Despite its apparent trendiness, yoga has been practiced for 3,000 years. Yoga can be practiced in a variety of ways, which explains the cropping up of various types of yoga classes and studios. If you're confused by the sheer number of yoga classes available, understanding the basic principles of certain yoga classes can help you make a better-informed decision about the type of yoga that is right for you and your skill level.
Hatha Yoga
The word hatha actually means willful or forceful, notes "Yoga Journal." Most of the beginner classes that you hear about likely teach hatha yoga. Hatha yoga is the ideal way to learn about the precepts and principles of yoga. In a hatha yoga class, you'll learn basic poses and practice breathing and meditation. In a hatha yoga class, your instructor will bring you through a series of poses, called asanas, that are designed to work together for better alignment in your body.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga, sometimes called "hot yoga," has gained popularity in recent years. Best for a more experienced yogi, Bikram yoga is practiced in a room that is heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and kept at 40 percent humidity. The heat is to help you become facilitate flexibility and cleansing as you sweat through 26 asanas. Bikram yoga is a fairly new yoga; it was developed in the 1970s, according to the Mind Body Green website. It can be more intense than hatha yoga, and practitioners should bring a water bottle and towel.
Prenatal Yoga
Prenatal yoga is often touted as a good way to stay fit during your pregnancy. This is because prenatal yoga is low-impact and safe, as long as it's practiced in a class with an experienced yoga instructor. When you visit a prenatal yoga class, you'll see modified poses to help pregnant women avoid lying on their backs or causing damage to their loose joints. The breathing and meditation aspects of prenatal yoga can also be used in the delivery room, helping a woman in labor to breathe through pain and anxiety.
Power Yoga
If traditional hatha yoga seems too low-key for your level of athleticism, you may choose a power yoga class. Power yoga uses a series of isometric poses to help burn calories and strengthen your body with each asana, notes "Women's Health" magazine. While some power yoga is practiced in a hot studio for more intensity, power yoga can also be practiced with more intense poses in a cooler studio. Each power yoga class is designed by the instructor; power yoga has no set routine of poses.
