What's your Yoga Style?

I don't know about you, but when I look at the schedule at my gym for yoga classes, I have no idea what the difference is between the types. I end up going and it's hit or miss on whether or not I'll truly enjoy it. So below I've described some of the most popular yoga styles so you can figure out BEFORE you go to the gym whether or not you'll be happy when you're done.

Hatha - This is probably the most popular when talking about yoga in this country, but it's really very generalized. The class will most likely be gentle, slow moving, and be a pretty good introduction into the basics of yoga moves if you're a newbie.

Ashtanga / Power Yoga (more my type of thing)- This type of yoga is more intense, fast paced, and is more physically demanding than other types of yoga because there is constant movement from pose to pose. In Ashtanga yoga, all poses are done in the same order, but if the class says Power Yoga, it'll include Ashtanga moves but not necessarily in the same order. This type requires strength and balance and will add some fat burning into your yoga, along with all the other benefits of flexibility and stress relief.

Vinyasa- Vinyasa is similar to Hatha in that it's a more generalized term and includes many types of classes, but the difference is that all of the movements are matched to the breath. Vinyasa is also more vigorous than Hatha and includes more intense stretching done near the end of class.

Bikram / Hot Yoga- This type of yoga is done in a room with the heat cranked up to around 100 with a humidity of 40%. Bikram is focused around loosening tight muscles, preventing injury, relieving stress and tension, and is thought to be a cleansing process from all the sweating you'll be doing. Apparently many beginners may experience dizziness and nausea.

Iyengar- This type is mainly based on proper body alignment to avoid injury and to get maximum benefits. The poses are held for a long period of time, there is a great attention to detail with the poses, and props such as blocks and straps are often used to help with alignment. Standing poses are emphasized in this type of yoga.

Forrest- Forrest yoga includes a vigorous sequences of poses, helps you connect to your core to gain strength and purify the body to release toxins. This style will give you an intense workout with an emphasis on ab strengthening.

Sivananda- If you're looking for a yoga style that focuses on overall wellness, this type would be for you. Sivananda focuses on five main principles: proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet (vegetarian), and positive thinking and meditation. This style is less vigorous than some of the other styles listed above and focuses more on relaxation and breathing.