Yoga has been around for at least 3,000 years, and thanks to masters like the late B.K.S. Iyengar, it has become popular in the Western hemisphere. There are many different styles of yoga. It's important to find the style and an instructor that feel like a good fit. Below are the yoga formats that I teach, with a brief description of each style.
Vinyasa Flow
This is a style of yoga typically involving a sequence that allows you to transition smoothly from one asana (pose) to the next. The Sanskrit interpretation of the word, "vinyasa" (derived from the term nyasa), means to place in a special way. Vinyasa flow encourages you to move seamlessly, using breath with each movement. There is usually a variety of asansas in a vinyasa practice, interspersed with some repeated movements in the sequence. Be prepared to repeat a number of chataranga dandasana yoga push-ups that will return to downward facing dog in a flow class. You'll move from a high to low plank to return to down dog, and the pace can be challenging. The practice is beneficial for stress reduction, flexibility, balance and physical coordination.
Gentle Hatha
Hatha means sun and moon. Hatha is a term that essentially can describe all yoga, but we usually think of it as a slower practice with more depth and time directed into each asana or pose. Many of the same asanas used in a vinyasa flow sequence are also used in a gentle hatha class. There is an element of flow in a gentle hatha class but there is more focus on each pose. Proper alignment is emphasized in a hatha class since overall movement in these classes is less dynamic than what you'll find in a vinyasa flow class.
Restorative Yoga
Inspired by Iyengar, restorative yoga has been made popular and has specialized training offered by Judith Hanson Lasater, who actually studied with Iyengar in the '70s. She describes restorative yoga as "active relaxation" that supports the body with a variety of props such as bolsters, yoga blocks and blankets. It invites you to completely relax so that the parasympathetic nervous system can naturally renew itself and release you from chronic stress. Ideally, each restorative pose is designed to move the spine in all directions. Poses are held for a significant amount of time. You might do only four or five poses in one hour of restorative yoga. I have studied with Judith Hanson Lasater and I am certified in this specialized form of yoga.
Yin Yoga
Not to be confused with restorative yoga, yin yoga also calls on a yogi to remain in one pose for a long period of time -- anywhere from one to 20 minutes. Most poses are held between three and five minutes. Yin yoga poses emphasize opening or relaxing connective tissue in the body: the joints, faschia, tendons and ligaments. You might find yourself initially in a yin pose that feels very challenging. After you get into the pose, the goal is to completely relax the muscles so that you will feel a difference in connective tissue in your body after the session. Yin is similar to restorative yoga in that it cultivates stillness. Yin yoga can promote healthy organ function, mobility and can reduce stress and anxiety.
Vinyasa Flow
This is a style of yoga typically involving a sequence that allows you to transition smoothly from one asana (pose) to the next. The Sanskrit interpretation of the word, "vinyasa" (derived from the term nyasa), means to place in a special way. Vinyasa flow encourages you to move seamlessly, using breath with each movement. There is usually a variety of asansas in a vinyasa practice, interspersed with some repeated movements in the sequence. Be prepared to repeat a number of chataranga dandasana yoga push-ups that will return to downward facing dog in a flow class. You'll move from a high to low plank to return to down dog, and the pace can be challenging. The practice is beneficial for stress reduction, flexibility, balance and physical coordination.
Gentle Hatha
Hatha means sun and moon. Hatha is a term that essentially can describe all yoga, but we usually think of it as a slower practice with more depth and time directed into each asana or pose. Many of the same asanas used in a vinyasa flow sequence are also used in a gentle hatha class. There is an element of flow in a gentle hatha class but there is more focus on each pose. Proper alignment is emphasized in a hatha class since overall movement in these classes is less dynamic than what you'll find in a vinyasa flow class.
Restorative Yoga
Inspired by Iyengar, restorative yoga has been made popular and has specialized training offered by Judith Hanson Lasater, who actually studied with Iyengar in the '70s. She describes restorative yoga as "active relaxation" that supports the body with a variety of props such as bolsters, yoga blocks and blankets. It invites you to completely relax so that the parasympathetic nervous system can naturally renew itself and release you from chronic stress. Ideally, each restorative pose is designed to move the spine in all directions. Poses are held for a significant amount of time. You might do only four or five poses in one hour of restorative yoga. I have studied with Judith Hanson Lasater and I am certified in this specialized form of yoga.
Yin Yoga
Not to be confused with restorative yoga, yin yoga also calls on a yogi to remain in one pose for a long period of time -- anywhere from one to 20 minutes. Most poses are held between three and five minutes. Yin yoga poses emphasize opening or relaxing connective tissue in the body: the joints, faschia, tendons and ligaments. You might find yourself initially in a yin pose that feels very challenging. After you get into the pose, the goal is to completely relax the muscles so that you will feel a difference in connective tissue in your body after the session. Yin is similar to restorative yoga in that it cultivates stillness. Yin yoga can promote healthy organ function, mobility and can reduce stress and anxiety.