Yoga 101: Finding A Style For You

PASSIONS | by VALERIE GRIFFITH

I’M A WORRYWART, WHICH IS WHY I LOVE MY YOGA CLASS. In my practice of Viniyoga, a meditative style, I’ve learned how to use my breath to quiet my anxiety. I’m calmer.

© iSTOCKPHOTO.COM

All yoga is based on a Hindu discipline that integrates body, breath and mind. In the West, most yoga focuses on physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation.

I thought for years about taking a yoga class before I finally signed up. I worried yoga might be too woo-woo; I thought you had to be Gumby to do it; I was concerned I might keel over in a hot studio.

Truth be told, I just didn’t know which style of yoga was right for me.

Here are some  popular styles; perhaps you’ll discover a practice just right for you.

Vigorous Practice:

• Vinyasa: Combines flowing postures with rhythmic breathing for an intense workout.
• Ashtanga: Based on a series of asanas that increase in difficulty. Students jump from one asana to another to build strength, flexibility and stamina. Not for beginners.
• Power Yoga: Ashtanga with a Western twist. A rigorous workout that develops strength and flexibility through challenging poses and constant movement. 

Focused Practice:

• Iyengar: Intense focus on alignment and body awareness within a posture. Poses are held longer and refined.

Healing Practice: 

• Bikram: With thermostats set to 105 degrees, students complete 26 asanas to warm and stretch the muscles; sweating is thought to cleanse toxins from the body. Check with your doctor first.
• Hatha: In Sanskrit, Ha means sun and tha means moon, thus Hatha describes the union between opposites: the physical and spiritual. Meditative, focused on alignment, slower paced than other styles.
• Viniyoga: Coordinates gentle movement with breath. Restorative and therapeutic. For people of all levels, including those with limited mobility.