Types of Yoga
In order to help you better prepare for your yoga classes, we have provided descriptions of many different types of yoga below:
Aerial Yoga
Aerial yoga is a combination of traditional yoga poses done on the floor, and postures practiced using a soft fabric “trapeze” called a “sling” suspended at waist height. This is the same fabric that aerialists use in the circus. In aerial yoga our body weight is distributed between the fabric and the floor, allowing us to access traditional yoga postures in new ways.
Many newcomers enjoy working with the sling because with the help of gravity there is very little pressure or stress on the joints, especially the spine. Gravity eases us into optimal alignment with very little effort, and many yoga postures are actually easier and deeper using the sling. Flexibility and core strength are increased together, and our relaxation response is heightened.
For comfort on the sling, you should wear form-fitting clothing that covers your armpits and knees. Don’t wear any jewelry that could get caught in the fabric.
Anusara
Anusara Yoga is a Vinyasa-style practice that emphasizes heart-opening through back bending and physical alignment, and includes the use of props. This practice is based around the belief that all beings are intrinsically good, and emphasizes bringing the lessons learned in class into daily life.
Anusara classes are lighthearted, positive and fun. They are not easy, as they include Vinyasa flow and a lot of alignment work, but the emphasis on props makes this practice accessible to students of differing abilities. Anusara appeals to those who want to work both their physical and spiritual well-being.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga is an advanced form of yoga that uses a set of sequences known as sun salutations. It is not a branch of yoga for the beginner or faint of heart, as it requires yoga pose experience, strength, flexibility, and focus during moving meditation.
Ashtanga’s set sequence of asanas (poses) and vinyasas (movement combined with specific breathing techniques) purify the body as well as the mind. It’s vigorous and athletic, and provides a great workout. If you like keeping things in sequence, this class will appeal to you.
Bikram/Hot Yoga
Hot Yoga is a series of yoga poses done in a heated room. The room is usually maintained at a temperature of 95-100 degrees. A vigorous yoga session at this temperature promotes profuse sweating which rids the body of toxins and makes the body very warm, and therefore more flexible.
Bikram Yoga is a specific type of Hot Yoga, and is a set series of 26 yoga poses, each of which is performed twice in a single 90 minute class.
It is essential to have your own yoga mat and towel when doing Hot/Bikram Yoga since you will be sweating so much. Students tend to wear very little clothing for the same reason. Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after class so you don’t get dehydrated. It is not advisable to eat during the two hours before class.
If you want to try Bikram’s method, make sure the Hot Yoga studio you choose has been certified to teach Bikram Yoga.
Hot Yoga is not advised for pregnant women since it can raise the core body temperature.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga describes a more slow-paced, stretching class involving simple breathing exercises and perhaps seated meditation. This is a good place to learn basic poses, relaxation techniques, and become comfortable with yoga.
Many people try a Hatha class and love the relaxed feeling. Others decide that Hatha is too slow and meditative for them. If this is the case, a Vinyasa style class may be a better fit for you.
Holy Yoga
Jivamukti
Jivamukti means “liberation while living.” This modern style of yoga incorporates Ashtanga yoga with spiritual teachings, placing special emphasis on how to apply yoga philosophy to daily life.
Jivamukti is a Vinyasa-style practice and classes can be physically intense. Each class has a theme, which is explored through yoga scripture, chanting, meditation, postures/poses, breath control, and music.
Jivamukti appeals to those who want a good workout and more, since a healthy dose of chanting and philosophizing accompanies each class.
Kundalini
Kundalini Yoga, the Yoga of Awareness, consists of simple yogic techniques that can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter his or her age or physical ability. It is designed to provide you with the experience of your highest consciousness through the raising of your Kundalini.
Each Kundalini Yoga series is done in conjunction with a specific breath that intensifies the effects of the poses with the purpose of freeing energy in the lower body and allowing it to move upwards. Kundalini sequences may consist of rapid, repetitive movements done with breath or holding a pose while breathing in a particular way.
Kundalini is one of the more spiritual types of yoga. It goes beyond the physical performance of poses, as its emphasis is on breathing, meditation, and chanting. However, the Kundalini sequences are very physically intense. This type of yoga appeals to those who are up for both mental and physical challenges.
Power Yoga
Power yoga is a vigourous, fitness-based approach to Vinyasa-style yoga and is closely modeled on the Ashtanga style of practice. They are similar in their emphasis on strength and flexibility, but unlike Ashtanga, Power Yoga does not follow a set series of poses. Therefore, any power yoga class can vary widely from the next.
Power yoga will most likely appeal to people who are already quite fit, enjoy exercising, and want a minimal amount of chanting and meditation with their yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa yoga is one of the most commonly practiced types of yoga in the west today. It is composed of a specifically designed series of postures that emphasize strength and flexibility while working to focus and calm the mind. As the word Vinyasa means “breath-synchronized movement,” your teacher will instruct you to flow smoothly and dynamically from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale, placing attention on the journey between the postures and not just the postures themselves. This type of yoga is well suited for active people that are looking for a workout.
Vinyasa yoga produces an intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. This results in improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. It also improves flexibility, as well as tendon and hard tissue strength.
Vinyasa flow classes are difficult to predict, since there is no single philosophy, rulebook, or sequence that teachers must follow. Be sure to try several instructors in order to find one that you can especially relate to.
Yin Yoga
Yin yoga has the same goals and objectives as any other school of yoga; however, it directs the stimulation deeper than the superficial or muscular tissues, but targets the connective tissues such as the ligaments, bones, and even the joints of the body that normally are not exercised very much in a more active style of yoga. Yin Yoga is suitable for almost all levels of students.
While initially this style of yoga can seem quite boring, passive or soft, yin practice can be quite challenging due to the long duration of the poses. Postures can be held anywhere from one to twenty minutes.
Please note that Yin Yoga is not restorative yoga. Like all yoga practices, if the tissues you are targeting for exercise are damaged in some way, please give yourself a chance to heal before resuming your regular practice.
Please remember that through specific class titles, most studios will often make it known whether each of their classes are for beginners or more advanced students. Be sure to call studios or check out their websites for any specific class details you may wish to know.
**Did we forget a type of yoga that you’d like to hear about? Let us know! Email Kara@CharlestonYogi.com
Information found on this page is sourced from local studio websites, www.yoga.about.com, www.wikepedia.com, and www.yinyoga.com.
