Styles of Yoga

Styles of Yoga

Yoga comes in lots of shapes, sizes and colors to fit a variety of needs. So the question for most of us is what type of yoga class will be most comfortable for me. In this page I will try to set you on the right track. I will tell you:

  1. How the different yoga styles are named or described.
  2. The prominent features of each style of Yoga.
  3. How to figure out the best the best style for your particular needs.

So let’s start with an overview of the different styles of yoga. I have grouped them into 3 categories.

Overview

  1. First there are yoga classes that are described by owners of studios. For example you might see classes listed as: Gentle Yoga, Level I, Level II Yoga, Continuing Yoga, Vigorous Yoga etc. While you may see the same descriptors at many studios the actual content of classes may differ. These descriptions are studio specific and therefore the type of yoga given in these classes is determined by the studio owners and sometimes by the interpretation of the teacher.
  2. Second there are the yoga classes that describe a specific type of yoga. Similar to the first group above you may see these classes listed at many different studios. This group comprises yoga classes described as: Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Hot Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Flow Yoga. While classes may vary from studio to studio and from teacher to teacher even within the same studio they are a little more standardized in form and content. Here is a little primer on these types of yoga.
    • Hatha Yoga. Technically all the yoga physical poses (asanas) are hatha yoga. The teacher is probably offering a blend of styles. Expect to find a mixture of active and relaxing poses. Meditation and visualizations are usually included in a class. Class content is highly dependent upon the teacher.
    • Vinyasa or Flow Yoga. This is an energetic form of yoga. Poses flow from one to another linked by breath. Transitions from one pose to another take the form of sun salutations. Expect to perform many sun salutations in this style of yoga.
    • Hot Yoga. Classes are held in heated rooms to heat the body from the outside in. The temperature in these classes can be greater than 100° F. Expect to sweat a lot. These classes are usually strenuous.
    • Restorative Yoga. Gentle, restful yoga that is meant to restore the body and mind. Typically there are fewer poses that are held for many minutes. These classes rely on many props such as bolsters, neck pillows, blankets, eye bags, straps and even sandbags. Expect a long savasana at the end.
    • Yin Yoga. Slow, physically passive practice of yoga. Poses are held for several minutes. Focus is on connective tissue in the lower back and hips.
  3. The third category includes those styles of yoga that are attached to a founder/Guru. These classes are more formalized and set in a pattern that most practitioners know. Specific Styles of Yoga are created and defined by persons who have a following, usually a school(s) of yoga offering certification in their particular style, and are devoted to spreading their style to many others. Sometimes the style name is the name of the founder; often the style name is something other than the name of the founder. Nevertheless, over time the style becomes associated with the founder/guru. Here are some examples:

    Anusara Yoga – founder/guru - John Friend

    Ashtanga Yoga- founder/guru - Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

    Bikram Yoga – founder/guru – Bikram Choudhury

    Jivamukti Yoga – founder/guru – Sharron Gannon and David Life

    Power Yoga – founder/guru – Baron Baptiste

    Iyengar Yoga – founder/guru – Sri B.K.S. Iyengar

    Kripalu Yoga – founder/guru – Swami Kripalu

Short Takes

So How do I Figure Out What Yoga Style is Best for Me?

1. Start by creating a list that prioritizes what you want from a yoga class. Include items such as the type of space that works for you. Some classes are now given in gyms while others are held in studios that have a meditative feel to them. Do you prefer large group sessions or are smaller class sizes more your comfort level. What type of teacher do you feel comfortable with?

2. Experiment. Once you have an idea of your priorities try attending a few different types of classes. Many studios have walk-ins for just this type of thing. While I have defined the various names given to the many styles of yoga, they don’t all fit that nicely into their own individual unique niche. They tend to blend together and cross-over. There are lots of schools out there and many styles that arise from teachers themselves.

Take the online quiz to determine the right Yoga for you. This will give you some idea of what type of yoga might work best for you.

Note of Advice

See through a wide angle lens

Sometimes we think we need one style of class when we actually would help ourselves more if we tried the opposite. For example if you are athletic and love high intensity workouts it might be more beneficial to you to try a gentle or stress relieving class.

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