How to Choose a Yoga Practice

Mind is All

Have you considered taking a yoga class, but are intimidated by the many types of yoga? There are several different kinds of yoga practices, and it can be difficult to determine which practice will be both easily available and accessible. The descriptions provided below should help you figure out which kind of yoga will be most enjoyable for you.

Ashtanga is the original yoga practice, and is widely respected. Ashtanga is a stenuous but paced workout that consists of working your way through a set series of yoga poses, all the while breathing through the movements. Ashtanga students practice the same series of poses until they master a level and are approved to move onto the next series.

Power yoga is the Westernized version that is probably being taught at the fitness center near you. Poses may or may not be more athletically demanding than some of those in Ashtanga yoga, and there are no set ways to teach or learn Power yoga. The poses may be presented in an athletically challenging order or pace, or they may be toned down to suit a gentler audience, depending on the instructor's preference.

Bikram yoga classes are heated to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, earning the nickname "hot yoga". Bikram yoga is fast-paced and consistent; the instructor will lead you through the same routine every time, including two series of breathing exercises.

Dahn yoga is somewhat new, being as it was started by Ilchi Lee in 1985. This form of yoga combines yoga poses with other martial arts techniques. The moves are coordinated such as to awaken your chi, releasing a free flow of chi through your chakras.

Another recently new type of yoga practice is Anasara yoga, developed by John Friend in the late nineties. Anasara yoga is very graceful and elegant, and the practice is combined with spiritual principles of seeking to embody the virtues of goodness, purity, and altruism.

In your pursuit of the best yoga practice, you may want to read up the practices in more detail or try out a DVD.