Yoga Types - Styles of Yoga

There are many types of yoga being practiced and taught today. All of these styles are based on the same postures and poses. Each variety of yoga emphasizes particular poses. There are many types to choose from and only you can decide what is right for you.

Hatha yoga has a slower pace and can provide a gentle introduction to yoga. Hatha is a general description that can include many physical types of yoga.

Vinyasa is another general term that can describe many different types of yoga. Vinyasa actually means breath synchronized movement. It is more vigorous than Hatha and uses poses called sun salutations that are matched with breath. Vinyasa classes start with sun salutations that warm up the body and then move to more strenuous stretching.

A fast paced and intense style of yoga is called Ashtanga. With this type of yoga a set series of poses is done in order, always the same order. It is very physically demanding because of the constant movement. Power Yoga is like Ashtanga but it does not always follow the flow of the same Ashtanga pose series.

Iyengar yoga is the form that is most concerned with proper alignment. Poses are held a great deal longer than with other forms. This type of yoga also discourages the use of props such as blocks and straps.

Kundalini yoga emphasizes breath in conjunction with your physical movements. This is intended to free the energy in the lower body and allow it to move into the upper body. All yoga emphasizes breath control, but it Kundalini it is essential. This type of yoga uses rapid and repetitive movements and instructors often lead a chant.

Hot Yoga or Bikram is practiced in a room that is heated to a temperature of 95 to 100 degrees. This allows muscles to loosen and practitioners sweat profusely; which is believed to be cleansing. Bikram uses a series of 26 poses.

Sivananda yoga is centered on five principles. The first is proper exercise and this is achieved through 12 particular yoga poses. There is also emphasis placed on proper relaxation and breathing. Proper diet means being a vegetarian. Meditation and positive thinking are also a part of Sivanada. No matter what you are looking for there is a form of yoga out there for you.