The different styles of yoga

Different types of yoga

There are many different styles of yoga taught and practiced today. Although all styles are based on the same physical postures (called asanas), each with a particular focus or path. Here's a quick guide on the most popular forms of yoga that can help you decide which style suits you best.

However, I strongly recommend that you try so many different styles, classes and teachers as possible. It is crucial for your development, you have a rich and varied experience of yoga.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha is a very general term that can include many of the physical form of yoga. If a class is described as Hatha style, it will probably slow and gentle and provide a good introduction to yoga postures base. Highly recommended as a standard experience in the basics of yoga. This is a good way to learn basic relaxation techniques, and are comfortable with yoga.

Vinyasa Yoga

Like Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term used to describe different types of classes. Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized movement, usually a vigorous style based on the performance of a series of poses called sun salutations which movement is aligned with the breath. A Vinyasa class is generally begin with a number of sun salutations to warm the body for more intense stretching which is done at the end of class.

Ashtanga or Power Yoga

Ashtanga, which means "eight" in Sanskrit, is a fast, intense style of yoga. A set series of postures are performed, always in the same order. Ashtanga Yoga is physically demanding because of the constant movement from one pose to another. 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, will be based on the flowing style of Ashtanga, but not necessarily stick to the set Ashtanga series of poses.

Iyengar Yoga

Based on the teachings of the yogi BKS Iyengar, this style of practice is most concerned with body alignment. In yoga, the word used to describe the adjustment of the exact way your body should be placed in each position to get the maximum benefit and avoid injury. Iyengar Yoga emphasizes society generally provides long periods compared to switch quickly from one pose to another (flow). Iyengar practice encourages the use of accessories such as yoga blankets, blocks and straps on the body to put in the most perfect alignment.

Kundalini Yoga

Yogi Bhajan Kundalini Yoga for the United States in 1969. Now the practice is growing worldwide. The emphasis in Kundalini Yoga is breathing, the internal concentration, mantra (words or sounds) in combination with physical movement, with the aim of freeing energy in the body and allowing it to move up . All asana practices make use of the control of breath. But in Kundalini, the exploration of the effects of breathing (also called prana, which means vital energy) on attitudes essential. Kundalini uses rapid, repetitive movements rather than poses held for a long period.

Bikram or Hot Yoga

Developed by Bikram Choudhury, this style is more commonly referred to as Hot Yoga. It is practiced in a room 95 to 100 degrees, which provides for a relaxation of tight muscles and profuse sweating, which is considered a treatment. The Bikram method is a set series of 26 poses, but not all hot classes make use of this series.

Anusara Yoga

Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara combines a strong emphasis on physical alignment with a positive philosophy derived from Tantra. The premise philosophy is the belief in the inherent goodness of all beings. Anusara classes are usually breezy and accessible to students of different abilities. Poses are taught so that the heart, opens both physically and mentally, and props are often used.

Jivamukti Yoga

This style of yoga emerged from one of the most popular yoga studios in New York. Jivamukti founders David Life and Sharon Gannon learn Ashtanga yoga and emphasize chanting, meditation and spiritual teachings. They have trained many teachers who have brought this style of yoga studios and gyms, predominantly in the U. S. These classes are physically intense and often a few songs.

Forrest Yoga

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and is gaining popularity across the United States, Forrest Yoga is the method taught by Ana Forrest. The good performance of asana sequences is intended to strengthen the body and release the accumulated emotional pain and purification, so that healing can begin. Expect an intensive training with emphasis on abdominal strengthening and deep breathing.

Kripalu Yoga

The name is associated with both a style of Kripalu yoga and hatha yoga center and a wellness in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Both were founded by Guru Yoga Amrit Desai, who came to the United States from India in 1960. Kripalu Yoga is a practice with a human approach and its emphasis on meditation, physical healing and spiritual transformation happens in everyday life. Kripalu is also focused on the withdrawal and move at your own pace.

Integral Yoga

Integral yoga follows the teachings of Sri Swami Sachidananda, who came to the United States in the 1960s and eventually founded several institutes Integral Yoga and the famous City Yoga Ashram in Virginia. Integral is a gentle hatha practice, and classes often also breathing exercises, chanting, kriya and meditation.

Sivananda Yoga

Vishnu Devananda, a disciple of Swami Sivananda founded the first Sivananda Yoga Vedanta in 1957. There are now nearly 80 locations worldwide, including pensions for the ashram many years. Sivananda Yoga is based on five principles:

1. Proper exercise (asanas, focusing on the 12 postures in particular)

2. Proper breathing (pranayama)

3. Proper Relaxation (Savasana)

4. Proper diet (vegetarian)

5. Positive thinking and meditation (Dhyana)