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Yoga, becoming increasingly popular in the Western world, is derived from the Sanskrit word for uniting or controlling. The practice has taken on many forms throughout the centuries and is now commonplace everywhere, including in the United States, where it was alien even a decade ago. Yoga is an excellent way to balance body, soul, and mind and many have taken it up. Perhaps you are considering it and do not know where to start. This is a rough guide to some of the terms you will see describing classes and videos and which you should choose for what purpose.

Hatha

Hatha yoga is somewhat of an umbrella term used to describe many different practices. It means nothing in particular in the United States, but if you see this label on a class, expect it to be slow-paced and easy-going. It is probably an introductory course meant for beginners, though anybody can take benefit from it.

Vinyasa

Vinyasa is also an umbrella term for many different postures. These classes are usually a little more intense, based off of Sun Salutations as a warm-up (before moving onto more intense stretches toward the end), and have movement based off of breath. Expect to get into very deep lunges and be prepared for a workout.

Ashtanga

Ashtanga, commonly mutated into “Power Yoga” in the United States, is a very intense series of poses, always completed in the same order. Each movement moves along quickly to the next, making this a very strenuous yet relaxing class. I do not recommend trying Ashtanga until you are comfortable with the movements of Hatha and Vinyasa, and you are very flexible.

Iyengar

This style of yoga is dedicated to positioning and alignment. Expect to hold a stretch for a prolonged time and the use of props to aid in correct posture to avoid injury. This is based off the teachings of yogi B. K. S. Iyengar.

Kundalini

This style is the one often seen in movies in which there is chanting. A more spiritually-oriented practice, Kundalini yoga focuses on freeing energy from your lower half and allowing it to flow upward through rapid and repetitive movements, rather than holding a posture for a prolonged period of time. This is somewhat similar to Qigong.

Bikram

Bikram yoga is often called “hot yoga” because it is performed in a room at a temperature of approximately 100 degrees, to allow muscle relaxation and purification through sweating. Bikram yoga is often an awakening and unique experience meant for those in good shape who can handle physical activity at such a temperature.

There are many other types of yoga, but these are the most common practices. Choosing which one to follow requires a little thought. Always be sure to attend more than one class before making a choice on which one to attend permanently, as sometimes one coach is better or resonates more with you than another will.