Class Yoga - A Guide To Various Yoga Styles

If you are a beginner, you can join class yoga to get the best out of this ancient science. Joining a class is the best way to start, because here you will not just learn about the various asanas (postures) but also the history of yoga. You will learn the principles behind yoga. The initial classes provide information that is easy to comprehend.

However, before you join a class you will have to choose the type of yoga that you would like to practice. There are different styles of yoga being taught today. All the styles are based on the same poses and breathing techniques; however, the difference lies in their particular area of emphasis. So let us briefly discuss some of them that are taught in class yoga.

Hatha

This is one of the basic styles commonly taught. Hatha Yoga is slow-paced and gentle. A yoga class based on Hatha style provides good introduction to basic yoga. Hatha is very good for beginners.

Vinyasa

Vinyasa means breath-synchronized poses. This is a vigorous style of yoga. In this style, a series of poses are performed sequentially, in sync with the breathing movement. Vinayasa practice usually starts with Sun Salutations to help warm up the body and gradually moves to more strenuous poses that require intense stretching.

Ashtanga

Ashtanga means "eight limbs" and is often termed as Classical Yoga. Those who are looking for a good workout class should join a yoga school that teaches Ashtanga style. It is a fast-paced and intense style of yoga. In this a series of poses are always performed in the same order. This style is intense because one has to constantly move from one pose to another.

Iyengar

Iyengar class yoga is based on the teachings of Yogi B.K.S Iyengar. This style focuses on body alignment. According to this style, the maximum benefits of yoga are derived by properly aligning the body parts. This school emphasizes holding the poses for prolonged periods in order to get the alignment right. It also emphasizes the use of yoga accessories, such as blankets, straps and blocks, to help your body align properly.

Kundalini

This school of yoga emphasizes synchronization of breathing movement with physical movement. According to this school, when breathing movements are in sync with the physical ones, it helps to free the energy in the lower body and allow it to move upwards. In Kundalini Yoga, the movements are fast and repetitive. The poses are not held for a long time like in Iyengar yoga.

Bikram

Also known as Hot Yoga, it was developed by Bikram Choudhury. In Bikram School of yoga, poses are practiced in a room where the temperature is quite high. The heat helps loosen the tight muscles. And profuse sweating helps cleanse the body of toxins. It consists of a series of 26 poses that provide workout for all areas of the body.

These are some of the most popular forms of yoga being taught in the West. You should choose the style and class yoga that suits your body and your level of practice. In other words, if can perform the basic poses with ease, you can join an Ashtanga or a Vinayasa class. By choosing a class that suits your body and expertise, you will derive the most benefits out of yoga.