Many schools of yoga have been developed, all of which stem from the ancient Eastern philosophy. The common benefits of physical stamina and mind-body balance fall to all types of yoga, but each has a specific set of benefits. When you explore the different schools you notice crossover, but the variety helps you to discover which discipline is right for you to accommodate your needs and personality. From body-alignment specific, to cardio-like rigor, to a grace led yoga practice, the type of yoga practice you choose depends on where you feel most comfortable.
Iyengar
Iyengar Yoga -- created by B.K.S. Iyengar, a native of India that is marked as one of the greatest noteworthy yogis of his time -- focuses on alignment and encourages the use of yoga props that aren't seen in other types of yoga like belts and ropes. The poses are held for longer period of times with props to help practitioners reach their optimal posture.
Bikram
Bikram Yoga, developed by Bikram Choudhury, sequences 26 yoga postures designed to achieve optimal bodily function. The practice is done in hot spaces (typically around 104 degrees F). The high heat makes you sweat, which is how Bikram markets its benefits. The body detoxifies from the heavy sweating and in a cardio-like practice, weight loss often follows. The Bikram's Yoga College of India website claims a minimum of 10 Bikram Yoga classes are required per month to begin to achieve balanced digestion and steady breathing, in addition to healthy endocrine, lymphatic and elimination systems.
Anusara
Anusara Yoga, founded by John Friend, is one of the newest types of yoga, introduced in 1997. According to the Anusara website, Anusara means "flowing with grace" and its philosophy promotes leading with your heart. The practice combines different yoga postures but encourages its students to perform each pose with an artistic expression of the heart, a more individual and mindset approach to yoga postures. The idea of "intrinsic goodness" is the root of the practice, and the physical benefits are secondary. Anusara Yoga's benefits are grounded in an in depth understanding of your inner and outer body alignment.
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