Hatha yoga is a popular branch of yoga that focuses on physical postures, breathwork, and meditation. It is a great way to improve flexibility, balance, and overall well-being. Within the Hatha branch of yoga, there are many styles of yoga. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular styles of yoga, their origins, and their unique characteristics.
Viniyoga
Viniyoga was founded by T.K.V. Desikacher, son of Krishnamacharya. This style of yoga is all about mobilizing the spine and synchronizing the breath with movement. Viniyoga classes can vary, but there is always an emphasis on adapting the practice to suit the individual's needs.
Iyengar
Iyengar yoga was founded by B.K.S. Iyengar in the 1970s. It includes 200 classical postures and 14 pranayamas. Iyengar is credited with bringing props to yoga, and Iyengar classes are all about the props. If you want to become a yoga instructor for Iyengar Yoga, it is recommended that you check with an Iyengar school because they host their own trainings.
Anusara
Anusara yoga was founded by John Friend in 1997. It is centered around the universal principles of alignment. There are far fewer Anusara classes and trainings now than their once were.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga was founded by Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. It is a vigorous and purifying practice that links breath to movement. Ashtanga sequences are traditional and unchanging. Practitioners are first introduced to the primary series and once the primary series has been mastered, the secondary series is introduced.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa is a dynamic, flowing practice that connects breath to movement. It is quite popular in the West. In Vinyasa, strength and stamina are built through the transitions.
Kundalini
Kundalini yoga releases serpent energy within the body. This practice awakens energy in the body and moves it upwards.
Baptiste Yoga
Founded by Baron Baptiste, Baptiste Yoga is fast-paced and challenging. Classes are held in a hot room, about 90 degrees and classes last 90 minutes.
Bikram Yoga
Founded by Bikram Choudhury, this style of yoga includes an unchanging sequence of 26 postures. Classes are held in a hot room, about 105 degrees and with 40% humidity.
Integral Yoga
Founded by Sri. Swami Satchidananda, this style of yoga is both physical and spiritual. It incorporates six branches of yoga philosophy.
Jivamukti
Founded by David Life and Sharon Gannon in 1984, this is a Vinyasa-based style of yoga that is centered around five tenets: music, non-harming, devotion, meditation and scripture.
Ananda Yoga
This style of yoga is all about energy awareness, inner awareness, and higher consciousness. It includes chakra-based asana and pranayama.
Laughing Yoga
Founded by Dr. Kataria, laughing yoga is a mindfulness-based practice that combines laughter exercises, breathwork, and clapping.
Forrest Yoga
Founded by Anna Forrest in 1982, Forrest Yoga is a strength-based practice in a hotter environment that emphasizes self-love.
Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu is a system of yoga founded by Swami Kripalu that is designed to increase prana flow and includes asana, pranayama and meditation.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is a gentle, slow-paced style of yoga that uses props to support the body in relaxation poses. The focus is on deep relaxation and stress relief.
Power Yoga
Power yoga is a more athletic and fitness-focused style of yoga that emphasizes strength, flexibility, and stamina. It is often practiced in a heated room.
Hot Yoga
Hot yoga is a style of yoga that is practiced in a room heated to around 95-105°F. It can be any style of yoga, but it is usually a more vigorous practice.
Each of these styles of yoga offers a unique approach to the practice, and there is no right or wrong style to choose. It is important to find a style that resonates with you and supports your individual needs and goals.
In conclusion, the world of yoga is vast and diverse, with numerous styles and traditions to explore. Whether you are drawn to the physicality of Hatha yoga, the devotion of Bhakti yoga, the meditation of Raja yoga, the wisdom of Jnana yoga, the service of Karma yoga, or the ritual of Tantra yoga, there is a practice that can meet your needs and nourish your mind, body, and spirit. So, take the time to explore and discover the style of yoga that resonates with you, and enjoy the many benefits that this ancient practice has to offer.
Moms on Meditation is a wellness provider in Janesville, WI that offers in-person and virtual yoga and meditation classes. Their mission is to provide a space for mothers to come together and practice self-care through movement and meditation. In-person classes are held at The Yoga Room and public spaces, which is designed to be a calm and welcoming environment. For those who cannot attend in-person, they also offer virtual classes through their online platform. With a variety of classes to choose from, including Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga, as well as meditation classes, Moms on Meditation is dedicated to helping mothers prioritize their physical and mental well-being.
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