Yoga is a practice of physical poses (also called asanas) that focus on the combination of body, mind and spirit. Many styles of yoga are taught and practiced. Remember that although each style has a particular emphasis, all styles are meant to bring a sense of peacefulness and well-being while energizing you physically. The following are some of the more popular types of yoga, to help you pick out the right yoga class, video or book.
Ananda
Ananda yoga is gentle for beginning students, never aerobic or athletic. Yoga postures, silent affirmations and breath awareness are practiced together. Use Ananda yoga to awaken your inner energy, bring a higher level of awareness and harmonize the mind, body and emotions. The style was developed by Swami Kriyananda.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga yoga offers a serious workout, so it is best suited for someone already athletically fit. Strengthen, sculpt, gain flexibility and increase stamina by moving quickly from one posture to another. Ashtanga was developed by K. Pattabhi Jois. Power yoga is based on Ashtanga yoga.
Bikram
Bikram yoga uses just 26 poses, always in the same order. Classes use heat up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity. This is an intense, cleansing workout. Bikram Choudhury developed this style in the 1970s. Some Bikram yoga courses are simply titled "Hot Yoga."
Sivananda
Sivananda yoga encourages students to follow a healthy lifestyle, including a vegetarian diet. Deep relaxation is achieved by chanting, meditation and classic poses. Swami Vishnu-devananda developed this style, named after his teacher, Sivananda. Vishnu-devananda's classic guide, "The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga," was first published in 1960.
Prenatal
Expectant mothers will learn breathing and relaxation habits that will be helpful during labor, birth and motherhood. Prenatal yoga poses focus on core strengthening, good posture, strengthening the uterus and pelvic muscles and improving circulation and overall comfort.
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