The most recognizable types of yoga in the West are the big four - hatha, iyengar, bikram, and ashtanga yoga.
All these types of yoga are based on the same poses, there are some major differences between them. Find the style of yoga that will best suit your body and personality here.
Ashtanga yoga
Ashtanga yoga is a vigorous, fast-paced yoga that helps to build flexibility, strength, concentration, and stamina. Ashtanga (also spelled Astanga) means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit, which refers to the eight limbs of yoga laid out in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Power yoga
Power Yoga is a general term used in the west to describe a vigorous, fitness-based approach to Vinyasa-style yoga. Similar to Ashtanga yoga, this is also a very active form of yoga that improves flexibility and stamina by completing poses.
This type of yoga is popular in the United States. Unlike Ashtanga, power yoga does not follow a set series of poses.
Bikram yoga
Bikram yoga is also known as "Hot Yoga." It is practiced in rooms that may be heated to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius).Hot Yoga is a series of yoga poses done in a heated room. The room is usually maintained at a temperature of 95-100 degrees. It is essential to have your own yoga mat and towel when doing Hot Yoga since you will be sweating so much
Gentle yoga: Gentle yoga focuses on slow stretches, flexibility, and deep breathing.
Kundalini yoga
Kundalini yoga uses poses, deep breathing and other breathing techniques, chanting, and meditation. Kundalini is one of the more spiritual types of yoga.
It goes beyond the physical performance of poses with its emphasis on breathing, meditation, and chanting. The Kundalini is untapped energy, Kundalini energy is often represented as a snake coiled at the base of the spine.
Iyengar yoga: A guide to Iyengar Yoga. Iyengar Yoga was developed by BKS Iyengar, an Indian yoga master.
This type of yoga focuses on precise poses. and participants use benches, ropes, mats, blocks, and chairs.
Jivamukti Yoga
Jivamukti means “liberation while living.” David Life and Sharon Gannon are the founders of Jivamukti Yoga. Jivamukti appeals to those who want a good workout and more, since a healthy dose of chanting and philosophizing accompanies each class.
