What kind of Yoga is that?

Yoga was introduced to the West, as Eastern Philosophy studies, during the early 19th century. By the 1930's it was a fringe movement for health and vegetarianism. In the 1960's Transcendental Meditation became part of the yoga culture and the principles of yoga continued to change and evolve.

Today's yoga class is mainly concerned with the asanas or postures and there is a style for every taste. All yoga styles come from classical Hatha yoga poses, the differences are about emphasis, such as focusing on strict alignment of the body, coordination of breath and movement, holding the postures, or the flow from one posture to another. No style is better than another; it's simply a matter of personal preference. More important than any style is the student-teacher relationship.

A quick guide to some of the different Styles of Hatha Yoga:

Anahata Yoga aims to "deeply connect, expand and awaken" the students' hearts through the practice of breathing exercises (Pranayama), Yoga Postures (Asanas), and Meditation.

Ananda Yoga is a classical style of Hatha Yoga that uses relatively gentle asana and pranayama to awaken, experience, and begin to control the subtle energies within oneself, especially the energies of the chakras. One unique feature of this system is the use of silent affirmations while in the asanas.

Anusara Yoga is heart-oriented, spiritually inspiring, yet grounded in a deep knowledge of outer and inner body alignment. Each student's various abilities and limitations are deeply respected.

Ashtanga Yoga is also called Power Yoga and is physically demanding. Participants move through a series of flows jumping from one posture to another to build strength, flexibility and stamina. It's not for beginners or anyone who's been taking a leisurely approach to fitness.

Bharata Yoga stands for precision in alignment. In this Yoga Style, the founder developed a technique called Critical Alignment in which the mobility of the spine is the most significant feature.

Bikram Yoga, also called Hot Yoga involves 26 Postures and two Breathing exercises in a hot room. This is to systematically move fresh, oxygenated blood to the whole body, to each organ and fiber, restoring all systems to healthy working order.

Chair Yoga is for people with limited mobility who may have trouble getting up and down from a yoga mat. Chair Yoga provides gentle stretches and helps in regaining strength and balance.

Gitananda Yoga is a methodical and gradual approach. Starting off in a sitting position, warming-up exercises are done, then breathing techniques and Yoga Postures, and ends with a relaxation and concentration exercise.

Heart Yoga works the mind, heart, and emotions, stimulating the physical, mental, and spiritual levels.

Iyengar Yoga is one of the most popular styles of yoga in the world. It is noted for great attention to detail and the precise alignment of postures, as well as the use of props such as blocks and belts.

Integral Yoga was 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.

Kripalu Yoga is known as the Yoga of consciousness. It puts great emphasis on proper breath, alignment, coordinating breath and movement, and "honoring the wisdom of the body" -- you work according to the limits of your individual flexibility and strength. Alignment follows awareness.

Kundalini Yoga focuses on the centers on awakening the Kundalini, the energy (serpent power) which is found at the base of our spine.

Laughter Yoga uses the premise that you can laugh your problems and stress away. Students are encouraged to use laughter for breath work as they perform yoga poses.

Natya Yoga is also called Dance Yoga and uses flowing dance like yoga moves.

Nude Yoga is the practice of Yoga without wearing any form of clothing. It enables you to feel free and to do the poses and exercises without restrictions brought about by Yoga clothes.

Svaroopa Yoga teaches significantly different ways of doing familiar poses, emphasizing the opening of the spine by beginning at the tailbone and progressing through each spinal area in turn. Svaroopa is not an athletic endeavor, but a development of consciousness using the body as a tool.

Tantra Yoga is primarily concerned with inner, mystical experiences, contrary to popular notions that it is the Yoga of Sex or a form of couples' therapy. In Tantra, all mundane activities are opportunities to experience the divine, especially when they are approached with consciousness and intention.

Viniyoga Yoga has gained a reputation for being a therapeutic style of Yoga. Function is stressed over form. Practices may also include pranayama, meditation, reflection, study and other classic elements. This variation makes a Yoga practitioner feel peaceful and relaxed.

A hot new Manhattan trend is Yoga followed by chocolate and wine or gourmet meals. The good news is that these days you can find a variety of Yoga classes in most any town. Namaste!