Understanding the Different Types of Yoga

Yoga is becoming a more and more popular activity in the Western world today. The number of places holding Yoga classes is on the increase and there is a plethora of different types of Yoga. With a choice of Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and many more it can be easy to get confused

The article will help you to understand the difference between the most popular types of Yoga so you can choose which type is right for you.

Hatha Yoga - in Sanskrit (an ancient classical language of India) "Ha" means "sun" and "tha" means "moon". This type of Yoga is relatively slow paced, gentle type of Yoga and is a good place to start if you are completely new to Yoga and don't know any of the asanas (poses). Like all types of Yoga, Hatha Yoga aims to unite the mind, body and spirit.

Ashtanga Yoga - this is the type of Yoga that I practice on a regular basis and means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit. It's a fast moving, intense style of Yoga practice and is based on a progressive set sequence of asanas, synchronized with the breath. Ashtanga Yoga can be quite physically demanding as you constantly move from one asana in the sequence to the next, so you'll find that it will improve your stamina as well as your flexibility and strength..

Power Yoga - this is a western interpretation of Yoga and is based on Ashtanga Yoga. A Power Yoga class may not necessarily stick to the exact sequence of poses like Ashtanga Yoga does, but it does involve practicing a series of poses without stopping and starting.

Iyengar Yoga - This type of Yoga is based on teachings by B.K.S Igengar and concentrates on the correct alignment and form of the body. Unlike Ashtanga Yoga, there is an emphasis on holding each pose for a long period of time rather than moving constantly from one pose to the next. Iyengar Yoga uses props such as blocks and straps to help align the body into the different poses.

Vinyasa Yoga - Vinyasa means breath synchronized movement and is another fast paced type of Yoga, with an emphasis on breathing. A practice typically starts with sun salutations and moves on to more intense stretching. Throughout the practice each pose is balanced with a counter pose.

Bikram Yoga - otherwise known as "Hot Yoga", is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees, with a humidity of around 40%. Generally a sequence of 26 different poses is practiced during a Bikram Yoga class and the hot temperature helps to loosen muscles. Due to the high temperature most people sweat a lot during the class and this helps to cleanse the body of toxins.

If you're just starting out or have never done any Yoga before, I recommend trying a few different types of yoga to find out what you like best.

Remember, there's no rule that says you have to stick to one type of Yoga. I like Ashtanga Yoga best, but I also go to occasional Iyengar and Hatha Yoga classes for a bit of variety.

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Yoga - What Are the Different Types?

If you are considering taking up yoga, then it is important to understand that there are a variety of types to choose from, each with their own philosophy and techniques. As you embark on your personal yoga journey, it may help to understand the alternatives so you can choose the one that is right for you.

I have experience with four different types of yoga; these being Iyengar, Hatha, Ashtanga and Bikram yoga, so this article will focus on them. There are plenty of others so please don't feel restricted by my experience.
 
Iyengar
 
Iyengar yoga is the most popular style of yoga. It is widely practiced and there are a large number of schools available. I found Iyengar yoga enjoyable and challenging. My main struggle initially was with holding static poses and managing my breathing for the length of time that was required. Over time, I definitely improved and felt a real sense of accomplishment for doing so.
 
There are a huge variety of poses which means that a good teacher will focus each class on different objectives relating to both your body and state of well being. For me that meant that I did not get bored or complacent, because there were lots of different things for me to try.
 
Hatha
 
Hatha is a really lovely, gentle form of yoga. It is excellent for all age groups and fitness levels because you are very fluid in your movements. If you are feeling a bit intimidated by yoga, then this would be the one that I would recommend as a starting point. It is very accessible so that if you are lacking experience you can still easily manage a Hatha yoga class. As this practice is inherently gentle, it is an excellent form of relaxation combined with exercise. You may feel some exertion at times, but certainly not the intensity that Iyengar or Bikram yoga provides. The breathing techniques offer a great opportunity to observe your body and create a sense of stillness in your mind.
 
Ashtanga
 
I have had the least experience with Ashtanga yoga but I really enjoyed it. It is somewhere between Hatha and Iyengar in that it combines movement with breathing (Hatha) but also has poses that are maintained for a period of time (Iyengar). This had a really positive effect overall, as I felt that the class was a bit more physically challenging but still gave me a presence and clarity of mind that I expect from any form of yoga. I would definitely be interested in exploring this method further however it is not as common in Australia, which makes it difficult to find instruction.
 
Bikram
 
Bikram, or hot yoga as some will know it, is rapidly growing in popularity and numbers. Whilst the philosophy of Bikram emerged from India, the trend was born in Los Angeles. Bikram outlines a set of standing and floor-based poses that are designed to work each part of your body over the course of the session. It is recommended that you practice in a hot room (approx. 38 degrees Celsius) to elevate the heart rate and improve muscle movement. Each session follows the same format, offering limited variety. For that reason, a common complaint is that people get bored over time.
 
As a yoga practice, Bikram has a tendency to polarize people. You either love it or loath it. Those that are devoted to Bikram will go three to four times per week and become extremely committed. Those that loath it, will go once or twice and then choose to leave it there. It really comes down to personal preference. I did not have a great experience to be honest but I have met plenty of people that are devoted to Bikram so don't let me put you off!

As you can see, all of these techniques are extremely different from each other and no matter which you choose, you will find some huge benefits. For me, I would encourage you to explore yoga because it brings a full awareness to your body and helps create a sense of well being across so many different dimensions. Good luck!

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