Let’s start off with a couple of general terms that can be used to describe a number of yoga types:
Hatha Yoga
This type of yoga is good for beginners and only includes some basic poses. They are slow-paced, gentle, and done with soothing music.
Vinyasa Yoga
These are physical movements which are synchronised with your breathing. It usually begins with a vigorous warm-up including “Sun Salutations.” Physical movements are matched with breath here. Towards the end, more strenuous movements are practised too.
Now let’s take a look at a few popular types of yoga. One thing you will notice about them is that they are usually named after the yoga teachers who invented them:
Kundalini Yoga
This form of yoga uses repeated, quick movements instead of long holds in a fixed position. There might be a little chanting too during the class. Breath control is essential here too. The desired result is to move energy from the lower to the upper body.
Bikram Yoga
This is sometimes called hot yoga. It consists of twenty-six moves. Not all of them are used in every class though. It’s performed in a hot room with temperatures ranging from 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It makes for a cleansing sweat and allows your muscles to relax too.
Ashtanga Yoga
This is an intense and quick flow type of yoga. Movements are performed in a particular order in this form of yoga. Power yoga is derived from this type. It has the same flow but might not have to same pose set. Both are usually used for losing weight.
Iyengar Yoga
This type of yoga pays attention to the proper alignment of the body. It has a slow flow and emphasises on long holds. It also uses a number of props like blankets, straps, etc. to help you get the proper alignment for the positions.
Anusara Yoga
This type of yoga was created specifically as a light hearted class which was beneficial and open to yoga students of any level. It includes the positive philosophy of Tantra and emphasises physical alignment from Iyengar.
Jivamukti Yoga
This has been inspired by Ashtanga and promotes meditation, chanting and looks into the spiritual realm. These classes are usually found in the United States and are quite challenging physically.
Sivananda Yoga
This type of yoga involves much more than just simple classes. There are five basic principles here, proper exercise, proper breathing, proper diet, meditation and positive thoughts.