Yoga Terminologies

There are many different styles of yoga being taught and practiced today. Although all of the styles include the same physical postures (called poses), each has a specific emphasis. Here is a brief guide to the most popular types of yoga that can help you decode the schedule at your gym and figure out which class is right for you.


HATHA
Hatha is a very general term that can contains many of the physical types of yoga. If a class is labelled as Hatha style, it is likely going to be slow-paced and gentle and provide a good introduction to the basic yoga poses.

VINYASA
Like Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term that is used to define many different types of classes. Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized movement, is a more vigorous style based on the performance of a series of poses called Sun Salutations, in which movement is matched to the breath. A Vinyasa class will typically start with a number of Sun Salutations to warm up the body for more intense stretching that's done at the end of class.

ASHTANGA & POWER YOGA
Ashtanga, which means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit, is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga. A set series of poses is performed, always in the same order. Ashtanga practice is very physically demanding because of the repititive movement from one pose to the next. In yoga terminology, this movement is called flow. Ashtanga is also the inspiration for what is often called Power Yoga. If a class is described as Power Yoga, it will be based on the flowing style of Ashtanga, but not necessarily keep strictly to the set Ashtanga series of poses.

IYENGAR

Based on the teachings of the yogi B.K.S Iyengar, this style of practice is most concerned with bodily alignment. In yoga, the word alignment is used to describe the precise way in which your body should be positioned in each pose in order to obtain the maximum benefits and avoid injury. Iyengar practice usually emphasizes holding poses over long periods versus moving quickly from one pose to the next (flow). Also, Iyengar practice encourages the use of props, such as yoga blankets, blocks and straps, in order to bring the body into alignment.

KUNDALINI

The emphasis in Kundalini is on the breath in conjunction with physical movement, with the aim of freeing energy in the lower body and allowing it to move upwards. All asana practices make use of controlling the breath. But in Kundalini, the exploration of the effects of the breath (also called prana, meaning energy) on the postures is essential. Kundalini uses rapid, frequent movements rather than poses held for a long time, and the teacher will often lead the class in call and response chanting.

BIKRAM/HOT YOGA

Named after Bikram Choudhury, this style is more commonly referred to as Hot Yoga. It is practiced in a 95 to 100 degree room, which allows for a loosening of tight muscles and profuse sweating, which is believed to be cleansing. The Bikram method is a set series of 26 poses, but not all hot classes make use of this series.