Anusara. Ashtanga. Bikram. Iyengar. Kundalini. Tantra. Vinyasa—Sanskrit words dot the yoga studios that have become as ubiquitous as convenience stores in Los Angeles. These words of an ancient, dead tongue live on in yoga everywhere, describing the various ways in which one can practice yoga to fit their specific needs. But with so many studios and types of yoga to choose from, and so many unfamiliar words, it is not only difficult to decide if yoga is right for you, but what type of yoga is right for you.
Yoga has quickly become one of the most
loved and most sought after practices in the country because it promotes
health and wellbeing, relaxation and calmness of the mind and body.
However, the centuries-old practice can be rather esoteric and enigmatic
in truly describing what it can do for you.
The long history of the study and
practice of yoga, luckily, has yielded a holistic approach to help
alleviate the daily pains and stresses of nearly everyone—young to old,
fit to out of shape, sore backs to ulceric stress, pregnant to new
parent, and everything in between. The question then is not, “Is yoga
for me?” because the answer is mostly likely “yes.” The better question
is: “What type of yoga is best for me?”
Yoga is a varied, disciplinary system that works in conjunction with
other health practices such as healthy eating and meditation, and thus
truly embodies the idea of holistic living. Choosing the right type of
yoga for your lifestyle, or combining multiple styles to suit your
specific needs, and finding a teacher with whom you connect with, is the
perfect way to introduce yoga into your life.Most yoga classes are rooted in Hatha yoga: a physical and mental discipline consisting of a set of postures called asanas that deliver total health through the balancing and strengthening of every system in the body. While many styles differ in their approach, utilizing different postures breathing methods, and routines, each yoga style seeks to generate a holistic approach to health and wellness. It’s important to remember that while styles may differ, all yoga demonstrates strength and evokes concentration, and one type of yoga shouldn’t stop you from trying any and all other forms.
Here are seven of the most commonly practiced forms of yoga, each presented with their distinguishing elements, definitions, and for whom they are best suited.
Accept, relax and explore the connection between your body, mind and spirit that yoga classes and classmate can offer you.
Anusara: Open your heart.
Anusara means “following your heart.” This school of yoga encompasses a vision of totality in which every part of each person is seen as equally Divine. There is a strong emphasis on physical alignment combined with a positive philosophy derived from the expansion of the spirit. Anusara classes usually use props such as blocks and straps to help achieve the posture. This is a light-hearted and easily accessible to all levels of students. Each posture is taught with the mindset and focus on opening the heart—both physically and mentally.
Ashtanga: Rigor. Routine. Repetition.
Ashtanga, Sanskrit for "eight limbs,” is an intense style of yoga from an ancient text called the Yoga Korunta. This series of stretches is broken down into different levels beginning with the primary series, which consist of about 75 poses. Each posture, or pose, is followed by what is called a vinyasa (a flow sequence). The progression of the class is intense and requires rigor. Theoretically, Ashtanga is practiced every day, with the exception of moon days (new moons and full moons). Some classes are led with a teacher telling you which pose to go into, while most others are considered a self practice (Mysore), but is in the company of other students with the encouragement and advice of an instructor (as needed). This in an intense practice that will build strength, flexibility and stamina.
Bikram: That’s hot!
Developed by Bikram Choudhury, this style of yoga consists of 26 postures designed to cleanse the body from inside out. The challenge: you do these postures in a room temperature anywhere from 95 degrees to 100 degrees. That’s right, be prepared to sweat. A lot. The theory behind hot yoga is that the heat allows for a loosening of tight muscles, ligaments, and tendons and profuse sweating, which is thought to be cleansing. It is important to hydrate before and after the class, and this test of endurance will be a serious cardio workout. (Hint: don’t forget a towel.)
Iyengar: Alignment! Alignment! Alignment!
B.K.S. Iyengar developed this style of yoga, which concentrates primarily on the alignment of the body and controlled breathing. Iyengar practice emphasizes symmetry and alignment in its postures, using props—straps, blankets, wooden blocks, and chairs, for example—to execute and hold each posture for long periods of time, rather than the more traditional style of moving quickly from one pose to the next (flow) The Iyengar practice of holding postures and controlling breathing ranges from beginning to yogi, and is a well-rounded choice for all levels.
Kundalini: Awakening your spirit.
Kundalini is an ancient form of yoga that focuses on the breath (prana) in conjunction with physical movement. This practice is designed to awaken the energy which is stored at the base of the spine (where your truth and true potential as a spirit being resides). You will chant, breathe, perform various yoga postures, and meditate. This is an advanced form, and is a great goal to work towards.
Tantra: No, this isn’t all about sex.
The word tantra literally means “expansion.” Though widely viewed as a sexual practice, authentic Tantra yoga is not focused on sexuality, but rather the creative force behind transforming energy into higher channels. Tantra strives to help each and every student expand their awareness in all states of consciousness—whether it’s a waking, dream, or sleep state. In a Tantra yoga class you will visualize, chant, do a series of strong breathing exercises (pranayama) combined with a series of postures, all to encourage spiritual evolution. This holistic approach is a great way to use yoga to help ease the mind.
Vinyasa Flow: Just go with the flow…
Vinyasa, which translates as “breath-synchronized movement,” tends to be a vigorous style of yoga based on the performance of a series of poses called Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskaras). A Vinyasa class will typically start with a number of Sun Salutations to warm up the body for various standing postures, inversions, and intense stretching. Be excited to explore such poses as head and handstands, as well as fun animal named poses like dolphin, crow, and pigeon.
