Have you been thinking about taking a yoga class, but are overwhelmed by the many choices? There are many types of yoga, some of which are widely available and some of which are only taught at specialized yoga studios. This simple guide will help you determine which type of yoga practice is best for you.
Ashtanga is the original yoga practice, and is widely respected. Ashtanga is athletically demanding but paced such that you will work through a series of asana while breathing through the movements. An Astanga yoga practice will require you to master one set of asana before you are promoted to the next level.
Power yoga is the American version of yoga, the one you'll find at most gymnasiums and community centers. Poses may or may not be more athletically demanding than some of those in Ashtanga yoga, and there are no set ways to teach or learn Power yoga. You will still breathe in coordination with the poses, but many of the poses may be altered to provide more or less muscle work than the originals.
Bikram yoga is practiced in heated rooms that may reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Bikram yoga moves fast, is very physically demanding, and always follows the same routine, which includes breathing exercises.
Dahn yoga is relatively a new yoga practice, begun by Ilchi Lee in the mid-eighties. Dahn yoga combines martial arts with yoga asana. The practice is intended to free the flow of chi so you have unfettered flow of energy throughout your body.
Another recently new type of yoga practice is Anasara yoga, developed by John Friend in the late nineties. Anasara yoga is very graceful and elegant, and the practice is combined with spiritual principles of seeking to embody the virtues of goodness, purity, and altruism.
You may wish to read more about the different types of yoga or try a few yoga DVDs to see which form you prefer before you seek out a yoga studio near you.
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