There are over two dozen different types of yoga styles are practiced all over the world. Since every type of Yoga works with the body, the mind and the spirit, they all offer numerous health benefits and a feeling of connection to the entire universe. By trying out the different styles, you can find which type of yoga is for you.
Types of Yoga Styles
Anusara- Established by John Friend in 1997. The word anusara means “flowing with grace” in Hindi. In this uplifting and very positive style of yoga, you concentrate on searching within, celebrating the heart and seeing the light inside of you. It is very spiritual compared to many of the other styles. There is also a lot of alignment and breathwork involved.
Ashtanga- Eight Limbs of Yoga. With this style there is constant movement, with one pose rapidly flowing into the next, with each inhale and exhale. The poses are strenuous and physically demanding, focusing on the posture, proper breathing, and gazing points. Great for building strength and weight loss.
Hatha- A general term used for yoga. This style is gentle and slow paced with a lot of breathwork. Great for beginners, with its introduction to the basic poses.
Bikram Yoga- Known as Hot Yoga; it was invented by Bikram Choudhury in the 70's. A room is heated to 105 degrees with a 40% humidity. A series of 26 basic yoga postures are then performed twice. The heat allows for the muscles to loosen and deepen the flexibility.
Iyengar- This style of yoga was founded by B.K.S. Iyengar. Alignment is very important and stressed more in this style of yoga, using props, such as blocks, straps, and incline boards. It is great physical therapy for injuries and illnesses, and also ideal for the elderly.
Jivamukti- Founded by David Life and Sharon Gannon in 1984. Jivamukti translates into "liberation while living". This style of yoga is intense, diverse, and very interesting with its music, ancient scripture passages, and chanting. It is a great spiritual experience combined with proper breathing, alignment, and demanding poses.
Kripalu- Deeply spiritual form of Hatha Yoga, which teaches you a three part practice of getting to know yourself, accepting yourself and learning from yourself or your body. You learn how your body works in different poses, then you hold the poses and postures longer with added meditation. Finally you tap deep into yourself to understand and allow your body to be the teachers in the flow of poses.
Kundalini- A yoga practice that works with the seven Chakras, directing your energy to flow and move in invigorating poses that release the energy in your body. Each practice beings with chanting then ends with meditation and song. There is a lot of core work and lower back work done, so be prepared to sit for long periods of time.
Sivananda- A beautiful form of Hatha Yoga that uses a five point system; proper breathing, relaxation, proper diet, daily exercise, and positive thinking, that work together to form a healthy yogic lifestyle. In this unhurried yoga practice, the same 12 basic asanas are performed, each practice begins with sun salutation and ends with svanasana.
Prenatal- This style of yoga is perfect for any moms to be or those that have given birth and what to get back into shape. In this slow paced practice, good breathing habits are formed as you learn proper posture and how to strengthen your core. Other benefits are comfort from the aches and pains of pregnancy, and meeting other moms to be with like minds.
Viniyoga- In this highly personalize practice, yogis learn to adjust poses to their own needs and abilities. A mixture of pranayama, mantras, meditation, readings (Sutras of Patanjali), with encouragement of self acceptance and self love. Focus is on distinction, adjustment, and acceptable application.
Vinyasa- A very physically active form of yoga, with flowing movement that focuses on the coordination of breath with each pose. Classes start the same with sun salutation, but the poses are different every time.
Yin- A quiet and meditative yoga practice, also called taoist yoga, in which the poses are held for a very long time. Having to hold each pose for 3-5 minutes and as long as 20 minutes will not only help to lengthen the tissues, but teach you patience as well.
Ashtanga- Eight Limbs of Yoga. With this style there is constant movement, with one pose rapidly flowing into the next, with each inhale and exhale. The poses are strenuous and physically demanding, focusing on the posture, proper breathing, and gazing points. Great for building strength and weight loss.
Hatha- A general term used for yoga. This style is gentle and slow paced with a lot of breathwork. Great for beginners, with its introduction to the basic poses.
Bikram Yoga- Known as Hot Yoga; it was invented by Bikram Choudhury in the 70's. A room is heated to 105 degrees with a 40% humidity. A series of 26 basic yoga postures are then performed twice. The heat allows for the muscles to loosen and deepen the flexibility.
Iyengar- This style of yoga was founded by B.K.S. Iyengar. Alignment is very important and stressed more in this style of yoga, using props, such as blocks, straps, and incline boards. It is great physical therapy for injuries and illnesses, and also ideal for the elderly.
Jivamukti- Founded by David Life and Sharon Gannon in 1984. Jivamukti translates into "liberation while living". This style of yoga is intense, diverse, and very interesting with its music, ancient scripture passages, and chanting. It is a great spiritual experience combined with proper breathing, alignment, and demanding poses.
Kripalu- Deeply spiritual form of Hatha Yoga, which teaches you a three part practice of getting to know yourself, accepting yourself and learning from yourself or your body. You learn how your body works in different poses, then you hold the poses and postures longer with added meditation. Finally you tap deep into yourself to understand and allow your body to be the teachers in the flow of poses.
Kundalini- A yoga practice that works with the seven Chakras, directing your energy to flow and move in invigorating poses that release the energy in your body. Each practice beings with chanting then ends with meditation and song. There is a lot of core work and lower back work done, so be prepared to sit for long periods of time.
Sivananda- A beautiful form of Hatha Yoga that uses a five point system; proper breathing, relaxation, proper diet, daily exercise, and positive thinking, that work together to form a healthy yogic lifestyle. In this unhurried yoga practice, the same 12 basic asanas are performed, each practice begins with sun salutation and ends with svanasana.
Prenatal- This style of yoga is perfect for any moms to be or those that have given birth and what to get back into shape. In this slow paced practice, good breathing habits are formed as you learn proper posture and how to strengthen your core. Other benefits are comfort from the aches and pains of pregnancy, and meeting other moms to be with like minds.
Viniyoga- In this highly personalize practice, yogis learn to adjust poses to their own needs and abilities. A mixture of pranayama, mantras, meditation, readings (Sutras of Patanjali), with encouragement of self acceptance and self love. Focus is on distinction, adjustment, and acceptable application.
Vinyasa- A very physically active form of yoga, with flowing movement that focuses on the coordination of breath with each pose. Classes start the same with sun salutation, but the poses are different every time.
Yin- A quiet and meditative yoga practice, also called taoist yoga, in which the poses are held for a very long time. Having to hold each pose for 3-5 minutes and as long as 20 minutes will not only help to lengthen the tissues, but teach you patience as well.
