A great yoga class should have an inspired and well-trained teacher who uses clear cues and a sequence that serves the purposes of yoga, which are to create harmony and health in the body and mind, and raise students to higher levels of consciousness. Other characteristics of quality yoga classes depend on what is important to you. To find the best yoga classes, first try drop-in classes at studios that offer some of the more popular styles of yoga.
Iyengar
B.K.S. Iyengar, or Guruji, opened his first yoga school in 1973. His style focuses on incorporating the eight limbs of yoga, primarily through the practice of the third limb, which is asanas, or poses. The official Iyengar website describes the style as demanding, but not tough. Many students know Iyengar as the yoga of precision, alignment and form. B.K.S. Iyengar also popularized the use of yoga props, such as blocks, straps and bolsters. Certified Iyengar teachers go through a thorough training process.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga translates from the Sanskrit language to mean "the eight limbs." Many yogis enjoy the challenge of perfecting the three main series of pose sequences popularized by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois. Ashtanga focuses deeply on linking breath with poses, which is called vinyasa. According to the Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute, cleansing and purification of the body and mind are the primary purposes of performing vinyasa style poses. Beginner yoga students should attend introduction to Ashtanga or Ashtanga prep classes.
Jivamukti
David Life and Sharon Gannon started the Jivamukti style in New York City. Ashtanga yoga influenced their format, along with gurus, such as Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati and Shri Swami Nirmalananda. Their Jivamukti studio in New York City attracts thousands of students each week. The Jivamukti website describes their style as vigorous. Each class uses inspirational readings, spirituality, non-violence, music and meditation. The word "jivamukti" translates as "freedom" or "liberation while living." There are several Jivamukti centers in the United States, as well as locations in Europe and Canada.
Bikram
Bikram Choudhury popularized the idea of hot yoga with his Bikram yoga. Choudhury has a copyright on his yoga sequence. Students eventually become accustomed to practicing 26 set poses for 90 minutes in a room set at 105 degrees. Students who are pregnant or who have a medical condition should speak to the yoga studio or instructor before practicing this intense style of yoga. Bikram is popular around the world. Note that Bikram instructors must go through an intense certification process. Any yoga class called "hot yoga" or "hot power yoga" is only similar to Bikram in that it is yoga practiced in a heated room.
