gravity. In a restorative yoga class you’ll spend long periods of time lying on blocks, blankets and yoga bolsters – passively allowing muscles to relax.

Vinyasa flow:Vinyasa is Sanskrit and means ‘connection’; so in Vinyasa flow we ‘connect’: we connect the poses and we connect the poses with our breathing. Mostly Vinyasa is explained as breath synchronized movement. Krisnamacharya is the father of Vinyasa flow. As in Ashtanga the goal is to produce a enormous internal heat which purifies and detoxes old emotions, bad karma, muscles and organs. Freeing us of the ‘garbage’ and behavioral patterns we have collected over the years (and passed lives). It’s a physically active form of yoga that can be hard or easy. Yin Yoga sees all the other forms of asana practice as yang; strong, targeting the muscles. Yin targets the connective tissues of the ligaments, fascia, joints and bones. A significant characteristic is the long held, passive nature of the postures. Because our nadis (meridians) are in our connective muscles yin yoga also elevates blockages in our nadi, letting energy flow freely through our body again. About John Kraijenbrink Yoga rebel, massage therapist, writer, entrepreneur, romantic, healthy food lover, blogger and globetrotter.

John Kraijenbrink travels around the world, teaching yoga everywhere he goes, giving healing massages, blogging about yoga, food, massages and his adventures and trying to find out 'what the meaning of life is'. His students call him the Dutch Smiling Yogi, because he always has a big smile on his face, enjoying life, getting inspired and hoping to inspire. Types of Yoga - YouTube Types of Yoga Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Jul 2, 2010 Types of Yoga, Anusara, Asana, Astanga, Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, Iyengar, Kundalini, Moksha Category Kundalini - definition of kundalini by The Free Dictionary Kundalini - definition of kundalini by The Free Dictionary (ko͝on′də-lē′nē) n.

Hinduism Energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine until it is activated, as by the practice of yoga, and channeled upward through the chakras in the process of spiritual perfection. [Sanskrit kuṇḍalinī, from feminine of kuṇḍalin-, coiled, spiral, from kuṇḍalam, ring, coil, perhaps of Dravidian origin.] kundalini (ˈkʊndəˌliːnɪ) n (Alternative Belief Systems) (sometimes capital) (in yoga) the life force that resides at the base of the spine Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: FAQIR WHO BELIEVED IN UNITY OF RELIGIONS When I was in LA, I took up Kundalini Yoga - one of the more spiritual types of yoga.

Lawrence and Om As part of the learning process, Aunt Jacqueline insists Alexandra and her friend from New York embark on a week-long Kundalini yoga and Ayurvedic cruise, and which ends up being a pivotal course for the women (the teachings of both subjects are gone into in great detail in the book by the author who herself is a lifelong yoga devotee). Revealing The Woman's Secret: A Novella with Lessons Steve's debut solo release, The Kundalini Target, was released in 2008, followed by Peace City West in 2011. Yoga T-Shirts. Many Yoga T-Shirt Designs. Yogi, Yogini, and Baby T-Shirts and Gifts Yoga T Shirts and Gifts. Buy a Yoga T-Shirt, a Om Shirt, or Namaste Tee. Many funny Yoga T-Shirt designs and Gifts. Yoga Rocks! Namaste. Shanti Shanti Shanti Our Yoga Tee Shirts Rock too! New this year: Yoga Instructor T-Shirts, Yogi and Yogini TShirts and Baby Yoga gifts.

We have developed abstract, art and funny T-Shirts and Gifts Designs for Hatha, Ashtanga, Bikram, Anusara, Iyengar, Kundalini, Vinyasa flow and Power Yoga. General designs and Symbol T-Shirts for Om, Namaste, Shanti, and meditation. It's a Great Year to practice Yoga. Descriptive Words: Yoga, Om, Savasana, Karma, Yogi, Namaste, Shanti, Asana, Mantra, Hindu, India Types Of Yoga T-Shirts: Hatha, Ashtanga, Bikram, Anusara, Iyengar, Kundalini, Vinyasa flow and Power yoga Yoga Types Select Yoga type for more information Join Our Mailing List Popular Yoga Types Explained Popular Yoga Types Explained Yoga Popular Yoga Types Explained Almost all types of yoga share the same foundation of poses, but there are differences. Learn about the varying approaches to different yoga styles. Types of Yoga | Hatha yoga, Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar and more... | DoYogaWithMe.com release endorphins that improve your mood and so much more...

Now that you know some of the benefits of doing yoga, we begin our list of yoga styles below with classical hatha yoga . As you move down the list it goes from vigorous, flow-style classes to the more relaxing passive classes, finishing with restorative yoga. You will also find a list some of our most popular yoga videos at the bottom of each style. Hatha Yoga Hatha is a general category that includes most yoga styles. It is an old system that includes the practice of asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises) , which help bring peace to the mind and body, preparing the body for deeper spiritual practices such as meditation. Today, the term hatha is used in such a broad way that it is difficult to know what a particular hatha class will be like. In most cases, however, it will be relatively gentle, slow and great for beginners or students who prefer a more relaxed style where they hold poses longer. It can vary a lot, so it is a good idea to call the studio before attending the class.

Popular hatha classes include: Hatha Yoga to Release the Lower Back - David Procyshyn (subscriber-only video) Vinyasa Like hatha, vinyasa is a general term that describes many different styles of yoga. It essentially means movement synchronized with breath and is a vigorous style based on a rapid flow through sun salutations. You may also see a vinyasa class referred to as a flow class, which refers to the continuous flow from one posture to the next. Popular vinyasa yoga classes include: Sun Salutations III - Tracey Noseworthy Ashtanga Yoga Ashtanga is a system of yoga that was brought to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. If you attend an ashtanga class at a studio you will be led nonstop through one or more of the ashtanga series, while being encouraged to breathe as you move from pose to pose. Each series is a set sequence of asanas, always in the same order. It is typically fast-paced, vigorous and physically challenging. There are six series in total, increasing in difficulty as you move from the primary series on.

Even though a typical class moves quite quickly, most Ashtanga studios offer Mysore-style classes, which allow students to work at their own pace and to be assessed by senior instructors. Popular ashtanga classes include: Ashtanga Yoga For Beginners - Jenni Pritchard Power Yoga Power yoga is used to describe a vigorous, vinyasa-style yoga. It originally closely resembled ashtanga and was an attempt to make ashtanga more accessible to Western students. It differs, however, in that it is not a set series of poses, but rather allows the instructor freedom to teach what they want. Two American yogis, Beryl Bender Birch and Bryan Kest, both of whom studied with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, are most often credited with inventing power yoga. Power yoga's popularity has spread around the world and is now taught in most studios. Because the style can vary, it is recommended that you consult with the studio or individual instructor before attending a class. Popular power yoga classes include: Power Yoga For Motivation - Tracy Noseworthy Bikram Yoga One thing you can be sure of when you attend a Bikram class is consistency.

Outside of the instructor, a Bikram class is the same no matter where you go, consisting of the same, copyrighted twenty-six postures and two breathing techniques, in the same order for ninety minutes, in a room heated to 105°F (40.6°C), with a humidity of 40%. You can also be certain that you will sweat; the room is hot and the class challenges you both physically and mentally. Founded by Bikram Choudhury, this form of hot yoga is meant to flush toxins, manage weight and allow students to move more deeply into poses. Jivamukti Yoga David Life and Sharon Gannon created jivamukti yoga in 1984, and since then have studied with a number of teachers, including Swami Nirmalananda and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Their classes resemble ashtanga in the vinyasa-style flow through asanas. Each class begins with a standardized warm-up sequence unique to jivamukti and often teachers will incorporate weekly themes, chanting, meditation, readings and affirmations. Iyengar Yoga The trademark of iyengar is the intense focus on the subtleties of each posture. B.K.S.

Iyengar teaches his classes from his home in Pune, India and has become one of the most influential gurus of our time. In a typical iyengar class, poses are held much longer than in other schools of yoga, in an effort to pay closer attention to the precise musculoskeletal alignment within each asana. Another trademark of iyengar is the use of props, such as blocks, belts, bolsters, chairs and blankets, which are used to accommodate injuries, tightness or structural imbalances, as well as teach the student how to move into a posture properly. Anusara Yoga The anusara style is a new system of hatha that teaches a set of Universal Principles of Alignment that underlie all yoga postures, while encouraging flowing with grace and following your heart. Founded by John Friend, the practice of anusara is broadly categorized into three parts, known as the Three A's. They include attitude, alignment and action. Sivananda Yoga Sivananda is a form of hatha founded by Swami Sivananda and brought to the west by Swami Vishnu-devananda.

A class typically begins with Savasana (relaxation pose), kapalabhati and anuloma viloma, followed by a few rounds of surya namaskara. The class then moves through Sivananda's twelve asanas, which together are designed to increase strength and flexibility of the spine. Chanting and meditation can also be a part of a full-length class. Vishnu-devananda later founded the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers, summerizing Sivananda's system into five main principles: proper exercise (asanas); proper breathing (pranayama); proper relaxation (savasana); proper diet (vegetarian); and positive thinking (vedanta) and meditation (dhyana). Viniyoga Viniyoga refers to an approach to yoga that adapts the various means and methods of practice to the unique condition, needs and interests of the individual. Created by T.K.V. Desikachar, the goal is to give the practitioner the tools to individualize and actualize the process of self-discovery and personal transformation. Kundalini Yoga Kundalini incorporates repeated movements or exercises, dynamic breathing techniques, chanting, meditation and mantras.

Each specific kundalini exercise, referred to as a kriya, is a movement that is often repeated and is synchronized with the breath. The practice is designed to awaken the energy at the base of the spine in order to draw it upward through each of the seven chakras. Brought to the west by Yogi Bhajan, this form of yoga looks and feels quite different than any other, due to its focus on repetitive, enhanced breathing and the movement of energy through the body. Kundalini For the Solar Plexis - Dawn Rabey Yin Yoga Yin yoga is a slow-paced style in which poses are held for five minutes or longer. Even though it is passive, yin yoga can be quite challenging due to the long holds, particularly if your body is not used to it. The purpose is to apply moderate stress to the connective tissue - the tendons, fascia and ligaments - with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility. It was founded and first taught in the U.S. in the late 1970s by martial arts expert and Taoist yoga teacher Paulie Zink.

Yin-style is now begin taught across North America and in Europe, due in large part to two of the more prominent instructors, Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers. Yin Yoga For the Hips and Hamstrings - Sarah Jane Steele Integrative Yoga Therapy (IYT) Integrative yoga therapy brings together asanas, pranayama, mudra, yoga nidra , mantra and meditation into a complete package where they can be utilized for therapy. Founded by Joseph Le Page in 1993, IYT was an attempt to create a training program with the focus on yoga as a healing art, and has designed programs specifically for medical and mainstream wellness settings, including hospital and rehabilitation centres. Restorative Yoga Restorative is a gentle, relaxing, passive style that allows students to relax and release the body into a gentle stretch that is held for as long as 10 minutes. This style makes use of a wide range of props, including bolsters, blocks, straps and blankets. The intention is to provide support within each pose, making it easier to completely leg go.

Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini: Learn the Difference Between These and more Yoga Classes | Shape Magazine Hatha Yoga Origin: Introduced in 15th-century India by Hindu sage, Yogi Swatmarama, Hatha poses—Downward-Facing Dog, Cobra, Eagle , and Wheel for example—make up most yoga sequences practiced today. Philosophy: The goal of Hatha yoga is to bridge the body and mind with the breath in a series of physical poses—called asanas. What to Expect: Prepare for a gentle routine that often includes Sun Salutations, balancing poses, forward bends, and back bends to work the body and focus the mind. These movements all lead up to the final relaxation—the blissful savasana—at the end of class. Try it if… … you want an easy-going class that will challenge without overwhelming. Ashtanga Yoga Origin: One of the oldest forms of yoga, Ashtanga yoga was first recorded in ancient Indian manuscripts, but brought to life by K. Pattabhi Jois, who has been teaching it since 1948.

Ashtanga (which literally translates to eight-limbed yoga) is influenced by Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, a yogic guideline for a meaningful life. Philosophy: The Ashtanga technique is concerned with linking breath and movement—also known as vinyasa. The advanced practice utilizes the dristi (the gaze) and the bandhas (internal body locks), which assist in holding the challenging poses of the sequence. What to Expect: Think of traditional Ashtanga as the zen form of yoga. You’ll flow from pose to pose with your breath—no props, no music, and no self-help lecturing—staying present in the moment. You’ll earn your savasana, the final relaxation pose, with plenty of arm strengthening chaturangas, inversions , and other advanced poses. Try it if… … you’re looking for an old-school, kick-ass practice that’s rooted in tradition rather than trend. Kundalini Yoga Origin: The iconic white turban-wearing Yogi Bhajan is the modern visionary who brought this ancient form of yoga to the West in 1969. Students flock to the Kundalini Research Institute in New Mexico for certification.

Philosophy: This mysterious form of yoga is focused on breathing and chanting—and less so on movement. Controlled breathing is practiced to create spiritual transformation by releasing the powerful Kundalini energy found at the base of the spine. What to Expect: The Kundalini experience is quite different from your typical flow class. Prepare for intense breathwork that can leave the inexperienced feeling light-headed, but stick with it to enjoy a significant increase in energy and a calm of the mind by the end of practice. Try it if… … you're looking more than just a yoga body and want to work out your inner yogic spirit. Iyengar Yoga Origin: B.K.S Iyengar—considered the world's greatest living yoga teacher—is the creator of Iyengar yoga, which emerged in India in 1975. Yoga’s popularity in the West can be attributed to Iyengar, whose technique is the most widely practiced form of Hatha yoga. Philosophy: A precise focus on structural alignment (often with the aid of props, such as blocks and straps) is what gives Iyengar yoga a high level of integrity, and makes it the foundation of many spin-off styles of yoga.

What to Expect: Prepare to work your legs with lots of standing and balancing poses spread throughout the sequence. Teachers are very verbal, correcting misalignment and encouraging full engagement of legs and core in each pose. You'll emerge with a new strength and confidence that goes beyond the mat. Try it if… … you like explicit instruction. Or if you have the blues—this therapeutic practice is said to alleviate depression, anxiety, anger, and fatigue. Restorative Yoga Origin: Judith Lasater, a PhD of Eastern-Western psychology, physical therapist, and a founder of Yoga Journal, is the authority on this relaxing, therapeutic form of yoga, which originated in the States the 1970s. Philosophy: The goal is to combat the physical and mental effects of everyday stress and ease common ailments such as headaches, backaches, anxiety, and insomnia with the use of restful poses and deep breathing techniques. What to Expect: Don't come prepared for a workout—these quiet classes are all about rejuvenating the body in a group "nap-time" environment. Expect to use lots of props (bolsters, blankets blocks and straps) to relax into passive poses while the teacher guides you through your body, encouraging release.

Try it if… … you love the last ten minutes of a yoga class—savasana. The entire hour-long restorative class requires nothing but letting go. Bikram Yoga Origin: In 1973, Choudhury Bikram brought this form of "hot yoga" to the United States, quickly attracting celebrities and hoards of devotees to create a multi-million dollar worldwide franchise. Philosophy: More like boot camp than mediation hour, the goal of this vigorous form of yoga, according to Bikram, is simply to give organs, veins, muscles, and ligaments "everything they need for optimum health and maximized function." What to Expect: Skip the yoga leggings and opt for shorts and a sports bra. The room is heated to 105 degrees to help you stretch deeper and release more toxins through a systematic routine of 26 set poses repeated throughout the strenuous 90-minute class. Try it if… … you've ever said yoga is "too easy." Jivamukti Yoga Origin: This modern, intellectual style of yoga emerged from David Life and Sharon Gannon's well-known New York City studio in 1984.

Philosophy: "Unapologetically spiritual," Jivamukti was created to bring the depth of Eastern yogic philosophy to the everyday life of Westerns. Celebrating a non-violent lifestyle and the limitless potential of the individual is at the heart of this practice, which literally translates to liberation while living. What to Expect: Enter the incense-filled studio, notice the framed photos of the rich Jivamukti guru lineage, and prepare for a fast-moving class set to a wide-range of music from the Beatles to Moby. Classes typically include Sanskrit chanting, meditation, breath work, and a spiritual theme woven throughout the 90-minute practice. Try it if... ...you're looking to add more om to your down-dogs. Or, if you just hope to catch a glimpse of devoted students Russell Simmons,Sting, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Christy Turlington practicing next to you. Yin Yoga Origin: This ancient form of yoga is rooted in China, but has recently been modernized by Paul Grilley, the California-based yogi who is now synonymous with Yin yoga.

Philosophy: A slower, more introspective form of yoga, Yin focuses on deepening postures, stretching the connective tissues, and working to create greater flexibility. What to Expect: Prepare to acquaint yourself with the hips, pelvis, and lower spine—and their level of tightness. You'll feel challenged to remain relaxed and focused in the large spaces of time you are held in the poses—sometimes up to ten minutes. Try it If… … you want to deepen your flexibility and target tight hamstrings, hips and back. Baptiste Power Yoga Origin: Inspired by the more fast-paced forms of yoga (Ashtanga, Iyengar and Bikram), bandana-wearing Baron Baptiste, a San Francisco native, created his own form yoga—loved by celebrities and professional athletes—in the early 1990s. Philosophy: According to the founder, Baptiste Power Yoga is all about adaptation. Students are challenged to adjust to a series of Hatha-based poses that steadily, over time, build heat, transform the body, and create stronger muscles and alleviate tension. What to Expect: No statues of Ganesha in this studio—Baptiste Power Yoga is more like your favorite gym class.

Be prepared to sweat, sigh, and kick it up a notch higher than you ever thought you could. Try it if… A Beginner's Guide to 8 Major Styles of Yoga | Gaiam Life | Guest Contributor | beginner , tips , yoga , yoga style Skimming the class schedule at your gym for a good yoga class can be a real exercise in confusion. How can you tell the difference between Anusara and Ashtanga? Or hot yoga and hatha? Below is a cheat sheet to the many different styles of yoga being taught today. May it help you find your way to a class you love. 1. Anusara Developed by American yogi John Friend in 1997, Anusara yoga is a relative newcomer to the yoga world. Based on the belief that we’re all filled with an intrinsic goodness, Anusara seeks to use the physical practice of yoga to help students open their hearts, experience grace, and let their inner goodness shine through. Classes, which are specifically sequenced by the teacher to explore one of Friend’s Universal Principles of Alignment, are rigorous for the body and the mind. 2.

Ashtanga Ashtanga is based on ancient yoga teachings, but it was popularized and brought to the West by Pattabhi Jois (pronounced “pah-tah-bee joyce”) in the 1970s. It’s a rigorous style of yoga that follows a specific sequence of postures and is similar to vinyasa yoga, as each style links every movement to a breath. The difference is that Ashtanga always performs the exact same poses in the exact same order. This is a hot, sweaty, physically demanding practice. 3. Bikram About 30 years ago, Bikram Choudhury developed this school of yoga where classes are held in artificially heated rooms. In a Bikram class , you will sweat like never before as you work your way through a series of 26 poses. Like Ashtanga, a Bikram class always follows the same sequence, although a Bikram sequence is different from An ashtanga sequence. Bikram is somewhat controversial, as Choudhury has trademarked his sequence and has sued studios who call themselves Bikram but don’t teach the poses exactly the way he says they should.

It’s also wildly popular, making it one of the easiest classes to find. 4. Hatha Hatha yoga is a generic term that refers to any type of yoga that teaches physical postures. Nearly every type of yoga class taught in the West is hatha yoga. When a class is marketed as hatha, it generally means that you will get a gentle introduction to the most basic yoga postures. You probably won’t work up a sweat in a hatha yoga class, but you should end up leaving class feeling longer, looser, and more relaxed. 5. Hot Yoga Largely the same thing as Bikram. Generally, the only difference between Bikram and hot yoga is that the hot yoga studio deviates from Bikram’s sequence in some small way, and so they must call themselves by another name. The room will be heated, and you will sweat buckets. 6. Iyengar Iyengar yoga was developed and popularized by B.K.S. Iyengar (pronounced “eye-yen-gar”). Iyengar is a very meticulous style of yoga, with utmost attention paid to finding the proper alignment in a pose.

In order to help each student find the proper alignment, an Iyengar studio will stock a wide array of yoga props — blocks, blankets, straps, chairs, bolsters are all common. There isn’t a lot of jumping around in Iyengar classes, so you won’t get your heart rate up, but you’ll be amazed to discover how physically and mentally challenging it is to stay put. Iyengar teachers must undergo a comprehensive training — if you have an injury or chronic condition, Iyengar is probably your best choice to ensure you get the knowledgeable instruction you need. 7. Restorative Restorative yoga is a delicious way to relax and soothe frayed nerves. Restorative classes use bolsters, blankets, and blocks to prop students in passive poses so the body can experience the benefits of a pose without having to exert any effort. A good restorative class is more rejuvenating than a nap. Studios and gyms often offer them on Friday nights, when just about everyone could use some profound rest. 8.

Vinyasa Vinyasa (pronounced “vin-yah-sah”) is a Sanskrit word for a phrase that roughly translates as “to place in a special way,” referring—in hatha yoga—to a sequence of poses. Vinyasa classes are known for their fluid, movement-intensive practices. Vinyasa teachers choreograph their classes to smoothly transition from pose to pose, and often play music to keep things lively. The intensity of the practice is similar to Ashtanga, but no two vinyasa classes are the same. If you hate routine and love to test your physical limits, vinyasa may be just your ticket.

Question: Bikram, Anusara, Kundalini and Iyengar are all types of which activity?
Answer: Yoga