Online Holistic Directory  |  Events  |  Advertise With Us  |  Contact Us

Home Current Issue Archives About Us

It is difficult to keep up with all of the new forms of Hatha Yoga which are popping up these days. Here is a general guide for some of the more popular styles, but it isn’t an inclusive list. When you select a Yoga class, you might want to consider whether you are more interested in a relaxing meditative style or an athletic workout. Some classes are steeped in Yogic tradition, while some contemporary styles have a trendier feel. It’s important to select a teacher who is well trained, knowledgeable and conscientious. Your teacher should be capable of instructing you within your physical limits as well as pushing you to new levels at the correct time. Visit a few different classes to discover the right style, pace and teacher for you.

Ananda Yoga
This is a gentle style of Hatha Yoga inspired by Sri Paramahansa Yogananda. Meditation and affirmations, such as “I’m getting stronger and more focused” are integral to the practice of postures.

Anusara Yoga
Founded by John Friend, this Hatha Yoga style is a combination of Friend’s training with Iyengar, Kashimir Shaivism ala Gurumayi Chidvilasananda of Muktananda’s Siddha Yoga mixed with some devotional practices and breath work. The pace of the class depends on the level and the teacher. It can be slow and methodical or almost athletic like the “Vinyasa Yoga.”

Ashtanga Yoga
This challenging vigorous, yet flowing Hatha Yoga style was developed by Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. His teacher was Krishnamacharya. There are six different series in the system and the flowing postures are taught within a specific sequence. The first Series covers 70 postures in 90 minutes. There is also a significant practice of bandhas (locks), rapid breathing and focused gazes with the postures.

Power Vinyasa Yoga
This is a Vinyasa style developed by Baron Baptiste, who was influenced by Bikkram. The room temp is set at 90 degrees and the session usually follows one Vinyasa-type sequence. Again, this is a “flow” Yoga, but it is a workout.

Bikkram Yoga
Developed by Bikkram Choudhury who also studied with Krishnamacharya. These classes are standardized by practicing the same 26 postures in two different cycles in rooms of 105 degrees, supposedly to sweat out the impurities and to protect the muscles from injuries. Meditation isn’t included within this particular Hatha Yoga. It is also called “hot Yoga.”

Forrest Yoga
Ana Forrest has consolidated Iyenger Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, and Native American shamanism with her own twist. Typically these classes have a strong Vinyasa influence with significant time in each of the postures.

Integral Yoga
Created by Swami Satchidananda and a derivative of the style taught by his teacher, Sri Sivananda Saraswati in Rishikesh. There is a meditative feel to these classes. Pranayama, chanting and meditation are integrated into the session. This is somewhat a gentle approach to Hatha Yoga, but you will still feel a workout.

Iyengar Yoga
This form developed by B.K.S. Iyengar focuses on alignment, precise movements and anatomical awareness. Precision of movement is key. Iyengar introduced props to Hatha Yoga such as straps and blocks. You won’t find any instruction about meditation or breathing exercises in an Iyengar class. It is considered a rigorous practice.

Kripalu Yoga
This well rounded approach was formulated by Yogi Amrit Desai, co-founder of the Kripalu Ashram. Meditation, breathing exercises and heart-centered postures are the focus in these classes. You will get very good stretches.

3 HO Kundalini Yoga
Yogi Bhajan developed this Yoga to activate the sacred fire of the Kundalini. Expect a lot of pranayama, especially “the breath of fire,” mudras, bandhas and mantra reciting mixed with the postures. Very energizing.

Power Yoga or Vinyasa Yoga
Another blend of “flow” Vinyasa and Ashtanga Yogas, but the sequencing is different than Ashtanga Yoga. Poses are linked by sun-salutation-like sequences. Rhythmic “Ujjayi Breathing,” bandhas and focused gazes are integrated into the “flow.” The class can vary in intensity, but usually they are challenging and athletic.

Sivananda Yoga
Swami Vishnudevananda developed this style as homage to his teacher, Sri Sivananda Saraswati. It is a more traditional format which includes the sun salutation, at least 12 postures, breathing exercises and meditation. Balances, stretches and inversions are included within the class. It’s a more gentle form than the Vinyasa or Ashtanga versions, but you will receive a good workout.

Svaroopa Yoga
This gentle form includes long poses, lots of props, and a range of techniques to release tension. Based on releasing tension from your core. It was developed by Rama Berch.

Vini Yoga
This is a gentler form of the Vinyasa Yoga than as taught by Krishnamacharya, and it stresses the therapeutic effects of the postures. The breath is carefully timed with movements and the postures.

Margueritte Meier was trained and certified as a Yoga Teacher and Yoga Siromani by Swami Vishnudevananda in 1973. She is also a Reiki Master/Teacher, artist, author and founder of Dancing Water Flower Essences. www.dancingwateressences.com, spirit@ dancing wateressences.com