Yoga Styles
Yoga is the integration of physical and mental practices that balance the mind, body, and spirit.
There are many types of yoga that find this balance with different approaches. For example, Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion; Jnana Yoga is the path of wisdom; Tantra yoga is the path of ritual; Hatha Yoga is the path of physical postures (called asanas) and breathing (pranayama). Typically, in the western world, we practice Hatha yoga.
Hatha Yoga:
Hatha yoga encompasses many different physical types of yoga. Hatha is gentle on the body and introduces the student to various poses and postures.
Iyengar yoga:
The most recognized approach to Hatha yoga, Iyengar focuses on the alignment of your body in specific poses with the aid of various props, such as blankets, wood blocks, and straps.
Bikram yoga:
Also known as “hot yoga,” Bikram yoga is practiced in a heated room, 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit. The practice is composed of 26 postures that are performed in a standard sequence. This practice is great for a thorough body cleanse and a loosening of tight muscles.
Viniyoga:
In this practice, an experienced teacher works with each student individually to create a more personalized yoga program for the student. This allows the practice to be tailored to the student’s health, age, and overall health while taking into consideration any past injuries/recoveries. Controlled breathing synchronized with poses is also part of Viniyoga.
Kripalu yoga
This practice includes three stages: postural alignment, meditation, and spiritual transformation. In the first stage, each pose is held according to the breath. In the second stage, meditation is integrated into the held postures. In the third stage, meditation is spontaneously thrown into the postures.
Integral yoga
In this more gentle style of yoga, breathing and meditation are emphasized as much as the postures.
Sivananda yoga includes a series of twelve postures, breathing exercises, relaxation, and mantra chanting.
Ananda yoga
This gentle style prepares students for meditation through consciously directing the body's energy and focus to different organs and limbs.
Vinyasa Yoga:
With breath-synchronized movement, this practice is more vigorous. Typically, the class practices a number of sun salutations.
Ashtanga yoga:
This practice involves synchronizing the breath while going through a series of fast-paced postures.
Yoga - Your path to better health through exercise
