Types of Yoga

Svaroopa, Anusara, Ananda, Bikram? Huh? I don't get it!

Well you probably guessed it from the title of this article, below are some of the various types of yoga. Looking at the names, and not having a clue as to what they mean, could make you turn around and run, giving up on yoga all together.

We really don't want to see that happen, so we are going to break down those practices for you, and try to explain them in simple terms, so you can walk into the gym, fitness center, or yoga studio, and know exactly which class you are wanting to take.

Below are the types of yoga:

Ananda Yoga

This type of yoga is designed to integrate, and harmonize all levels of your being such as your physical, mental, and spiritual. It focuses on gentle postures designed to move the energy up to the brain, and prepare the body for meditation. The Ananda Yoga also focuses on proper body alignment, and controlled breathing.

Anusara Yoga

Anusara (a-nu-sar-a) means "flowing from Grace", "flowing with Nature", "following your heart."

Anusara is a form of Hatha yoga founded by John Friend in 1997. In keeping with its name "following your heart", Anusara yoga focuses on heart opening poses. These poses can be a little challenges, but the real message of Anusara is to open your heart, and strive to connect with the divine in yourself and others.

Ashtanga (or Astanga) Yoga

Ashtanga is a yoga practice handed down to the our present-day world by Sri K Pattabhi Jois.

This style of yoga requires a lot of discipline, focus, and strength. It involves integrating breathing with progressive, and continuous series of postures - a process producing intense internal heat, and a purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs.

The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Ashtanga is not for beginners, it is an athletic yoga practice.

Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga is the method of yoga that is a complete workout which includes all the components of fitness such as: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular flexibility, and weight loss.

It was founded by Bikram Choudhury, a gold medal Olympian weight lifter in 1963. He is a disciple of Bishnu Ghosh, brother of Paramahansa Yogananda.

This type of yoga is the only one that specializes in using a heated environment with heat being around 95 to 105 degrees in temperature. It is one of the most beneficial aspects of Bikram's yoga practice because the heat promotes more flexibility, detoxification, and it prevents injuries.

Christian Yoga

The Christian yoga philosophy is simple: We believe that God will bless us for taking the time to have a deep relationship with him (God).

This Christian approach to yoga allows them to become physically fit, and spiritually strong. They teach that they become more strong spiritually through yoga practice by calming their minds, and quieting themselves to the point that they can tune out the worldly noise and tune into Gods frequency.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is a basic form of yoga that is easy to learn. It has become very popular in the United States.

Hatha yoga is the basis of all yoga styles. It incorporates asanas (postures), pranayama (regulated breathing), meditation (Dhahrana & Dhyana), and Kundalini (Laya yoga) into a comprehensive system that is used to achieve enlightenment of self awareness.

It has become very popular in the United States as a source of exercise, and stress management.

The idyllic way to practice Hatha yoga asanas (poses) is to approach the practice session in a calm, meditative mood. Sit quietly for a few minutes, then begin the series, slowly, with control and grace, being silently aware as the body performs the various poses selected for the practice session.

Do not overdo the asanas, or try to compete with others. Take it easy and enjoy the moment.

Integral Yoga

This traditional type yoga helps you to realize the spiritual unity behind all diversity in the universe, and to live in harmony as being one in a universal family.

This type of yoga combines postures, breathing exercises, selfless service, meditation, chanting, prayer, and self query.

By practicing Integral Yoga, we develope a relaxed body, a peaceful mind, and a useful life.

Ishta Yoga

This type of yoga was developed by a South African teacher Mani Finger. It was made popular in the United States by his son Alan.

Ishta (integral science of Hatha and the Tantric Arts) focuses on opening the energy channels throughout the body with postures, visualizations, and meditation.

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar more than 50 years ago. This form of yoga is great for beginners because it offers different levels of participation.

Iyengar classes uses props, such as belts, blocks, exercise balls, and blankets. These props are helpful for beginners, people who are overweight, sick and disabled.

Iyengar yoga promotes strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance through coordinated breathing, and poses, that require precise body alignment.

Iyengar is one of the most popular types of yoga taught today.

Jivamukti Yoga

Juvamukti yoga was developed by Sharon Gannon and David Life in 1986. They currently operate a popular yoga studio in New York City.

This method of yoga expresses the spiritual, and moral aspects of the practice of yoga, that have been overlooked or altered in present-day times.

It is an energetic and challenging asana form with an emphasis on scriptural study, Sanskrit chanting, vegetarianism, non violence, meditation, devotion to God, and the role that music, and listening, play a part, in the practice of yoga.

Jnana Yoga

Jnana yoga is another common type of yoga. This type of yoga shows you how to use your mind in ways you wouldn't normally do.

The objective of Jnana yoga is to work until you discover wisdom, and then achieve liberation through that wisdom, without any rituals or ceremonies.

Wisdom comes from appreciating, and recognizing the intrinsic value of judgement and experience in life.

Karma Yoga

Karma yoga accentuates selfless deeds and service. The primary idea is simply that humans must always work in harmony with God, or the great power that controls, or runs the universe. If you follow this principle correctly, then the idea is that you would not be controlled anymore by your ego.

Kali Ray TriYoga

Kali Ray TriYoga was developed by Kali Ray in 1980. She runs a TriYoga Center in Santa Cruz, California.

It is a series of flowing, dance like movements. This practice also incorporates panayama (breathing exercises) and meditation.

Kripalu Yoga

Kripalu is the yoga of consciousness. This gentle and meditative practice urges practitioners to hold poses to explore, and release emotional, and spiritual blockages. Ambitious attempts are discouraged, and precise alignment is not as important as in some other traditions. There are three states of Kripalu yoga:

1. Stage one focuses on learning the postures, and exploring your bodies abilities.
2. Stage two involves holding the postures for an extended period of time for developing concentration, and inner awareness.
3. Stage three is a meditation in motion, wherein the movement from one posture to another flows unconsciously, and instinctively.

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini yoga concentrates on awakening the energy at the base of the spine, and drawing it forward. In addition to asanas, a typical class also includes: chanting, meditation, and breathing exercises.

Laughter Yoga (Hasyayoga)

Laughter yoga was developed by Indian Guru Jiten Kohi. It is a form of yoga that brings into play self triggered laughter. The "laughter" is physical in nature, and does not necessarily involve humor or comedy.

Power Yoga

Power yoga is basically yoga with strength. It is the American version of ashtanga yoga. It is a discipline that combines stretching, strength training, and meditative breathing. This type of yoga takes ashtanga one step further.

Several of the asanas (poses or postures) resemble basic calisthenics such as push ups, handstands, toe touches, and side bends.

The key to Power yoga lies in the sweaty pace of muscle building. Instead of pausing between poses as you would in traditional yoga, each move flows into the next, making it an intense aerobic workout.

Purna Yoga

Purna or integral yoga is an improvised form developed from the traditional yoga techniques of India. This type of yoga puts emphasis on the significance of Karma in your daily life. Therefore it is an optimistic and vigorous form of yoga. This yoga has three stages of integration:

1. The integration of the inner
2. The integration of the human psyche with its external surroundings
3. The integration of the psyche with it eventual spiritual background.

Raja Yoga

Raha yoga is the "catch all" branch of yoga. It is is described as the universal answer and solution that enables absolute, and holistic healing.

Raha yoga enables an individual to accomplish, and attain achievements, and meet their responsibilities in a balanced, steady, and progressive way.

When practicing this form of yoga a person draws closer into harmony, and synchronization with other human beings and their surroundings.

Restorative Yoga

In a restorative yoga practice, you will spend long periods of time lying on blocks, blankets, and yoga bolsters, inertly allowing the muscles to relax.

Svaroopa Yoga

Svaroopa is an great style for beginners, who are interested in beginning a yoga practice, or those looking to improve their flexibility.

This yoga style blends moderately challenging poses, or asanas, with core opening exercises. They often begin in chair poses that are comfortable.

This type of yoga promotes healing and transformation.

Vini Yoga

This yoga is commonly used as a therapeutic practice for people who have injuries, or are recovering from surgery. It is a gentle healing tailored to each person's body type, and needs, as they grow and change.

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa Yoga began with Krishnamacharya who later passed it on to Pattabhi Jois.

This particular yoga focuses on synchronization of breath and movement. It is a very physical form of yoga.

White Lotus Yoga

White Lotus yoga was developed by Ganga White. It is a modified Ashtanga practice. This particular yoga is a combination of breath work and meditation.

In Conclusion

While learning more and more about the different types of yoga, I have come to realize that it is considered more of a practice, rather than a form of exercise. Yogi's practice to be fully in the moment, and to perform each movement to their fullest potential. They strive to improve their balance, their self awareness, and focus as they practice to become stronger, or more efficient.

They aim for their best through practicing a series of motions over and over again. They look deep within themselves to find the strength and focus to push through a challenging pose.

Looking at yoga as an enhancement to your training will provide you another way to become stronger, more mentally focused, and more attuned to the universe. This is something that we should all be looking into.

There are several types of yoga to choose from, but from what I have learned they are all their to improve us from the inside out.

Namaste`