Yoga Styles

Styles of Hatha Yoga

In the United States, the type of yoga most widely practiced is called hatha yoga. This is a physical practice that uses postures, or asanas, linked to the breath as the way to prepare the body for meditation. Hatha itself is practiced in many different forms and styles. Some of the most popular are:

Ashtanga.

This intense practice consists of 240 postures, done in six successive series, or vinyasas. As in all hatha yoga styles, the mind focuses on the breath and the breath moves the body. Physically demanding, this form of hatha yoga requires and develops strength, flexibility and stamina as it builds heat, or tapas, in the body. Ideal for those who want to work up a sweat, the vinyasas are done in rapid succession. K. Pattabhi Jois is credited with developing this style. Another popular practice called "power yoga" is a derivative of Ashtanga yoga.

(Note: The name Ashtanga is borrowed from the name of the eight-limbed yoga system described in Patanjali’s yoga sutras. Hatha yoga is one of the eight limbs.)

Bikram.

Based at the Yoga College of India in LA, a Bikram class, named for its developer and founder of the Yoga College of India, Bikram Choudhury, consists of 26 asanas, repeated twice along with two pranayama (breathing) exercises. Class is conducted in a room heated to nearly 100 degrees in order to warm the body and deepen the practice. Ongoing teacher training programs are held in Los Angeles, resulting in the style spreading throughout the country.

Iyengar.

The best know style of hatha yoga in the West, the focus of an Iyengar practice is on alignment. Therapeutic by design, this style is considered a safer practice than many others because it is rigorous in its attention correcting structural imbalances in the body. Another feature of this practice is the use of props, pillows, blankets, blocks, straps and chairs. Considered good for beginners, instructors often use straps or pillows to help participants into the postures. The style was developed and promoted by B.K.S. Iyengar. Teachers undergo a rigorous training program that includes anatomy, physiology and kinesiology in addition to yoga.

Kripalu.

Less concerned with the structural detail of a posture, Kripalu practice focuses on reconnecting the mind and body, while encouraging a gentle, compassionate and introspective approach. Described as "meditation in motion," this is an inner-directed form of yoga that helps the student to become more conscious of his physical, mental and emotional states. Postures are held for a long time in order to explore and release mental and spiritual blocks. This style was developed at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, located in Lennox, Mass.

Kundalini.

The focus of this style is to bring forth, or raise, the source energy, called Kundalini, believed to reside at the base of the spine. The practice uses a combination of breathing, postures, chanting and meditation techniques to arouse the Kundalini and channel it up through the chakras, or energy centers along the spine. Good for beginners, involves stretching and breathing, coordinating with breathing and meditation. This style was developed by Yogi Bhajan, founder of the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization (3HO).

Viniyoga.

Originally taught one-on-one and tailored to the individual, Viniyoga refers to a style of practice that emphasizes the breath and the spine, as opposed to achieving a particular external form. The focus is on practicing according to the individual’s particular needs and abilities. The approach was developed by T.K.V. Desikachar, son of Sri Krishnamacharya, who is considered the father of Western yoga. Krishnamacharya also trained B.K.S. Iyengar and K. Pattabhi Jois.

White Lotus Yoga.

This is a modified version of Ashtanga with asana sequences done in a dance-like flow. The somewhat aerobic practice was developed by Gunga White and Tracey Rich at the White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara. Classes are also taught at the Center for Yoga in Los Angeles.

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