Which yoga is right for you?

by YogaVicki

Anusara Yoga
A popular hatha (physical) yoga style based on the principles of attitude, alignment and action. Anusara yoga has an underlying belief in attainable bliss and a universe without limitation. Classes often begin with chanting and can be physically demanding depending on the teacher's interests and abilities. Its underlying principle of attaining joy in every day life appeals to many Westerners. Students usually feel uplifted after classes.

Ashtanga Yoga
A style of yoga that links poses together by vinyasa (flowing movement). Each pose slowly and deliberately flows into the next with synchronized breathing. The Ashtanga system consists of six series of poses. Students begin with the primary series and must master it before moving on to the next series. Poses in each series are taught in a specific sequential order. The primary series opens with sun salutations, a series of poses meant to warm up the body. The practice then moves onto forward bends, side stretches and balancing poses. Classes are physically challenging, expect to get a good workout.

Bikram Yoga
A series of 26 poses and breathing exercises performed in a room heated to 105 degrees with approximately 40% humidity. Each pose is repeated twice and classes last approximately 90-minutes. People of all levels, ages and body types practice together. Instructors are taught the Bikram teaching dialog, so classes are consistent from location to location. Heat is used to warm the muscles and to promote sweat to detoxify the body. Classes are challenging, expect to work hard.

Integral
Brings together various branc hes of yoga (hatha, karma, bhakti) to develop a “complete and harmonious” individual. Integral yoga is a gentle physical practice that focuses on transforming an individual. Classes also include meditation, chanting and breathing exercises. Integral yoga also has a spiritual focus that emphasizes union with God. Appropriate for someone with physical limitations or someone interested in the spiritual aspects of yoga.

Iyengar
A style of yoga that teaches body awareness through anatomical alignment in poses. The Iyengar style emphasizes using yoga as a way to heal the body from physical and mental distress. Most classes include standing and seated poses, twists, backbends and inversions. This style uses props and poses can be held for a long time. Teachers give meticulous instructions and the level of difficulty depends on the teacher’s interests and abilities.

Jivamukti
Jivamukti is based on classic spiritual yoga philosophies of devotion and nonviolence. A Jivamukti class focuses on a spiritual theme. Classes generally begin with chanting and breathwork, and move onto flowing asana (physical poses) often combined with music. Meditation is included at the end of a Jivamukti class. Classes vary depending on the teacher’s interests, ability and creativity.

Kripalu
Kripalu Yoga is a therapeutic, gentle and spiritually focused yoga. It incorporates inner focus and meditation within the yoga poses. Kripalu Yoga uses classic poses, breathwork, the development of a quiet mind, and the practice of relaxation. The Kripalu style emphasizes self-acceptance, developing “witness consciousness” (observing the activity of the mind without judgment), and incorporating what is learned in yoga class into daily life. Classes have great range, depending on the interest and creativity of the teacher. Expect to feel peaceful after a Kripalu yoga class.

Kundalini
Kundalini Yoga concentrates on moving energy in the body in order to generate a spiritual power, which is known as Kundalini. The techniques used in Kundalini yoga are meant to stimulate the charkas (energy centers of the body) and provide a therapeutic approach to yoga. Most classes include cross-legged positions, spine straight positions, breathwork, the use of mantras, closed eyes, and mental focus. Expect to feel relaxed and healed.

Power Yoga
Power Yoga is an adaptation of Ashtanga Yoga. It is a physically challenging form of yoga where poses are linked together by vinyasa (flowing movement). Poses can be held for a long time . Class content depends on the teacher’s interests, ability and creativity. You will often find this style of yoga in gyms and health clubs. Power yoga revolves around vigorous movement and is meant to build physical strength and mental ease.

Sivananda
Sivananda yoga revolves around frequent relaxation, yogic breathing and spirituality. It aims to retain the vitality of the body, slow the decaying process, and decrease the chance of disease. Classes typically start with students resting in Savasana (dead body pose), and begin with breathing exercises, followed by sun salutations, a series of 12 basic poses, and ending in intense mantra meditation. A session averages 90 minutes. The traditional program may be followed by the instructor’s additional suggestions, allowing for some variation and creativity in the class structure. Students range widely in age and degrees of ability.

Viniyoga
This yoga takes an individualistic approach, focusing on the student’s particular needs and current situation. Viniyoga is a gentle practice focused on healing. The style often incorporates very slow movements coordinated with the breath. By paying attention to subtle movements, students are more attuned and aware of their bodies. These classes are often taught one-on-one and can be beneficial for students with health problems or who seek total relaxation.

Vinyasa
An American derivative of Ashtanga yoga, poses are linked together with flowing movement and breath. Classes vary greatly depending on the interest and ability of the teacher. Flowing movement builds up heat and often generates a great physical workout. Many classes have a large meditation component, using music for relaxation and as a rhythmic guide to coordinated breath and movement.