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.

From Ashtanga to Vinyasa: Your A to Z Guide to Yoga Styles From Ashtanga to Vinyasa: Your A to Z Guide to Yoga Styles From Ashtanga to Vinyasa: Your A to Z Guide to Yoga Styles Health Yoga Life Yoga instructor Siga Bielkus demonstrates Sun Salutation A, a sequence performed 5 times at the beginning of each Ashtanga class. Sun Salutation A is a common sequence in other yoga styles as well including Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga. –Denali Tietjen / Boston.com By Denali Tietjen September 27, 2014 Ashtanga, Kundalini, Iynegar, Vinyasa…. what? Is your yoga vocabulary limited to downward dog and child’s pose? Don’t kriya, we’ve got your back. We teamed up with Boston-based yoga instructors Vyda and Siga Bielkus (also voted Boston’s best bachelorettes, gentlemen) to create this yoga guide for the yogi newb and pro alike. Here’s what you can expect from each class style.

Hatha Common poses: Gentle stretching, simple arm balances Temperature: Room temperature (unheated) “Hatha’’ yoga is an umbrella term used to describe the physical practices of yoga. Through a combination of conscious breathing and series of poses called asanas, Hatha yoga corrects the body’s alignment. Advertisement One of the gentlest styles of yoga, hatha is a perfect style for beginners, athletes looking to supplement their regular workout with deep stretching, and for more advanced yogis hoping to deepen and perfect their poses. Side notes: Since Hatha yoga is such a general practice, you may want to ask the teacher what the specific class is like and who it is geared for. You Hatha try Hatha! Health Yoga Life Yoga instructor Siga Bielkus demonstrates the wide-legged split pose, a deep groin stretch, a signature Hatha Yoga pose. —Denali Tietjen / Boston.com Ashtanga Common poses: Sun salutations Temperature: Heated (80-90 degrees) Unlike Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga is a very specific style of yoga.

All Ashtanga classes follow a set sequence of poses that begin with an opening sequence, transition to one of six series of poses that vary with difficulty, continues to a back-bending sequence, and end with a finishing sequence and savasana (that final resting pose you always fall asleep in). While the opening, back-bending, and final sequences are the same in all Ashtanga classes, the second series varies depending on one’s level. In beginner’s classes, the instructor leads all students through same beginner’s sequence while in more advanced classes called Mysore classes, students work independently on their second series depending on what level they’re practicing. Advertisement Since Ashtanga is such a specific style, it is highly encouraged to have a committed Ashtanga practice. Traditionally, students practice six days a week, resting only on Saturdays and full and new moon days. Yoga teachers advise that women should not practice Ashtanga during the first few days of their menstrual cycle. There is no music in Ashtanga classes, and classes are not heated. Vinyasa Common poses: Sun salutations, Warrior poses Temperature: Typically unheated Vinyasa is the most popular yoga style in the United States.

Like Hatha, Vinyasa is an umbrella term for flowing, dynamic styles of yoga including Power and Flow yoga. “Vinyasa’’ simply means to flow with breath from one movement to another, thus Vinyasa emphasizes connecting breath to poses. Achieving perfect alignment in each pose is not necessarily as important as feeling the connection of the breath and body. Vinyasa classes can be heated or non-heated and with or without music. Classes set to music tend to have a more mental emphasis while classes set to music tend to have a more physical focus. Since Vinyasa is the least strict style of yoga, Vinyasa instructors are free to personalize their classes. Some instructors may personalize their classes by varying sequences and setting classes to Hip-Hop or other music. Vinyasa classes range from one to two hours in length. Health Yoga Life Yoga instructor Siga Bielkus demonstrates Sun Salutation B flowing from Warrior I to Warrior II and into Reverse Warrior. Sun Salutations are common sequences in Vinyasa Yoga.

Advertisement Common poses: Chanting, camel pose, cobra pose Temperature: Unheated Kundalini Yoga is a very specific, spiritual style of yoga that consists of a set of Kriyas, a combination of postures, breathing techniques, chanting, and meditation linked together to create a certain result such as detoxification or circulation. The word “Kundalini’’ is defined in the yogic texts as the latent energy coiled up at the base of the spine. In order for self-realization to be achieved, Kundalini yogis believe this energy must be stimulated and travel from the lower energy centers of the body to the higher energy centers. Thus, Kundalini yoga aims to stimulate these energy systems to reach self realization. What differentiates Kundalini from most other styles of yoga is the focus on breath and chanting. Many practitioners find that chanting makes Kundalini a more spiritual practice than other styles.

Kundalini classes begin with a simple invocation chant, “Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo,’’ and end with a personal prayer/song: “May the long time sun shine upon you, All love surround you, and the pure light within you guide your way on.’’ Kundalini teachers typically wear white and cover their heads with a scarf or turban. Kundalini classes do involve song, music, chants, and often a gong is played. Classes range from one to two hours. There is a dedicated Kundalini studio called Kundalini Yoga Boston in Harvard Square. Health Yoga Life Instructor Siga Bielkus demonstrates the “Breath of Fire’’, a conscious breathing technique aimed to eradicate the ego. The “Breath of Fire’’ is a central breathing technique in Kundalini and is in many Kriyas. Iyengar Good for: Yogis of all levels Common poses: Downward dog, side angle pose Temperature: Unheated Health Yoga Life instructor Siga Bielkus modifies Queen Pose, or shoulder stand, with a block. Queen Pose is a common Iyengar Yoga pose.

—Denali Tietjen / Boston.com Iyengar Yoga classes focus on deep stretching and flexibility by holding poses longer than in other classes. Iyengar classes emphasize precise alignment in each pose and thus the use of props such as blocks, straps, blankets, and bolsters is recommended. Through longer poses and specific breathing techniques, Iyengar yoga has a spiritual focus. Students are encouraged to explore the mind-body connection and are not set to music. Bikram Common poses: Downward dog, side angle pose Temperature: Heated (105-108 degrees) Bikram Yoga, sometimes referred to as Hot Yoga, is a set series of 26 postures practiced in a room that is heated to approximately 105 degrees Farenheit. All Bikram classes are exactly the same, every time, down to even a specific script the teacher recites. Vyda and Siga Bielkus say there are many benefits to practicing yoga in a heated room. The heat loosens rigidity, allowing people with limited flexibility to get deeper into their poses.

Also, similar to sweat lodges in Native American culture and saunas in Northern European culture, Bikram Yogis believe heat to be a source of detoxification and purification. Since all Bikram classes are exactly the same, regular practitioners can really see their progression. Also, regular students can get into a meditative zone because they are familiar with the sequence of poses. No music is played in Bikram classes and all classes are 90 minutes long. It is important to come to class well hydrated. While Bikram studios welcome beginners, Bikram is a more challenging introductory style of yoga as modifications are not taught or encouraged. Health Yoga Life Instructor Siga Bielkus demonstrates Camel Pose, one of the postures in the Bikram Yoga sequence. —Denalit Tietjen / Boston.com Yoga styles: Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, Jivamukti, Vinyasa, Yin Yoga styles Yoga All is one. Or is it? The word yoga translates to ‘union’ in English. It derives from the Sanskrit yuj , which means ‘to join, unite or yoke’.

Ironically, yoga seems to be divided into a thousand different styles these days… One more reason why we at Svaha Yoga stick to teaching according the traditional four paths of yoga . It can be quite entangling to find your way through the yoga-web (we’re telling you: you’re gonna love that animation). So we’ve made you a little summary of some major yoga styles you’ll hear about on- and offline – check it after the break. The ABC of yoga styles A Ashtanga yoga Ashtanga yoga is often hailed as the modern form of classical Indian yoga. Ashtanga classes focus on the alignment of movement and breath, where the length of movement is dictated by breathing. Ashtanga practice always involves one of six sequences of asanas , depending on your level of experience. B Bikram yoga Bikram yoga is hot and sticky – we’re talking 40° C and 40% humidity hot and sticky. Which makes it all kinds of intense . A Bikram class consists of 26 set poses that are always performed in the same order, and they’re not the easiest. The purpose of a class is to sweat out all the poisons, and sweat you will.

There’s a very similar yoga style around, simply named hot yoga, because the name ‘Bikram’ is copyrighted and actively pursued . H Hatha yoga You’ll see many places offer Hatha yoga, which can seem confusing since there’s also the path of Hatha yoga . But no stress: Hatha yoga classes are indeed all about this specific path – the physical aspect of yoga. Apart from the asanas , there’s time for self reflection on both body and mind. But there is no devotional chanting or dedication in pure Hatha yoga. I Iyengar yoga Iyengar yoga has a strong physical emphasis. This yoga style is firmly grounded in the path of Hatha Yoga , so the major focus is body alignment. Practitioners often hold the same poses for extended periods of time before moving into the next. They practice over 200 poses , fourteen types of pranayama and use various props to make sure everyone can practice safely and accurately.

J Jivamukti yoga Jivamukti has its roots in NYC , but has become a renowned yoga style worldwide, famous for it’s strong focus on activism and veganism: “The aim of Yoga is to realize that we are all connected.” – Sharon Gannon & David Life, founders of Jivamukti Yoga . At Svaha Yoga, we have a strong love for Jivamukti yoga, which is why we teach three Jivamukti Yoga Open Classes per week. You will likely recognize a lot from the philosophy, to the love for music in class and the emphasis on practicing at your own level. K Kundalini yoga Perhaps you’ve seen the images of yogi(ni)s with white turbans, one of the apparent characteristics of Kundalini yoga . But there’s more to it – the style is sometimes called yoga of patience. Kundalini yogis put a lot of emphasis on energy, breathing techniques and chants. As the turbans suggest, the yoga style is very much based on Indian culture . P Power yoga Power yoga is based on traditional yoga asanas , merged with the North American demand for rigorous physical exercise. It focuses on using the body a lot, often in a hot room.

Power yoga practitioners often add a hearty spiritual element, but the body always remains at the core of the practice. R Restorative yoga Restorative yoga is a great way to balance a more active practice with a practice that is designed to give your body and mind space to restore. It’s perfect for those recovering from injuries or accidents . To get the full beneficial effect of the poses, without physical strain, people use a lot of props. We teach weekly classes in this style at Svaha Yoga. V Vinyasa yoga Lookie-here, that’s us! In 1999, Svaha Yoga was the first school to offer Vinyasa yoga in Amsterdam. Vinyasa yoga is a flowing, sequenced practice led by Ujjayi breath – so you might also know it as flow yoga. The sequence traditionally starts with poses that address the basis of your spine and then works its way up to the top of your head. There’s eternal variation in poses and sequencing, so you might notice some differences between various schools. At Svaha Yoga, we integrate the traditional four paths of yoga in each of our classes – something unique in town. Y Yin yoga As the name implies, Yin yoga is a very meditative form of yoga.

It was founded by a Taoist yoga teacher , so patience and meditation are extremely important . Yin-yogis hold poses for a very long time – around 5 minutes per pose, and they’re all on the floor. The goal is to just chill and reach a meditative state. Feel free to come chill out at our weekly class . Contact 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. Types Of Yoga-Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Bikram, Iyengar March 6, 2013, 4:10 PM Ever gone to yoga with the hopes of getting a little Zen, only to have your butt kicked boot camp style? Or, ever head to class for a good sweat session but ended up fidgeting through a patchouli-infused meditation? Don't swear off yoga just yet — it may be that you haven't found the right yoga for you.

Advertisement For the curious and/or confused, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you navigate a few of the more popular and widespread styles, based on your personality. Keep in mind, these are just suggestions — you’re not always going to gravitate toward one particular style just because you’re an extrovert or introvert. The best practice of all: approach any yoga class with openness, curiosity, and few expectations. (The same attitude will serve you well in your day-to-day life, too.) If you’re an industrious powerhouse who tends toward introspection, try: Ashtanga Physical, athletic, and challenging, (kind of like you, no?), Ashtanga is a set series of poses, learned at your own pace. As a self-practice, Ashtanga gives you the chance to hone your discipline and patience. “Ashtanga is most often represented through a Type A personality because of this person’s drive and fortitude,” says Alana Kessler, an Ashtanga instructor and owner of Sangha Yoga Shala in Brooklyn.

“Ashtanga helps balance out the competitive, ‘go- go-go’ nature by encouraging focused concentration using the breath, and over time leads to a softer, quieter mind.” If you’re an intuitive seeker with a penchant for details, try: Iyengar Curious, thoughtful yogis who love to play around (think: blocks, blankets, hanging upside down from rope walls) will be drawn to Iyengar yoga. A typical class might be focused on mastering the finer points of one or two poses in total, rather than “flowing” through poses rapidly. With so much focus on the physical aspects rather than the spiritual, you’ll leave class feeling confident in your mastery of, say, Triangle Pose. Attention to proper alignment, muscular actions, and physical structure make Iyengar great for analytical people, and also for students with injuries or other physical limitations. Photo: Via Free People Advertisement If you’re a creative extrovert who believes that variety is the spice of life, try: Vinyasa Vinyasa, like Ashtanga, involves moving through poses with emphasis on coordinating the breath to “flow.” The big difference: Vinyasa takes its inspiration from spontaneity rather than structure.

“Vinyasa helps people to let go and experience something through their bodies rather than being super analytical,” says Liz Buehler Walker, co-director of Yoga High in New York. This means that you can expect a class with an eclectic playlist, creative sequencing, and a mix of fast and slow pacing to keep you on your toes. Vinyasa is extremely popular in the U.S., and with thousands of teachers come thousands of interpretations of this style. It might take some sleuthing to find a teacher you really click with, personality-wise. “There is something naturally extroverted about Vinyasa, but yoga in general is a very internal practice,” adds Walker. “You can find a beautiful balance between extroversion and introversion in it.” If you’re a social busybody with a tendency to stretch yourself thin, try: Yin Truly the “yin” to our “yang” lives, Yin sessions are made up of postures held passively for long periods of time. Count on lots of calming forward folds and supine poses (on your back), with focus on stretching hips, lower back, and legs. With a focus on mindfulness and body-mind balance, Yin yoga can help you become centered and calm.

Sound like something your frenetic self could use? Go for it. Yin yogis even testify that this gentle style is the yoga gateway to another tried and true practice: meditation. If you’re the reliable, perceptive rock in your relationships and you need a little TLC, try: Restorative This deeply relaxing, prop-heavy style stays true to its name and “restores” you in every sense of the word: physically, mentally, and emotionally. If friends always look to you for your wise counsel and comforting ways, but your energy is depleted, this might be just the ticket. Anyone can (and should) practice Restorative yoga, says Suzanne Taylor, a Restorative instructor at Reebok Sports Club . “It’s not so much about personality type as it is about life experience at the time,” she adds, noting that anyone recovering from illness, injury, or grief also benefit from restorative techniques. Photo: Via Free People Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga and Founder Pattabhi Jois Updated September 07, 2016 History Ashtanga (also spelled Astanga) means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit, which refers to the eight limbs of yoga laid out in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali .

The Ashtanga method of asana practice was interpreted by T. Krishnamacharya and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois from an ancient text called the Yoga Korunta, which they claimed described a unique system of hatha yoga developed by Vamana Rishi. Who is Pattabhi Jois? K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009) began his yoga studies with Krishnamacharya in Mysore, India at the age of 12. He became the leading practitioner and teacher of Ashtanga yoga, which is a set series of poses done in a flowing vinyasa style. In 1962, he published his treatise on Ashtanga yoga, Yoga Mala . His first western students began to arrive in Mysore in the early 1970s. Through them, Ashtanga spread westward and profoundly influenced the way yoga is practiced today. After Pattabhi Jois died in 2009, his grandson Sharath took over the leadership role, including teaching the many students who continue to flock to Mysore in order to deepen their practices.

The Ashtanga method stresses daily vinyasa flow practice using ujjayi breathing , mula bandha , uddiyana bandha , and drishti . There are six different Ashtanga series, through which a student progresses at his or her own pace. About the Ashtanga Series of Poses The first, or primary, series is described in Yoga Mala. The primary series is called Yoga Chikitsa, which means yoga therapy. It is intended to realign the spine, detoxify the body, and build strength, flexibility, and stamina. The series of about 75 poses takes an hour and a half to two hours to complete, beginning with sun salutations ( surya namaskara A and surya namaskara B ) and moving on to standing poses, seated poses, inversions, and backbends before relaxation. The intermediate or second series is called Nadi Shodana, meaning nervous system purification. It cleanses and strengthens the nervous system and the subtle energy channels throughout the body. This series is only introduced when the student has mastered the primary series. It follows the same progression (sun salutations, standing, sitting etc.) as the primary series, but introduces new poses and variations.

The four advanced series are called Sthira Bhaga, which means divine stability. Pattabhi Jois originally outlined two intensive advanced series, but later subdivided them into four series to make them accessible to more people. These series emphasize difficult arm balances and are only appropriate for extremely advanced students. There are very few students practicing beyond the second series. Ashtanga Classes: Led and Self-Led Many yoga studios offer led Ashtanga classes, meaning a teacher leads the class and instructs students in the order of the poses, usually in the primary or secondary series. Students often may also opt for self-led, or Mysore style practice. This is an opportunity to practice at their own pace and level of ability, but in the company of other students and with the encouragement and advice of a teacher, as needed. In the Mysore method, the student masters each pose in sequence and is given new poses to work on by their teachers as they become ready. Ashtanga can be an ideal foundation for home practitioners once they know the sequence of poses. Is Ashtanga for You? Ashtanga yoga is extremely popular and inspires fierce loyalty in its students.

This vigorous, athletic style of practice appeals to those who like a sense of order and who like to do things independently. Our guide to Ashtanga Vocabulary will help your feel comfortable with this style's specialized terminology. Continue Reading All Types of Yoga, From Bikram to Vinyasa to Iyengar, Explained in One Chart | Mic All Types of Yoga, From Bikram to Vinyasa to Iyengar, Explained in One Chart PIN Have you ever signed up for an Ashtanga yoga class, only to learn it wasn't the slow, relaxing yoga you'd been craving? Or have you ever shown up to a Bikram yoga studio, not knowing you'd be working out in a dizzying 105 degree heat? Let's get real: Navigating the different styles of yoga — an ancient practice with thousands of years of history — can be as challenging as mastering the poses themselves. What's Bikram yoga, and how is it different from other types of hot yoga? Which type of yoga is slower-paced — and which will make you sweat your butt off?

In honor of International Day of Yoga , we've explained six of yoga's many styles: Source: Mic Hatha Yoga " Hatha " is a broad term referring to the practice of poses. It applies to most yoga performed in the west — so basically, any yoga you've ever done. Vinyasa Yoga In Sanskrit, "vinyasa" means " to place in a special way ." In this type of yoga, you'll flow through a sequence of poses, all in connection to your breath. Expect to move fast. Bikram Yoga In Bikram yoga , you'll perform 26 postures performed in a room heated to at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit — and you'll sweat your butt off. Hot Yoga When you do yoga in a heated room — but don't subscribe to Bikram's series of poses — it's just called " hot yoga ." Again, prepare for aggressive sweating. Iyengar Yoga In Iyengar yoga , you'll focus on aligning your body correctly as you perform each pose. To help with alignment, you may use props like blocks or straps. Ashtanga Yoga This intense, physically demanding style of yoga involves through a set series of poses in connection with the breath.

Brace yourself for a workout. It doesn't end there: There's Kundalini yoga , which blends physical and spiritual elements in order to awaken a so-called primal energy located at the base of the spine; Anusara yoga, a newer practice that uses physical poses to let your " inner goodness shine through "; and restorative yoga , where you perform long, passive poses to relax your body — to name but a few more. Read more: 1000+ images about Yoga on Pinterest | Yoga poses, Bikram yoga and Ashtanga vinyasa yoga Forward Hatha yoga also called hatha vidya is a system of yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama, a sage of 15th century India, and compiler of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. In this treatise Swatmarama introduces hatha yoga as preparatory stage of physical purification that the body practices for higher meditation. The asanas and pranayama in raja yoga were what the Hindu yogis used to physically train their body for long periods of meditation. See More What Are the Differences Between Bikram and Ashtanga? | POPSUGAR Fitness What Are the Differences Between Bikram and Ashtanga?

More Than Just Heated Yoga: Bikram vs. Ashtanga November 13, 2013 by Lizzie Fuhr 75 Shares New to the world of yoga? If you've been researching a physical practice with weight-loss potential, the two practices you've heard about are Bikram and Ashtanga. While these two yoga styles absolutely have some similarities, like the 90-minute class time and a predetermined sequence, there are also some undeniable differences. The Class Structure In any Bikram class you attend in the world, you will move through 26 poses and two breathing exercises — most times this sequence is repeated twice, and your teacher has strict instructions not to adjust you. Depending on who you talk to, there are four or six series in Ashtanga, but the vast majority of practitioners will take a primary series class, while more advanced yogis will take a secondary series class that includes a ton of inversions, twists, and challenging balancing poses. In Ashtanga, you can expect your teacher to come over at least once to give you a hands-on adjustment and move you deeper into a pose. The Heat Both classes are hot, but the means by which this heat is built is very different.

In Bikram, the room itself is the source of the heat. Every Bikram studio is heated to 105 degrees with 40 percent humidity. While some people find the heat debilitating, Bikram enthusiasts love the heat and find the temperature of the room to have cathartic benefits for the body and spirit. In Ashtanga, there's a great emphasis on building your own agni, internal fire. Moving through Sun Salutations builds internal heat and gets your heart pumping. Throughout class, each Vinyasa , a short series of movements that links the sequence together, connects the poses to keep your heart rate up and your body warm and prepped for difficult poses. In short, Ashtanga heats you from the inside out, and Bikram from the outside in. The Flow In a Bikram class, there are short breaks as you transition from pose to pose. With a room so hot, breaks are essential, and sometimes drinking water in the middle of a Bikram is necessary. Oppositely, the vast majority of Ashtanga instructors urge students to hydrate before class. When you sip on water in the middle of practice, it's putting out that internal fire you've worked so hard to build.

In an Ashtanga practice, things are always flowing and moving with nonstop movement. During the 90-minute class, the only time you will break is when you take Savasana and rest. The Gear For both practices, you'll need a high-quality mat, but most Bikram students like to bring a large towel along too. When the room is so hot, all that sweat can be problematic for your practice. Make sure you don't slip and slide all over the place and either bring a special yoga towel or a beach towel to class. If you're concerned about the heat, don't be shy about showing skin. Bikram yogis are often wearing sports bras, tiny shorts, and in some cases, even an active bathing-suit top! The situation is a little different in Ashtanga. Having a hand towel nearby can be helpful if you're concerned about sweating, but you'll want to wear a little bit more clothing – especially when it comes to your pants. You'll want to rock longer pants that help soak up a little of your sweat. These will also come in handy when you move into poses like Crow that require a little skin-on-skin contact.

The Verdict Both styles offer rigorous physical classes that can give your whole body a killer workout. If you're not sure which of these practices will suit your needs, try both! From here, you can make an informed decision for yourself.

Question: Ashtanga Vinyasa, Bikram, and Hatha Vidya are styles of what?
Answer: Yoga