YOGA
1. Ashtanga (or Astanga) Yoga:
A fast-paced series of sequential poses that focuses on strength, flexibility, and building heat. Power Yoga: Ashtanga Yoga modified for Americans. This type of yoga became popular after Beryl Bender Birch published her book Power Yoga in 1995.
2. Jivamukti-style Yoga:
This type of yoga also has Ashtanga roots. It was developed by David Life and Sharon Gannon in 1986. Chanting and breathing exercises are also incorporated in Jivamukti classes. Life and Gannon run a popular yoga studio in New York City.
3. Kali Ray TriYoga:
A series of flowing, dancelike movements was developed by Kali Ray in 1980. The practice also incorporates pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation. Kali Ray runs the TriYoga Center in Santa Cruz, California.
4. White Lotus Yoga:
A modified Ashtanga practice developed by Ganga White which is combined with breathwork and meditation.
5. Bikram Yoga:
Bikram Choudhury, known as the "yoga teacher to the stars," developed this yoga practice which focuses on 26 poses always repeated in the same order. Bikram Yoga studios are heated to approximately 100 degrees to simulate the climate in India, so be prepared to sweat.
6. Iyengar Yoga:
Unlike the practices listed above, Iyengar Yoga practitioners hold each pose for a longer amount of time. This type of yoga is renowned for its attention to body alignment. Props such as straps, blankets, and wooden blocks are commonly used.
7. Integral Yoga:
This traditional type of yoga combines postures, breathing exercises, selfless service, meditation, chanting, prayer, and self-inquiry.
8. Sivananda Yoga:
Like Integral Yoga, this traditional type of yoga combines postures, breathing, dietary restrictions, chanting, scriptural study, and meditation. The popular TV yoga teacher Lilias got her start practicing Sivananda Yoga.
9. ISHTA:
Developed by South African teacher Mani Finger and popularized in the States by his son Alan, ISHTA (Integral Science of Hatha and Tantric Arts) focuses on opening energy channels throughout the body with postures, visualizations, and meditation.
10. Kripalu Yoga:
This gentle, introspective practice urges practitioners to hold poses to explore and release emotional and spiritual blockages. Goal-oriented striving is discouraged and precise alignment is not as important as in some other traditions.
11. Kundalini:
This practice concentrates on awakening the energy at the base of the spine and drawing it upward. In addition to postures, a typical class will also include chanting, meditation, and breathing exercises.
12. Ananda Yoga:
Ananda Yoga classes focus on gentle postures designed to move the energy up to the brain and prepare the body for meditation. Classes also focus on proper body alignment and controlled breathing.
13. Viniyoga:
This is a gentle, healing practice that is tailored to each person's body type and needs as they grow and change.
14. Svaroopa Yoga:
New students find this a very approachable style, often beginning in chair poses that are comfortable. Promotes healing and transformation.
