styles of yoga
Ananda Yoga: This style of yoga is based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi . It includes Energization Exercises, a set of 39 movements developed to invigorate the energy channels before proceeding with asana and meditation.
Anusara Yoga: John Friend founded this rigorous style of hatha yoga in 1997. The word means "flowing with Grace." The philosophy of Anusara is that everything in the world is an embodiment of Supreme Consciousness. As we align our body, mind and spirit in asana practice, we align with the Divine and experience the flow of Grace. That experience is highly individualistic and modifications and variations for poses are given as is appropriate.
Ashtanga Yoga: Pattabi Jois developed this method of Yoga. It involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures. This process produces intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body and a calm mind.
Ananda Yoga: This style of yoga is based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi. It includes Energization Exercises, a set of 39 movements developed to invigorate the energy channels before proceeding with asana and meditation.
Anusara Yoga: John Friend founded this rigorous style of hatha yoga in 1997. The word means "flowing with Grace." The philosophy of Anusara is that everything in the world is an embodiment of Supreme Consciousness. As we align our body, mind and spirit in asana practice, we align with the Divine and experience the flow of Grace. That experience is highly individualistic and modifications and variations for poses are given as is appropriate.
Ashtanga Yoga: Pattabi Jois developed this method of Yoga. It involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures. This process produces intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body and a calm mind.
Bhakti Yoga: Bhakti yoga is the path of divine love. By thought, word, deed, practices, study of scripture, chanting and much more, the devotee becomes one with God. As in all forms of yoga, there are many approaches to this most natural path.
Bikram Yoga: Classical Bikram Yoga, developed by Bikram Choudhury, is a 90-minute class done in a heated room with a scripted sequence repeated twice. The 26 exercises and two pranayamas systematically move fresh, oxygenated blood to each organ and fiber, restoring all systems to healthy working order. Proper weight, muscle tone, vibrant good health and a sense of well-being are benefits.
Forrest Yoga: Ana Forrest has spent 30 years developing Forrest Yoga specifically to address Our People's stresses and challenges, both physical and emotional. We use intense pose sequences, compassionately taught, to develop skills in awakening each of the senses. Forrest Yoga teaches you to bring aliveness, using breath, into every cell of your body This ignites your passion for living. The pillars of Forrest Yoga are Breath, Strength, Integrity and Spirit . Our mission is to create in each of us a sense of freedom, a connection to our spirit and the courage to walk as our spirit dictates; thus, doing our part in "Mending the Hoop of the People". Forrest Yoga will teach you to Go Deeper , finding your Truth . Then, you to take these gifts you have earned Beyond the Mat into the rest of your life.
Hatha Yoga: Yoga is a vast collection of techniques and practices all aimed at integrating mind, body and spirit to achieve a state of enlightenment or oneness with the universe. Hatha yoga is the yoga of physical postures. It is one of the many paths of yoga. All forms of postural yoga are Hatha Yoga, however some forms originated with a particular teacher and are named for the teacher or for the style. A teacher that draws on and combines techniques from various sources will also use this term to describe their teaching.
Iyengar Yoga: The Hatha Yoga method developed by B.K. S. Iyengar places special focus on developing strength, endurance and correct body alignment in addition to flexibility and relaxation. Various props are used to train or support a wide range of students and enhance their experience of the postures.
Jivamukti Yoga: Sharon Gannon and David Life developed Jivamukti Yoga in the 1980's. They opened their first studio in New York in 1989 that seemed to fill a void in the yoga world. Jivamukti Yoga incorporates traditional yoga practices into a modern lifestyle without losing site of the ancient, universal goal of liberation. Pattabi Jois is a strong influence in this vigorous style of yoga.
Kripalu Yoga: Developed by Amrit Desai, this form of Hatha Yoga leads students through three stages of practice leading to spontaneous asana practice guided by inner wisdom and supported by prana (the energetic life force).
Kundalini Yoga: This dynamic system combines breathing, movement, stretching, meditation, chanting, relaxation and lifestyle training. Classes usually entail spine and flexibility warm-ups, a specific sequence for the energy or day at hand and relaxation and meditation. Some devotees of the founder of this style, Yogi Bhajan, live in ashrams and practice more advanced techniques. However, the teaching is open and available to all.
Power Yoga: This style of yoga was developed by Beryl Bender Birch and is a modified and shortened version of the Ashtanga Primary Series that she learned from Norman Allen, the first foreigner to study with Pattabi Jois. It is typically taught in a warm, not hot, room. Baron Baptiste and Brian Kest developed their own versions of Power Yoga.
Trul Khor Tibetan Yoga: Tsa lung Trul Khor or "magical movement, channels and inner breath currents" is a distinctive Tibetan practice of physical yoga that includes the essential components of breath awareness and mental concentration.
Viniyoga: Viniyoga is a term that describes the integration of elements of yoga to develop a practice specific to the individual's needs. It links breath and movement and adapts postures as is appropriate. Gary Kraftsow developed it from the teachings of T.K.V. Desikachar and T. Krishnamacharya.
Vinyasa Yoga: Heat building and fun. Asanas linked together to music forming flowing sequences in varying length. Each movement has a corresponding breath – an inhale or an exhale.
