There are many styles of Yoga and you should choose the one that best fits the needs of your body. We will look at some of the styles and give you an idea of what each one involves.

Hatha is a general term used for the physical side of Yoga. If the class you are looking into is described as Hatha style, it will be a gentle, slow-paced class. It will give you a basic instruction on Yoga poses. This gentle style is recommended for beginners. It’s best to learn the basics before going on to other Yoga styles.

Vinyasa is a description of many types of classes. These classes deal with breath-synchronized movements. It is a little more vigorous than the Hatha style and is more intense

Ashtanga is an interesting style of Yoga that is a series of poses always done in the same order. This class is physically demanding because you are moving from one pose to another. It’s also called Power Yoga. Ashtanga style of Yoga has everything to do with flow. There are no breaks; you naturally go from one pose to another.

Iyengar is a Yoga style that has to do with body alignment. That is the precise way your body should positioned in the pose to get the best results and to avoid injury. These Yoga poses concentrate on holding poses for longer periods of time instead of flowing from one Yoga pose to another. In addition, this Yoga uses props such as blankets, blocks, and straps to help you bring your body into correct alignment.

Integral Yoga is a gentle form of Hatha practice and include breathing exercises, meditation and chanting. This is another good one for beginners.

A much more intense Yoga style is called Hot Yoga. This style of Yoga is practiced in a very hot room with temperatures between 90 and 100 degrees. The heat helps to loosen muscles and causes heavy sweating. This sweating is thought to be cleansing. The most popular is the Bikram method with 26 poses.

The Forrest Yoga style has gained popularity throughout the United States. This is an intense session of vigorous poses to strengthen the body, release pent-up emotions, and purify your body. It also helps the body to release pain so healing can start. This is an intensive workout using abdominal strengthening and deep, relaxing breathing.

Sivananda is another style of Yoga that has been practiced since 1957. It is based on five principles.
1. Proper Exercise
2. Proper Breathing
3. Proper Relaxation
4. Vegetarian Diet
5. Positive thinking and medication.
Eighty locations around the world practice this style of Yoga. Many of them sponsor retreats for the dedicated Yoga enthusiast.

There are many variations of Yoga. These are just a sample of what is offered in the different classes. After these explanations of a few of the styles, you can safely go to a gym and pick a Yoga class that is best for you. Be sure to check with your Doctor if you are starting any new exercise program.