A Guide to the 6 Most Influential Yoga Styles

 Yoga is not “one thing”.  For centuries, yoga masters have innovated dozens of routines and styles.  Whether you want a hardcore yoga session or a less strenuous, more meditative practice, here is the complete guide to 6 of the most popular styles.  

 

1. Ayurvedic 

Resonates with yogis who appreciate a traditional practice focused on energy balance and healing.

Ayurvedic yoga is mentioned in the “Vedas” which are  Indian spiritual texts dating back more than 3000 years!  This style focuses on balancing the bodies bad energies aka “doshas”.  Some instructors first give their students a dosha “imbalance’ test to understand their needs and to design a customized routine for them.    Ayurvedic yoga practices are a combination of Pitta (fire), Kapha (earth and water), and Vata (air). All poses and breathing exercises are meant to challenge the practioner and help them explore their strength and limitations. 

Pitta – moderately intense to balance the fire and water elements.

Kapha – more rigorous and intense yoga postures to balance and strengthen the energies of earth and water element.

Vata – creative and energetic postures to combat anxiety, joint and back pain, and improve the nervous system.

 

2. Bikram Yoga

 

Resonates with yogis who like a set routine of demanding poses in a superheated environment.

This form  of hot yoga was first developed in Calcutta in the 1930s and was refined by the controversial Yoga Master, Bikram Coudhury,  in the 1970s.  Bikram features a precise sequence of 26 poses in heated rooms where the temperature is typically set to 105 degrees with 40% humidity. An intense class of 90 minutes with two breathing exercises in sauna-like rooms ensures practioners will literally drip with sweat. Bikram yoga session follows the same sequence in the same order –always repeating each pose twice. Proper alignment is the focus of the postures. The super-heated environment improves flexibility, blood circulation and release of salts and fats.

 

3. Yin Yoga

Resonates with Yogis looking to de-stress and heal

This gentle yoga style is known for its seated postures, slower transitions and emphasis on meditation . Poses are initially held for a minute –but by the end of a class they may be held for 5 minutes or more.   Yin yoga is rooted in the martial arts with focus on opening hips, thighs, and lower back.  Use of  props like blankets, bolsters, or blocks is encouraged for support and comfort.  Many yoga styles focus on building lean muscles --while yin yoga focuses on connective tissues and healing. 

Often practiced in candlelit rooms, Yin yoga  honors stillness and it’s practioners swear by it’s ability to create peace of mind.   

 4. Acrobatic Yoga

Resonates with couples and yogis who enjoy a sense of “play” in their practice.

Originating in 2003 by Jenny Suer Klein and Jason Namer, this style is just what its’ name implies –combining elements of acrobatics and  yoga to cultivate an awareness of the breath and body.  Most often practiced with at least one partner, this form strengthens the core, arms, and legs.  Sessions start with solo practice and then moves on to “partner yoga” or group work.  Variations include the following: 

Lunar – The receiver (flyer) remains passive and gives control to the giver (base) to support their weight while  they stretch, twist or even massage their partner. 

Solar – In this variation the “base” yogi and the flyer are active as they run through dynamic acrobatic poses. The solar session is both fun and empowering.

5. Power Yoga

Resonates with Yogis looking to strengthen muscles, burn calories and keep fit.

Power yoga runs through poses in fast succession. This form has many variations, but they all emphasize strength training and cardiovascular endurance.    Some forms owe a debt to British military exercises as well as Indian traditions.    The challenging sequences demand quick transitions from one pose to the next rather than holding and perfecting poses.

Despite the intense pace, mindfulness and focused breathing are still emphasized. –keeping the brain engaged while strengthening muscles, and increasing flexibility.  Keeping things interesting,  tribal dance, primal movements, core work and even weights are worked into sessions.

 

6. Hatha Yoga

Resonates with Yogis seeking mind body synergies.

Hatha yoga is an umbrella term that includes many different yoga styles –but all strike a nice balance between flexibility, breathing exercises, muscle strengthening and meditation.   

With its classical approach to breathing and exercise, Hatha is a great entry point for beginners due to it’s gentle pace. You might not come out sweating from Hatha yoga class  but you will  likely feel centered and relaxed.

 Unconventional & Fun Yoga Forms

• Scuba Yoga – scuba diving and yoga is said to deepen meditations through the power of the sea.
• Laughter Yoga – improves cardiovascular health and combats depression and anxiety
• Karaoke Yoga – Brings enthusiastic people together to sing along while doing a mix of yoga poses and dance
• Anti-gravity Yoga – an unconventional yoga form carried out with participants suspended mid-air in silk wraps
• Hula Hoop Yoga – just as fun as it sounds
• 420 Yoga… ;) 

 

What are some of the styles that resonate with you?