Yoga practitioners appreciate both the physical and psychological benefits of the ancient health practice. Improved fitness, lower blood pressure, relaxation, self-confidence, flexibility and better sleep habits are just a few of the results many yoga enthusiasts experience, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). While yoga's 3,000-year history focuses on spiritual enlightenment, many Americans practice one of several types of hatha yoga as a form of physical exercise.
Ashtanga or Power Yoga
Ashtanga yoga is characterized by constant movement, or flow, from one posture to another, according to UMMC. It is vigorous and fast-paced, earning it the nickname of "power yoga," and the focus is on deep breathing during each pose, as described by the Nemours Foundation. Because of ashtanga's pace, it may be ideally suited for intermediate to advanced yoga practitioners as well as athletes.
Bikram or Hot Yoga
The term "hot" yoga literally refers to the 90- to 105-degree Fahrenheit room in which the practice is performed. According to an article by a Weber State University faculty member, Bikram yoga is performed in this setting to replicate the temperature of India, yoga's birthplace. Bikram yoga encompasses 26 prescribed poses, or asanas, that stretch the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the order defined by founder Bikram Choudhury. The sweat produced is thought to purify the body during the intense workout.
Kundalini Yoga
With a focus on awakening life energy, Kundalini yoga focuses on purifying the emotions, mind and body, according to Weber State University. More emphasis is placed on the effects of breathing on each pose, according to UMMC, than other styles of yoga. Kundalini's goal is to release energy in the lower body, particularly the spine, and send it upwards through the body. Chanting mantras and meditation are common practices of Kundalini, making it an ideal style for those seeking to release endorphins naturally or overcome addictions.
Iyengar Yoga
Straps, blocks and chairs are a few of the props used in Iyengar yoga to aid practitioners in the precise alignment of their poses, according to the Nemours Foundation. Because of this assistance in learning poses, Iyengar is an ideal style of yoga for beginners or those experiencing back or joint problems, advises Weber State University. Poses are held for longer periods of time than other styles, resulting in more opportunities for relaxed meditiation and focus on alignment. Iyengar yoga's effects include lower stress levels, toned muscles and decreased chronic pain when practiced regularly.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa is similar to ashtanga yoga in its emphasis on flowing through poses, particularly sun salutations. Classes, such as those offered at the University of Pennsylvania, are often called Vinyasa Flow Yoga to indicate the style of practice and are typically more suited for beginners than ashtanga. The goal of Vinyasa is to improve coordination, strength and balance in practitioners by following the sequence of active poses. According to the Nemours Foundation, Vinyasa is one of the more popular styles of yoga practiced in the United States.
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