Yoga: What's your type?
Once you decide you'd like to add yoga to your routine, you have another decision to make: what
type of yoga you'll study. While the goal of all styles is to balance body, mind and spirit,
the specific techniques vary.
Ultimately, you should choose the approach and instructor suiting your personal style and interests. Take time to investigate and even audition the styles that most appeal to you. As a start, here are some of the common types of yoga.
- Hatha: Hatha refers to the physical component of yoga, and when applied to a class, can mean a combination of styles are involved. Hatha yoga is usually a good beginner's introduction to the practice, as it is usually slowly paced and gentle.
- Vinyasa: Vinyasa is another general term used to describe more vigorous yoga styles, and refers to breath-synchronized movement.
- Ashtanga: Ashtanga, translating to "eight limbs" in Sanskrit, is an intense, fast-paced style of yoga in which a set series of poses is performed in quick succession.
- Power yoga: Just like Ashtanga yoga, Power yoga keeps students moving through poses at a quick pace, but incorporates a Western sensibility and a departure from Ashtanga's set sequence of poses.
- Iyengar: In this style, poses are held for a longer period of time, and props such as benches, blocks and mats are incorporated into the routine.
- Kundalini: Kundalini emphasizes deep breathing and its effects on postures, and typically involves chanting and meditation.
- Bikram/hot yoga: Expect to sweat out the toxins during a Bikram class, which is practiced in a heated room at temperatures pushing 100 degrees.