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Rhode Island Monthly /  April 2008 /  Om School /  The Many Limbs of Yoga

The Many Limbs of Yoga

Yoga is a complex Eastern philosophical system. When people mention yoga in the West, they’re generally referring to just one part of this system: the practice of asanas, or poses that you make with your body. Below are some of the common types of yoga classes. Keep in mind that teachers will often draw on multiple traditions in one class.

Amrit • A style developed by Amrit Desai, one of the pioneers of yoga in the West who founded the Kripalu Center, the world-renowned center for yoga in Massachusetts. Like Kripalu Yoga (see below), the focus is more on the process than getting the posture “right.”

Anusara •This practice was developed by John Friend in 1997 and is focused on “a celebration of the heart” and finding the good in all things. In class, the teacher presents a theme for reflection and then instructs a series of poses, each set beginning with a “heart opener.”

Ashtanga Vinyasa • A vigorous and specific sequence of postures that connect breath to movement. This is a faster-paced or aerobic style of yoga with limited time for hands-on adjustments, so some yoga experience is recommended.

Baptiste • Taught by certified teachers of Baron Baptiste, these classes in heated rooms are similar to power and offer a faster-paced Vinyasa style for those who want to sweat and work out. They are best for students with experience of basic yoga postures.

Bikram • Taught by certified Bikram teachers in heated rooms (105 degrees, 40 percent humidity is considered ideal), this challenging practice teaches a twenty-six-posture sequence.

Forrest • A demanding style developed by Ana Forrest, this yoga type focuses on strengthening the core. It uses heat, deep breathing and vigorous sequences to sweat out toxins.

Hatha • You may see a class simply labeled “Hatha,” which is a more general term for the physical practice of yoga and is the form of yoga from which most of the classes listed here originated. Hatha yoga classes vary widely in approach but all will incorporate various physical poses and breathwork.

Iyengar • In these classes, there is a strong emphasis on alignment and technique and how to execute a pose from a depth of anatomical under-standing. Poses are held for an extended period of time and include props such as rolled-up blankets, blocks and straps to
make attaining positions easier. Created by B.K.S. Iyengar, this style is sometimes called alignment yoga.

Kripalu • This moderate style involves three stages: learning the postures and exploring the body’s abilities, holding them for an extended time and developing inner awareness, and meditationin motion, in which movement from posture to posture arises spontaneously.

Kundalini • This style blends repetition of breathwork, movement and postures, chanting, and meditation to stimulate energy stored at the base of the spine. The goal is to cultivate joy and awaken the body.

Power • Power is usually done in a hot room and is great if you are looking for a challenge since students quickly move through postures. It offers an eclectic blend of Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Iyengar styles.

Svaroopa • In this restful style developed by Rama Berch, postures are held for a long time and place strong emphasis on releasing tension in the spine. Multiple blankets are used as props to precisely align the body. Also known as bliss yoga.

Viniyoga • Stressing breathing and function over form, this approach adapts the various means and methods of yoga to the unique condition, needs and interests of the student and gives each practitioner the tools to individualize their practice.

Vinyasa • Poses flow from one to another in coordination with the breath as students follow a series of postures to build flexibility and endurance. Perfect for novices as well as more advanced students and offered at many centers.

—Denise Dowling and Jenna Pelletier

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