Major Yoga Styles

Yoga, the “Eight Limbed” path to enlightenment that seeks to unify the body, mind and spirit, has many different styles or approaches. This ancient Eastern philosophy has taken hold in the West. Cities and towns all over the United States now have Yoga studios each with their own styles of yoga and many more people now do not feel intimidated about signing up for a yoga class for fitness and relaxation.

If you have been around the topic of Yoga for any length of time, you have head several different Sanskrit words being tossed around. What do all of these different styles of yoga mean? Which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at some of the Major yoga styles so that you can decide which of these yoga styles might be right for you.

Ananda yoga: pioneered by Swami Kriyananda, (Donald J. Walters), this style of yoga emphasizes meditation and affirmations while asanas are being performed.

Anusara yoga: which means "following your heart," was developed by John Friend in 1997. This style integrates heart celebration, and principles of alignment and balance while performing asanas.

Ashtanga yoga: this is power yoga that was developed by K. Pattabhi Jois. It moves at a fast pace in a continual flow to build flexibility, strength and stamina.

Bikram yoga: developed by Bikram Choudhury, these classes take place in a room that is heated from 85 to 100 degrees with a vigorous workout that is designed to cleanse and purify the body.

Integral yoga: developed by Swami Satchidananda, this style places the same emphases on pranayama (breath) and meditation as the asanas.

Iyengar yoga: developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, this style focuses on holding poses for a long time.

Kripalu: described as meditation in motion, this style was developed by Yogi Amrit Desai.

Kundalini: Sikh Yogi Bhajan began to teach this once secret style in 1969.

Sivananda: developed by Swami Vishnu-devananda, this style takes a gentle approach to Yoga.

Tantra: this ancient style focuses on stimulating sensual spirituality.

Viniyoga: developed by T.K.V. Desikachar, this gentle yoga coordinates breath with movement.

When you have yoga enthusiasts who are also dog lovers you get doggie style yoga, which are yoga classes where you bring your beloved dog to class with you.

Regardless of which of the Hatha style yoga you choose, each one has something unique to offer the student. What matters most is that the student embarks on their study with an open mind and heart prepared to learn and grow on this life long path.