Discover The Most Popular Types Of Yoga

With the many types of yoga classes available, it's no wonder that so many people have found a style to suit their needs.

Whilst to the untrained eye, yoga may seem all the same, nothing could be further than the truth.

Some styles do fit the yogi stereotype of gentle and slow stretching, with a great focus on each individual posture. Yet at the other end of the spectrum, you have sweaty, hot yoga that is more akin to acrobatics and dance.

The most recognizable types of yoga in the West are the big four - hatha, iyengar, bikram, and ashtanga yoga. Whilst you'd recognize that the poses within each all come from the same traditional source in India, the way they are taught, the unique emphasis, the sometimes use of props, and a myriad of other small things, all add to make some pretty big differences in the experience of each.

For those just starting out, hatha yoga, or a beginners iyengar class, is a good choice. Hatha is a very focused style, and really allows you to explore each pose. In many ways it is an umbrella term for anything that is not iyengar, or ashtanga.

For those devoted to it, it delves into more metaphysical concepts related to the kundalini. However, if you're going to a class for that purpose, be warned - activate the kundalini in the wrong way and you can burn out your nervous system and create a lot of physical problems for yourself. There is more information on metaphysics, including the kundalini and a way to activate it safely, on the Azurite Press website.

Iyengar is suitable for all levels (as is hatha really), but the use of props can give people an experience of a pose they would not normally be able to feel until they had become more flexible, or strong. As such, it can be very rewarding. This is a great style of yoga for working on your physical and mental health, and is very suited to those with disabilities or injuries as well. The asanas (poses) are taught carefully, and in a sequential way. There is an emphasis on the alignment of the body, the proper order of poses, and the way they are linked together.

Bikram is the type of yoga also known as "hot yoga". It is thus named because the room is heated to 37 degrees Celsius, a heat some people find hard to handle. Bikram yoga is a derivative of hatha. In it, the order of the asanas is considered important, and the sequence stays the same. There is an emphasis on fitness and health, which has seen it become very popular.

Ashtanga is the other type of yoga most recognized in the West. It is very vigorous, incorporating a lot of the 'power' yoga poses. The poses are linked in a flowing sequence that raises a sweat without the need for a heated room. Whilst this style can be challenging, there are special classes for beginners as well.

There are a number of other types of yoga available, though they are not nearly so well known. These include:

• dru
• inspya
• oriental (also known as Oki or Ki yoga)
• power vinyasa yoga
• viniyoga
• anusara
• kriya

They each have their own emphasis and fans. Between them, you're bound to find one you like! 

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