Types of Yoga

Trying yoga for the 1st time

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When I was 17 years old, I took my 1st yoga class. I wish I could say that yoga and I had an immediate love connection, but the truth is like many things in life, it was hard! At the time, I didn't know anything about yoga and the internet wasn't as useful as it is today. I leafed around in a phone book and randomly selected a yoga studio. I called the studio and the class schedule was on a recording. I selected an Iyengar class based on a convenient time. I didn't know what the different styles of yoga meant, isn't yoga just yoga??? The instructor was very precise in his instructions. I felt singled out in the class as the instructor kept helping me shift my body into different postures, bringing over props to get me into proper alignment. As far as the workout, being a physically active person, I concluded that I was not impressed by subtle and strange movements. To my surprise, the next day I woke up sooo sore, yoga had ignited a fire inside of my body by fueling muscles that I didn't even know I had!

Advice for your 1st yoga class

Starting my initial yoga practice with an Iyengar class wasn't a bad thing because it taught me a lot about body mechanics. This might be the exact thing that resonates with you and I say go for it! When people interested in trying yoga for the 1st time ask me what kind of class they should take, I generally recommend a Hatha class because the transitions are slower and I feel like that allows for the grace of learning something new. In my current yoga practice, I generally find myself drawn to heated vinyasa classes. I enjoy the rhythmic flow between movement and breath. There's something mentally detoxifying for me being able to leave my worries at the door and come out feeling recharged. Regardless of what type of yoga class you choose, I always lend the reminder to have fun, listen to your body and remember to breathe!

Common Types of Yoga Practice 

Ashtanga:  Translated as the "Eight Limb Path" in Sanskrit. It involves a physically demanding series of repetitive yoga postures. Ultimately, a disciplined practice ideal for a more experienced yogi. Beginning with 5 Sun Salutation A's, 5 Sun Salutation B's followed by a series of standing and floor postures.

Vinyasa: A style of yoga that incorporates movement and breath. A more fluid and athletic form of yoga adapted from Ashtanga yoga. Vinyasa may be taught in a heated room. 

Iyengar: A method that was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar. Poses are very precise and intentional with attention to detail for body mechanics and breathe work. The practice is often accompanied by the use of props. 

Bikram:  A disciplined sequence consisting of 26 basic postures each performed twice. Classes are taught in a hot humid room where the instructor challenges the student to reach deeper and farther into the pose. In my opinion, there are many great benefits of this practice. Unfortunately, it's also surrounded by some controversy. The method was created by founder Bikram Choudhury a man accused by multiple woman as being a sexual predator. He has since fled the US. 

Hatha: A blend of yoga styles that transition at a slower pace. An ideal practice for someone new to the yoga practice. 

Yin: A slow paced floor practice where positions are held for an extended amount of time. The practice improves flexibility, blood flow and focuses more on connective tissue. This can be a more meditative practice. 

Restorative yoga: A gentle practice that focuses on modified stretches and relaxation. Classes commonly utilizes bolsters, blocks and blankets.