There are many different
styles of yoga being taught and practiced today. Although all of the styles
are based on the same physical postures (called poses), each has a particular
emphasis. Here is a quick guide to the most popular types of yoga that
can help you decode the schedule at your gym and figure out which class
is right for you.
HATHA
Hatha is a very general term that can encompass many of the physical types
of yoga. If a class is described as Hatha-style, it is probably going
to be slow-paced and gentle, and can provide a good introduction to the
basic yoga poses.
VINYASA
Like Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term that is used to describe many different
types of classes.
Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized movement, 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 which is done at the end of class.
ASHTANGA & POWER YOGA
Ashtanga, which means eight limbs in Sanskrit, is a fast-paced, intense
style of yoga. A set series of poses is performed, always in the same
order. Ashtanga practice is very physically demanding, because of the
constant movement from one pose to the next. In yoga terminology, this
movement is called flow. Ashtanga is also the inspiration for what is
often called Power Yoga. If a class is described as Power Yoga, it will
be based on the flowing style of Ashtanga, but not necessarily keep strictly
to the set Ashtanga series of poses.
IYENGAR
Based on the teachings of the yogi B.K.S Iyengar, this style of practice
is most concerned with bodily alignment. In yoga, the word alignment is
used to describe the precise way in which your body should be positioned
in each pose in order to obtain the maximum benefits of the pose and avoid
injury. Iyengar practice usually emphasizes holding poses over long periods
versus moving quickly from one pose to the next (flow). Also, Iyengar
practice encourages the use of props, such as yoga blankets, blocks and
straps in order to bring the body into alignment.
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. 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 uses rapid,
repetitive movements rather than holding poses for a long time, and the
teacher will often lead the class in call and response chanting.
BIKRAM/HOT YOGA
Pioneered by Bikram Choudhury, this style is more generally referred to
as Hot Yoga. It is practiced in a 95-100 degree room, which allows for
a 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 are make use of this series.
ANUSARA
Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara combines a strong emphasis on
physical alignment with a positive philosophy derived from Tantra. The
philosophy’s premise is a belief in the intrinsic goodness of all
beings. Anusara classes are usually light-hearted and accessible to students
of differing abilities. Poses are taught in a way that opens the heart,
both physically and mentally, and props are often used.
JIVAMUKTI
This style of yoga emerged from one of New York’s best-known yoga
studios. Jivamukti founders David Life and Sharon Gannon take inspiration
from Ashtanga yoga and emphasize 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.
These classes are physically intense and often include some chanting.
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 so that healing can begin. Expect
an intense workout with an emphasis on abdominal strengthening and deep
breathing.
INTEGRAL
Integral yoga follows the teachings of Sri Swami Sachidananda, who came
to the U.S. in the 1960s, eventually founding many Integral Yoga Institutes
and the famed Yogaville Ashram in Virginia. Integral is a gentle hatha
practice, and classes often also include breathing exercises, chanting,
kriyas, and meditation.
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