Types of Yoga to Teach

Most Western practitioners teach a form of Hatha yoga, which incorporates breathing techniques, poses and meditation. Numerous methods exist, so you'll have to do some research to find the yoga style right for you. Think about your teaching aspirations -- to help people become fit, reach their spiritual goals or teach them perfect alignment requires different types of yoga.

Exercise Yoga

Some types of yoga, especially in the United States, focus much more on exercise than the traditional yogic tenet of spiritual enlightenment. Some exclude spiritual pursuits from their yoga classes altogether. Vinyasa, including Ashtanga Vinyasa and Vinyasa Flow, go through sequences of poses at a quick pace. Power Yoga provides an intense workout and Jivamukti yoga gives your body a workout but incorporates meditation. Bikram, or hot yoga, is very physical with a session in 100 degree Fahrenheit or higher heat.

Alignment

Some styles focus on your body's alignment within poses. Iyengar is the type that focuses most on alignment, with an idea of what "perfect" alignment within each pose should look like. This style incorporates heavy use of props to help students reach these ideals. Ananda yoga is also focused on alignment but holds a belief that each student has specific needs and "perfect" alignment for his body.

Medical

Integrative Yoga Therapy is used in conjunction with other treatments for specific health problems like heart disease. This type is often included in medical offices or rehabilitation centers -- although it uses a holistic approach to healing, incorporating mental/emotional, spiritual and physical aspects of the person.

Meditative

Not all yoga practices are highly physical. You can teach Restorative yoga classes, which originated from Iyengar but are found on their own as well. These classes include meditation, breathing and restorative poses that are very calming and use a number of props. Kundalini yoga is highly focused on breathing and meditation without much focus on poses.