What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient practice that is good for body, mind, and spirit.  There are two main types of yoga, and a host of sub-types that are described below.  The two main types of yoga are Raja and Hatha.  Raja focuses on the mind, so someone practicing Raja yoga may just be sitting completely still in meditation.  Hatha yoga focuses on the physical body, and in involves a variety of positions and movements. 

Hatha Yoga is further divided into a lot of different styles.  A brief description of some of the more popular styles follows below, but the list is not intended to be fully comprehensive.  Once you have looked at the styles below, you will probably have a better idea of which styles you would like to try.

Once you have tried several styles, you will probably see that you enjoy a variety of styles.  In other words, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one type of yoga.  You might find that you need different types of yoga depending on your particular goals that moment.  For example, when you want to relax, you might seek Gentle Yoga; and when you want a grueling workout you might choose Vinyassa or Ashtanga!

Gentle Yoga:  This focuses on relaxation and stress reduction for both body and mind.  In a Gentle Yoga class, the instructor will guide you through simple and supportive poses that will make you feel calm and tranquil.  Gentle Yoga is great for people who want to learn how to “slow down”, or who want to ease into physical exercise.  It is also great for people who work out hard at the gym and want to give their muscles a healing, rejuvenating treatment.  FYI: Although Hatha Yoga includes all types of body-based yoga, many gyms and studios erroneously label “Gentle Yoga” as “Hatha Yoga”.

Ashtanga Yoga:  This is a very challenging yoga practice.  Choose this if you are seeking a class that will get you in shape and teach you a lot about self-discipline.  In addition to offering a challenging physical practice, Ashtanga classes tend to be on the serious side.  Many people enjoy this “no frills, just discipline” style, while others prefer something different.

Vinyasa Yoga: Like Ashtanga, Vinyassa is a challenging yoga practice.  However, it tends to be a little bit more free-spirited and varied in terms of the postures and sequences.  The word ‘Vinyassa’ is Sanskrit for ‘Flow,’ because Vinyassa classes emphasize the flowing movement from one posture to the next.  The emphasis on flowing and movement adds an aerobic benefit to these classes.  In any yoga class, you can always take “Child’s Pose” to rest.  It is especially important to remember this during Vinyassa if you need a break!  Also, ask your teacher to explain how to “stay in downward dog and skip a vinyassa” (don’t worry, it may not make sense right now but your teacher will explain it:-)

Iyengar: These classes focus on alignment.  Iyengar teachers prize alignment and doing poses properly rather than doing lots of poses or doing what “feels right”.  Some students prefer this method, especially if they have a bad back or some other injury that guides them to focus on alignment.  Iyengar classes are also a great way to study the poses on a deeper level because the teachers might spend 20 minutes teaching the class to do a pose in exactly the right way.  Many students love the attention to detail, while others want something different.  Still others like to mix it up- sometimes Iyengar, sometimes Vinyassa!

Anusara: This is known as the “Yoga of the Heart”.  Postures focus on opening the heart and being compassionate.  These classes tend to offer a medium-level workout, and emphasis is more on doing the pose in a way that “feels right” rather than exact alignment.  These classes always make me feel open and warm.  

Bikram or Hot Yoga: Bikram is slightly different from Hot Yoga, but they both involve doing yoga in a very warm room.  People tend to sweat a LOT in these classes- many people bring a towel and bottle of water to have during the class.  Many people find that extra sweating de-toxifies their body, and that the extra heat allows their body to become more flexible.  Also, many people find the heat relaxing.

Kundalini Yoga: This is a physical and spiritual practice.  It involves a vigorous breathing technique called Breath of Fire.  The practice is designed to unleash an powerful inner force that resides deep inside each of us.  These studios can seem a little intense to the uninitiated.  If you are not easily intimidated, and are interested in the spiritual side of yoga as well as very energetic breath work, give this style a try.

Yin Yoga: This is based on feminine energy, as opposed to the more masculine ‘yang’ energy.  However, because we all have yin and yang energy, both men and women can practice yin yoga.  The postures tend to be held for a very long time.  Deep muscle stretches and a sense of inner quiet are part of this practice.  If flexibility is your main goal, Yin Yoga may be for you!

Jivamukti Yoga: Jivamukti is a newly developed style that is vigorous and challenging, both in terms of the physical practice and its attention to meditation and spiritual education.  Jivamukti centers tend to have lots of workshops and even musical events that focus on yogic culture.

Power Yoga: This is sometimes derided as “gym yoga,” but there is nothing wrong with doing yoga with the simple goal of improving your physical fitness.  Classes tend to focus on strength-building poses, as well as the aerobic value of moving quickly from one challenging posture to the next.  Enjoy Power Yoga if this is your goal, but always make sure you listen to your body if the class feels too challenging.

Don’t see your favorite style listed here, or perhaps you want to suggest revisions of my descriptions?  I welcome your input.  Please write and let me know!  (contact here)