Yoga is becoming more and more popular in the Western world. The number of yoga classes is increasing, and there are a lot of different types of yoga. Hatha Yoga, Astaga Yoga, Power Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and many more
This article helps you understand the difference between the most popular Yoga types so you can choose which type to match for you.
Hatha Yoga – Sanskrit (India's ancient classical language) "If" means "day" and "tha" meaning "moon". This type of yoga is relatively slow, gentle yoga and a good starting point if you are completely new to yoga and you do not know the asans (poses). Like all kinds of yoga, the goal of Hatha Yoga is to unite the mind, body, and spirit.
Ashtanga Yoga – This is the kind of yoga I regularly practice and the term "eight limbs" in Sanskrit. It is a fast moving, intense style of yoga practice, and is based on its progressive series of aszane, synchronized with the breath. The Astanga Yoga is quite physically demanding as you are constantly switching from asan to series to the next so you will find it will improve your endurance, flexibility and strength.
Power Yoga – It is a Western interpretation of Yoga, and is based on the Astanga Yoga. The Power Yoga class does not necessarily adhere to the exact line of poses, such as Ashtanga Yoga, but it includes the practice of posting a set of postures without stopping and starting.
Iyengar Yoga – This kind of yoga for correct alignment of BKS Igengar and body and concentrates on its shape. As opposed to Ashtanga Yoga, a lot of emphasis is placed on keeping postures for a long time rather than moving from one position to the next. Iyengar Yoga uses elements such as blocks and straps to help align the body to different poses.
Vinyasa yoga – Vinyasa is breathtaking motion and another fast-paced yoga, breathing. Practice usually starts with a daily greeting and moves toward more intensive stretching. In practice, all poses are balanced with a counter pole
Bikram Yoga – also known as "Hot Yoga", is a 105-degree, 40% humidity room. In general, 26 different poses series are available in the Bikram Yoga class and hot temperatures help relax the muscles. Because of the high temperature, most people lose a lot during the class and this helps to clean the toxins.
If you just start or never do yoga before, I suggest you try some different types of yoga to find out what you love best.
Remember, there is no rule telling you to insist on a kind of yoga. I like Ashtanga Yoga best, but I'm going to be a bit more varied for the occasional Iyengar and Hatha yoga classes.