Styles of Yoga

Bikram Choudhury’s yoga is hot, hot, hot, so be prepared to sweat, sweat, sweat. In class, they crank the thermostat up high, then perform a series of 26 asanas, sometimes twice, that is designed to “scientifically” warm and stretch muscles, ligaments and tendons in the order in which they should be stretched. Founder Bikram Choudhury […]

Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting on a chair, or standing using a chair for support. It is in the process of being recognized formally as a type of yoga distinct from other types, such as Iyengar Yoga or Ashtanga yoga. Often the poses, or Asanas, are adaptations of other Hatha yoga poses. Who teaches this style of yoga?

Hot Yoga is practiced in a room that is very warm. Wear lightweight exercise clothing, bring a towel and mat and have a supply of water with you. It’s for burning calories and becoming more flexible. Who teaches this style of yoga?

Developed by Swami Satchidananda, the man who taught the crowds at the original Woodstock to chant “Om,” Integral classes put almost as much emphasis on pranayama and meditation as they do on postures. Integral yoga is used by Dr. Dean Ornish in his groundbreaking work on reversing heart disease. Who teaches this style of yoga?

Ever think standing was just a matter of keeping your body on top of your legs? It’s hard to appreciate how involved a simple thing like just standing can be, how much concentration and how many subtle movements and adjustments it takes, until you take an Iyengar yoga class. Of course, the point is that […]