All styles of yoga share a common lineage.
No style is superior to another.
Choosing a yoga style is simply a matter of personal preference.
ANANDA :
Classical style of hatha yoga.
Ananda Yoga is a more gentle, inward experience.
Uses asana and pranayama to awaken, experience, and begin to control the subtle energies within oneself.
Uses those energies to harmonize body, mind, and emotions.
Makes use of silent affirmations while in the asanas as a means of working more directly and consciously with the subtle energies to achieve this attunement.
Developed by Swami Kriyananda.
ANUSARA :
New style developed by John Friend.
Anusara yoga is described as heart-oriented, spiritually inspiring, yet grounded in a deep knowledge of outer and inner body alignment.
ASHTANGA :
Developed by K. Pattabhi Jois.
Ashtanga is physically demanding.
Participants move through a series of flows, jumping from one posture to another to build strength, flexibility and stamina.
BIKRAM :
Bikram Choudhury's yoga is hot and sweaty.
In class the thermostat is set high.
You perform a series of 26 asanas, sometimes twice, that is designed to warm and stretch muscles, ligaments and tendons in the order in which they should be stretched.
Founder by Bikram Choudhury.
INTEGRAL :
Developed by Swami Satchidananda.
Integral classes place almost as much emphasis on pranayama and meditation as they do on postures.
IYENGAR :
B.K.S. Iyengar is a well known yoga teacher and the creator of one of the most popular styles of yoga.
His style of yoga is noted for great attention to detail and the precise alignment of postures, as well as the use of props such as blocks and belts.
Teachers must complete a rigorous 2 to 5 year training program for certification.
KALI RAY TRIYOGA :
Founded by Kali Ray.
The Tri Yoga flows combine flowing and sustained postures that emphasize spinal wavelike movements, economy of motion, and synchronization with breath and mudra.
KRIPALU :
Kripalu puts great emphasis on proper breath, alignment, coordinating breath and movement, and "honoring the wisdom of the body", you work according to the limits of your individual flexibility and strength.
There are three stages in Kripalu yoga.
Stage One focuses on learning the postures and exploring your bodies abilities.
Stage Two involves holding the postures for an extended time, developing concentration and inner awareness.
Stage Three is like a meditation in motion in which the movement from one posture to another arises unconsciously and spontaneously.
KUNDALINI :
Kundalini yoga in the tradition of Yogi Bhajan.
The practice involves classic poses, breath, coordination of breath and movement, meditation.
SIVANANDA :
Developed by Vishnu-devananda.
Sivananda yoga follows a set structure that includes pranayama, classic asanas, and relaxation.
SVAROOPAYOGA :
Developed by Rama Berch.
Svaroopa Yoga teaches significantly different ways of doing familiar poses.
Every pose integrates the foundational principles of asana, anatomy and yoga philosophy, and emphasizes the development of transcendent inner experience.
Consciousness-oriented yoga that also promotes healing and transformation.
YOGA STYLES