Classes throughout the world teach students the practice and philosophy of yoga. First started in India over 2,000 years ago, yoga is a system of exercises that help you cultivate awareness and control of your body, breath and mind. Yoga has evolved during these thousands of years into many specific types. In Western culture, common types of yoga classes include Hatha yoga, Bikram yoga and Forrest yoga.
Hatha
Hatha yoga is widely practiced in the U.S., as it is one of the original branches of yoga. In Sanskit, the word "Hatha" has two meanings, according to Yoga Journal. Hatha means willful, but is also understood as a combination of the words "ha" and "tha"---which mean sun and moon. Thus, Hatha yoga is a meaningful set of exercises that balance the aspects of the sun and moon believed to be in each person. Ancient beliefs held that you were a combination of your active and hot sun aspects and your cool and receptive moon aspects. This metaphor can help you learn to balance the strength and flexibility you will practice in a Hatha yoga class. This type of yoga also focuses on balancing your body and mind, as it was originally developed to help yogis prepare for meditation, according to Women's Health magazine.
Bikram
Bikram is unique from other types of yoga in that it is practiced in a hot classroom---often heated to over 100 degrees F. Named after its inventor---Bikram---this type of yoga is more commonly called hot yoga. Bikram yoga is a specific series of 26 basic yoga poses, that you repeat twice during each class. The Bikram yoga website states that these 26 postures were developed together because they exercise every single part of your body, from your muscles to your organs to your veins and everything in between. Bring a towel if you take a Bikram class and be prepared to sweat.
Forrest
Forrest yoga is a refreshing change from the hot temperatures of Bikram. Like Bikram, it is named after its creator, Ana Forrest, who took a different approach to yoga practice. The Forrest philosophy of yoga comes from Ana's goal to heal herself and others from the emotional and physical stresses of life. According to Forrest yoga's website, the main ideas of the practice are "Breath, Strength, Integrity and Spirit." Forrest yoga classes consist of deep breathing and exercises that help you become stronger, more flexible and authentic. These experiences in class are intended to help you become more compassionate in your life outside of class, and empower you to grow and heal.
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