Styles of Yoga

Style is all about personal choice. Be it fashion or yoga, the flare is for you to decide.

Maybe your accessories are bolsters and blankets, or it could be cork blocks and a sweat soaked towel. You can mix patterns and textures to suit the season of life your in. So why not mix and match practices? Today we'll take a look at some more commonly known physical yoga practices. Come on, let's find your ensemble!

We'll keep it simple. Please know these are not text book definitions rather my impression how an experience in these types of classes will go. Although my background is primarily Hot Vinyasa I know there is something to be learned from all forms, especially the ones I avoid.

Hatha Yoga -

Listen, if you're already wearing linen and concerned with skin care rather than make-up this is the class for you. Strong and leisurely this is the class for those who wave for the next driver to "go on ahead now". Patience is primary as you indulge in the postures and converse with your self. This will challenge the busy bodies and feel like a vacation to those who enjoy taking it slow.

Ashtanga-

This practice is the crème de la crème for those who can be categorized as Type A. Should you like knowing what to expect, when to expect it, and have your quarterly goal in mind at all times-- Ashtanga is for you. Just like the military this practice has zero regard for your body, but everyone thinks it'll give you discipline, so why not ruin your knees?

Kundalini-

As this is the style I have the least interaction with i'll keep it brief. If you're an extrovert or looking to become one, this is the one-stop shop. Get reacquainted with your body, voice and sense of self. Kundalini is a practice that can give a mouse the presence of a lion.

Iyengar-

Bring on the props! In Iyengar style classes you can expect far fewer poses yet explore them deeper than ever before. With some postures taking several minutes to coordinate and support. An instructor will guide you with the help typical yoga props as well as chairs, walls, straps and an occasional heel-- if you're lucky. This is also a fairly strict practice, never have I been corrected/ adjusted/ mildly scolded as much as I was here. I loved it, but understandably some do not. This is also one of the few lineages that has you sign an agreement that upon completion of teacher training you will only teach Iyengar style yoga. Definitely a vibe.

Vinyasa Yoga-

The love of my life. Sigh. Vinyasa, meaning breath with movement, this is your typical style class that you will come across in most western studios. It's the most open format with the largest opportunity for creative and thoughtful sequencing. No two Vinyasa classes are alike, but all are focused on providing a full body experience with the breath as your focus. You can often find Vinyasa classes tiered as beginner / intermediate / advanced style format. Then again, this style can also invite some of the most broad descriptions. It's not uncommon to see more vague formats such as : Invigorate / Float / Fire, some florid word that gives you no description at all. Be sure to look at the descriptions provided by the studio.

Hot Yoga-

Typically Vinyasa style classes. However, you can also find styles such as Bikram and Baptiste under this category as well. Both Bikram and Baptiste saw and understood the benefits of practicing in a climate that emulate the conditions yoga was cultivated: Hot & Humid. Unfortunately, Bikram and Baptist let their egos get the best of them both lineages have suffered from cultish claims and assault scandals. Rocket Yoga can also be placed in the Hot Yoga category. Hot, powerful, great if you're working on explosive movements and or handstands. Keep in mind, the first Rocket series has over 50 vinyasas (Chaturanga -> Updog - > Down Dog) within the sequence. Something to take into consideration if you're working with any type of repetitive stress injury.

Acro Yoga-

I find this practice to be more common on the coasts while mid-America tends to hold workshops rather than fixed classes. However, when you're able to find this class find a partner and book it as soon as possible! Although most don't require you to have a partner when booking, it's definitely a fun activity for friends or even date night. You'll engage in playful postures that will be sure to leave you feeling confident and close.

Aerial Yoga-

Same as with Acro, more commonly found in larger cities. However, you can occasionally find floor to ceiling silks classes in gyms rather than yoga studios. Whereas a yoga studio that offers Aerial Yoga will typically have yoga hammocks for you to use, which is much more supportive and comforting.

Soft Yoga-

I've found that with the growth in varieties and styles of yoga the class that gets labeled as soft is geared towards an over 50s crowd. When in reality everyone who avoids a soft class because it's too slow... is exactly the person who needs it, i.e. me. In my own soft style classes you should expect to use more props than usual, holding postures, slow movements and limited time standing-- unless utilizing the wall in some capacity. I also find these classes really indulge in their savasana.

Yin Yoga-

Yin yoga similar to Iyengar in that you'll hold your postures for quite a long time while being supported by loads of props. Unlike Iyengar, all the poses will be relaxing postures to invite softness and relaxation. This is also another class that if you avoid, you likely need. I find the yin and soft style classes to be the most mentally challenging as the require the most focus and the ability to surrender.

Yoga Nidra-

Literally translates into Yogic Sleep. It's a meditative practice that helps to relax the mind and body. It is a practice that has you lying down accompanied by a guided meditation. The type of meditation can differ practice to practice, but its ultimate goal is to create a habit of mindful rest. How often do you say you're resting only to be sitting yet still checking off to-do lists in your mind?

Yoga Therapy-

According to Larry, "Yoga therapy adapts the practice of Yoga to the needs of people with specific or persistent health problems not usually addressed in a group class." That is, Larry Payne, Ph.D. Samata Yoga Center (U.S.A.). Yoga Therapy is a growing field that is gaining momentum by the day. I myself am in training to become a Yoga Therapist and have already seen improvements in my own father by applying it's techniques. A yoga therapist can help someone who has never practiced yoga before create a personal practice that addresses their own unique needs.

Ultimately, the choice is yours but never hesitate to ask your local studio what style classes they offer and which would serve your current goals best. Just like in fashion, yoga styles and trends recycle. What once was considered old-fashioned will again be made new. I guess what I'm getting at is, try everything on and be sure to buy what you like in every color.

XOXO

KEN