This is an useful article for Yoga beginners like you and me. As a Yoga beginner, we need to take it slow and grow on the experience gained each day. To access our full list of articles, please go to our Archive section.

Understanding The Different Types Of Yoga

Yoga is becoming a more and more popular activity in the Western world today. The number of places holding Yoga classes is on the increase and there is a plethora of different types of Yoga. With a choice of Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Power Yoga and many more it can be easy to get confused

The article will help you to understand the difference between the most popular types of Yoga so you can choose which type is right for you.

Hatha Yoga
In Sanskrit (an ancient classical language of India) "Ha" means "sun" and "tha" means "moon". This type of Yoga is relatively slow paced, gentle type of Yoga and is a good place to start if you are completely new to Yoga and don't know any of the asanas (poses). Like all types of Yoga, Hatha Yoga aims to unite the mind, body and spirit.

Iyengar Yoga
This type of Yoga is based on teachings by B.K.S Igengar and concentrates on the correct alignment and form of the body. Unlike Ashtanga Yoga, there is an emphasis on holding each pose for a long period of time rather than moving constantly from one pose to the next. Iyengar Yoga uses props such as blocks and straps to help align the body into the different poses.

Bikram Yoga
otherwise known as "Hot Yoga", is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees, with a humidity of around 40%. Generally a sequence of 26 different poses is practiced during a Bikram Yoga class and the hot temperature helps to loosen muscles. Due to the high temperature most people sweat a lot during the class and this helps to cleanse the body of toxins.

Ashtanga Yoga
This is the type of Yoga that I practice on a regular basis and means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit. It's a fast moving, intense style of Yoga practice and is based on a progressive set sequence of asanas, synchronized with the breath. Ashtanga Yoga can be quite physically demanding as you constantly move from one asana in the sequence to the next, so you'll find that it will improve your stamina as well as your flexibility and strength..

Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa means breath synchronized movement and is another fast paced type of Yoga, with an emphasis on breathing. A practice typically starts with sun salutations and moves on to more intense stretching. Throughout the practice each pose is balanced with a counter pose.

Power Yoga
This is a western interpretation of Yoga and is based on Ashtanga Yoga. A Power Yoga class may not necessarily stick to the exact sequence of poses like Ashtanga Yoga does, but it does involve practicing a series of poses without stopping and starting.

If you're just starting out or have never done any Yoga before, I recommend trying a few different types of yoga to find out what you like best.

Remember, there's no rule that says you have to stick to one type of Yoga. I like Ashtanga Yoga best, but I also go to occasional Iyengar and Hatha Yoga classes for a bit of variety.


About The Author
Suzanne Morrison
To find out more about the different types of Yoga visit http://www.yogamentor.com - your free online Yoga Guide.

Yoga Guides

• Can Yoga Improve Your Sex Life?
• Happy Baby - Ananda Balasana Is the Yoga Pose of the Week
• Yoga for Giggles
• New Year's Yoga
• Warrior III - Virabhadrasana III Is the Yoga Pose of the Week

Yoga Beginner in You

• Patience Is a Gift to Oneself
• Full Circle
• Listening to Your Body
• Feel the Shameless Joy of Life
• Love and Happiness Through Service