Types of Yoga
When you're getting started with yoga, one of the most important things to decide is which type you'd like to practice. There are a number of different styles practiced all over the world, each of which have their own philosophies and workout styles. All of the styles of yoga make use of yoga poses, though some are more slow, some are rigorous, and they all utilise them in a different way.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha is in fact a general way of describing many different styles of yoga. It is generally more gentle, which means that the poses all flow together at a gentle pace. Many people use this form of yoga to help relieve stress, and it is also popular for beginners.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa also incorporates a number of different yoga styles. It is generally more vigorous than hatha yoga, and is based on Sun Salutations – designed to match each movement with breathing.
Iyengar
This form of yoga has a number of specific techniques, including specific aligning of the postures (Asanas). It holds the Asanas for a precise period of time, and can make use of props to help students get the very best out of their yoga poses. Poses are generally held for longer periods of time than many other forms of yoga.
Hot Yoga or Bikram
This is a style of yoga practiced in a hot room, typically around 40 degrees Celsius with a humidity of around 40%. The theory behind the heat is that it can help to loosen up any tight muscles and help the body to sweat. The original method makes use of 27 different poses, though the exact poses used will differ from class to class. This form of yoga is becoming more and more popular all the time.
Power Yoga or Ashtanga
This is the most popular form of yoga for athletes. It does not use as much meditation as many other styles of yoga, though provides a vigorous exercise that is also perfect for building up stamina and strength. The poses are moved through quickly to help build up flexibility. Due to the fast paced nature of this style of yoga, it can be quite tough on beginners.
Kundalini
This type of yoga makes use of chanting, or mantras, as well as meditation, guided relaxation and visualization. This type of yoga can help to heal the mind, body and spirit with a combination of the poses, careful breath control and the methods mentioned above. The effect that the breath has on posture is also very important in this type of yoga.
Kripalu
This form of yoga is more spontaneous and also works around meditation and flowing poses. Poses are generally held for a short time, though it also emphasises moving at your own pace to feel the physical and spiritual healing benefits.
Sivananda
This type of yoga makes use of a series of 12 yoga poses, as well as breathing exercises, the Sun Salutation, mantra chants and relaxation. The principles of this form of yoga include proper exercise, proper breathing, relaxation and diet as well as positive thinking (Vedanta).
Forrest
This form of yoga is gaining in popularity in the United States, taught by Ana Forrest. Vigorous sequences mean that this type of yoga is designed to help release any bottled up emotion and pain to aid in physical and emotional healing.
Anusara
This style of yoga was founded by John Friend in 1997, making use of a positive philosophy – believing in the good of all beings – and emphasis on physical alignment.
