With so many different styles of yoga on the island, how do you pick a class? You may have tried yoga at a studio or at your gym, but by understanding the different types of yoga a little better you’ll know exactly which class you need in your life today.
Remember you don’t have to dedicate yourself to one particular style of yoga (you sure can if that works for you). You might realize that at different times of the day, days of the week or times of the year different yoga styles resonate with you best.
“ Let go of any expectations; you might surprise yourself and find joy in something that you thought was not going to work for you.”
Read on to explore some of the most popular types of yoga, and discover which one might be the best fit for you.
Hatha Yoga
The term Hatha is derived from the Sanskrit ha, meaning "sun," and tha, meaning "moon." This traditional practice includes the practice of asanas and pranayama (breathing exercises), which help bring peace to the mind and body, preparing the body for deeper spiritual practices such as meditation. Most hatha classes move a little slower and give you a chance to really get into the pose.
Ashtanga Yoga
In Sanskrit Ashtanga is translated as "Eight Limb path." It was brought to the United States by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the early 20th century.
Ashtanga yoga involves a challenging sequence of postures, Like Vinyasa yoga, the Ashtanga yoga asanas (postures) synchronize breath with movement as you move through a series of postures. The series of postures are practiced the same way every time and consist of Sun Salutation A, Sun Salutation B, a standing sequence, and a closing sequence. The practice is usually performed without music, and sometimes without verbal instruction (in silence).
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is a practice that is all about slowing down and opening your body through passive stretching.
In a restorative yoga class you might do as few as five or six postures which are held for long periods of time. Props are used in order to allow the body to be in the most comfortable, supported position possible.
Kundalini yoga
Kundalini Yoga is a blend of Bhakti Yoga (the yogic practice of devotion and chanting), Raja Yoga (the practice of mediation/mental and physical control) and Shakti Yoga, (for the expression of power and energy).
The primary aim of Kundalini yoga is to awaken the kundalini energy, which lies coiled, serpent-like, at the base of the spine. In Kundalini yoga, practitioners use breathing exercises, physical postures, chanting and meditation to unlock this energy.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa means "to place in a special way" and in this case yoga postures. This style of yoga was adapted from Ashtanga yoga in the 1980s. Vinyasa classes (often referred to as ‘flow classes’) offer a variety of postures and no two classes are ever alike.
In these classes, the movement is coordinated with your breath and movement to flow from one pose to another. Vinyasa can move quickly but it’s still a meditative practice.
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar yoga was founded by B.K.S. Iyengar and focuses on alignment as well as detailed and precise movements. Iyengar relies heavily on props (bolsters, blankets, blocks and straps) to help students perfect their form and go deeper into poses in a safe way.
Kemetic Yoga
Kemetic Yoga refers to a holistic spiritual system of self-development created by the sages of ancient Egypt. Kemetic yoga is understanding our connection to the spirits of our ancestors and the true nature of Divine Universal Forces. This practice emphasis developing skills of patience and concentration, control of the breath, and the body.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga was designed by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s, who brought the practice to California from India.
Class consists of a sequence of set poses in a sauna-like room—typically set to 36 degrees and 40 percent humidity. The sequence includes a series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is a practice that is all about slowing down and opening your body through passive stretching.
In a restorative yoga class you might do as few as five or six postures, which are held for long periods of time. Props are used in order to allow the body to be in the most comfortable, supported position possible.
Trying a new class
If you are raking a new class or your first class with a new teacher, come to class with an open mind. Let go of any expectations; you might surprise yourself and find joy in something that you thought was not going to work for you. Whenever you practice yoga, embrace it with love and gratitude.