1. Ashtanga – a form of yoga based on ancient teachings. Pattabhi Jois brought this to the West in the 1970s, so it has been around for over forty years. It is very vigorous, following a very specific sequence of postures. Once you learn the sequence, you will find your biggest
challenge to be working through the very physically demanding practice.
2. Bikram vs. “hot yoga” – This was developed a little over thirty years ago by Bikram Choudhury where the yoga classes were held in heated rooms. Sometimes called “hot yoga” you will sweat as never before in a yoga class. You will work your way through twenty-six poses in exactly the same sequence each time. Bikram yoga was patented, so if a yoga studio claims to be “Bikram” they will follow this series of poses. If it is simply called “hot yoga” it will be similar to Bikram in that it will be held in a heated studio, but the progression of poses will be different from Bikram.
3. Hatha – This is a generic term defining a yoga class that teaches physical poses. Almost all yoga classes in the West is a form of hatha yoga. You can expect to get an introduction to the various poses and any necessary modifications should you need them.
3. Restorative – these classes are gentle, involve the use of many props such as bolsters, blankets, blocks, even weight bags and webbed straps. This allows the student to take a pose and use any necessary prop to maintain the position. You may find yourself rejuvenated after a restorative class almost as if you had taken an afternoon nap.
4. Nidra – Called “yogic sleep” a nidra class offers some gentle, prolonged stretching followed by a guided meditation done in a savasana position where you lie quietly on your back, eyes closed. The idea of nidra is to fully relax the body by bringing it as close to deep sleep delta brain waves without actually going to sleep. This type of yoga is especially beneficial to people who have been told that they need to relax, reduce their stress levels, or bring down their blood pressure. Learning to relax with nidra can completely change the way an individual responds to stress.