Anusara
Anusara Yoga is an integrated approach where the human spirit blends
with the precise science of biomechanics. It is both spiritually inspiring
and nonthreatening, because it doesn’t push students too far and gives an
opportunity to become familiar with poses. Anusara can be therapeutically
effective and physically transformative. Its central philosophy is that each
person is equally divine in body, mind and spirit. A student’s various abilities
and limitations are respected and honored. Anusara is called the ‘purist’
of yogas, and it means “to step into the current of divine will.”
Bikram
Designed to replicate yoga’s birthplace climate, Bikram studios have temperatures
pushing 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Why the heat? Bikram style-yoga
was designed to remove toxins and as a way to cleanse the body. Bikram
Choudhury designed this method of staying healthy from the inside out,
and sequenced a series of 26 traditional postures to address the proper
functioning of every bodily system. Wear little clothing to class, and bring
a towel.
Hatha
A physical yoga practice, hatha encompasses nearly all types of modern
yoga. Today, classes described as “hatha” on studio schedules are a basic
and classical approach to yogic breathing exercises and postures.
Vinyasa
This yoga combines a series of flowing postures with rhythmic breathing
for an intense body-mind workout.
Ashtanga
A type of vinyasa, Ashtanga is six established and strenuous pose
sequences—i.e., the primary series, second series, third series, and so
on—practiced sequentially. Ashtangis move rapidly, flowing from one
pose to the next with each inhale and exhale. Originating in Mysore,
India, the vigorous practice was devised to focus the minds and energy
of teenage schoolboys. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois brought the style to the U.S.
in 1975.
Power Yoga
An active and athletic type of yoga that mixes up different styles, this is
a rigorous workout that develops strength and flexibility while keeping
the body moving. It was designed in the ‘80s to satisfy America’s obsession
with gym fitness, and is still practiced in gyms today.
Restorative
Restorative yoga places the body in a totally supported pose appropriate
for its condition. Every muscle receives the focus of deep breaths,
and this is then followed by a long period of relaxation. During this, the
body enters a state of being and non-doing. There the body’s own innate
healing wisdom is released, traveling to the areas of the body in need of
healing – mental, emotional or physical. Restorative works on the premise
that total relaxation, is the true antidote to stress.
Information from womenshealth.com and yogajournal.com.
