Yoga

is an excellent promoter of relaxation as well as a good form of body conditioning. It is very beneficial for managing stress, improving posture and maintaining a supple, healthy, well-balanced body.

There are many different styles being taught and practiced today. Although all of the styles are based on the same physical postures (called poses), each has a particular emphasis.

Below is a quick guide to the most popular types that can help you decipher the schedule at your gym and figure out which class is right for you.

Hatha

Hatha in general will encompass many types of yoga. If you see a class described as Hatha style, it is going to be slow-paced and gentle with a good introductions to the basic poses.

Vinyasa

Like Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term that describes may type of classes. Vinyasa, meaning breath-synchronized movement will be more vigorous in style based on the performance of poses called Sun Salutations, movements matched with breath. Vinyasa will start with Sun Salutations to warm up the body for intense stretching do towards the end of class.

Ashtange & Power Yoga

Ashtanga, meaning “eight limbs” in Sanskit, is fast-paced and a more intense style of exercise. There are a series of poses performed usually in the same order. Ashtanga is very physically demanding due to the constant movement from one pose to the next.

Iyenger

Named for the teachings form yogi B.K.S Iyengar. Iyengar is based on bodily alignment. Alignment is used to describe the way in which your body is positioned in each pose in order to obtain maximum benefits and avoid injury. Iyengar will emphasize holding poses over longer periods of time versus quick moves from one pose to the next. Iyengar also uses props such as blankets, blocks and straps in order to align the body better.

Kundalini

Kundalini is a focus on breath and physical movement, for the purpose of freeing energy in the lower body and allowing is to move upwards. Kundalini is reapid and repetive movements rather than poses held. The teacher will often lead the classes in chanting.

Bikram/Hot Yoga

Named after Biream Choudhury. Bikram is practiced in 95 to 100 degree room which allows the muscle to loosen and lots of sweating to occur which is a cleansing of the body. Bikram is usually a series of 26 poses but not always.