Common Styles of Hatha Yoga
Yoga is an important component of my healthy lifestyle. For me, a balanced healthy diet is about more than just what I eat and includes all aspects of my life. If you are interested in giving yoga a try, keep in mind that yoga, like healthy eating, is not one size fits all. There are many different styles of hatha yoga being taught today from slow, gentle, and alignment-focused to fast, flowing, and athletically-challenging with everything in between. Some styles of yoga consist of doing the same series or sequence of postures every time; others offer classes that are always different.
It may take a little searching to find the type of yoga and teaching style that is best for you. Here's an introduction to some of the more common styles of hatha yoga to help you get started.
Anusara Yoga
Anusara is a Sanskrit (Ancient Indian) word that means 'flowing with grace.' This relatively new style of hatha yoga focuses on attitude, alignment, and action. It's designed to be spiritually inspiring while focusing on proper biomechanics to keep you safe.
Classes tend to include lots of flowery language (such as 'melt your heart with gratitude'), attention to alignment detail, and demonstrations of how to properly execute poses. While some may not be comfortable with the use of Sanskrit language and flowery metaphors, many find it motivating and uplifting. The focus on body alignment, proper body mechanics, and doing poses safely has allowed me to keep myself safe in a variety of other types of yoga classes.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga is a vigorous athletic style of hatha yoga that consists of set series of postures of increasing difficulty done in a fast paced flowing manner. This type of yoga is probably best suited for fit individuals looking for a rigorous, challenging workout. Power yoga is derived from Ashtanga.
Bikram Yoga
An athletic type of yoga where a set sequence of 26 poses is performed in an intensely heated and humidified room. Teachers often challenge you to push yourself harder and harder. Bikram yoga provides a vigorous, intense, sweaty workout for those looking for a challenge.
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar yoga is another one of the types of yoga that emphasizes precise muscular and skeletal alignment. Lots of yoga gear and props are used -- like blocks, straps, blankets and bolsters to help you modify the poses to meet your abilities. This is one of the yoga styles perfect for those who love precision and detail and is widely taught throughout the US. It provides a good foundation and is appropriate for all ages and abilities.
Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu yoga is referred to as yoga of consciousness. This yoga style puts great emphasis on proper breath, alignment, coordinating breath and movement, and "honoring the wisdom of the body." You are encouraged to work according to the limits of your individual flexibility and strength.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga combines yoga poses, breathing exercises, meditation and chanting with the intention of awakening your kundalini or serpent power that is believed to lie dormant at the base of your spine. There is a lot more focus on breathing exercises and less attention to postural alignment detail than with some other forms of hatha yoga.
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