Ashtanga, Jivamukti, Kundalini. These aren't exotic foods, they're a sampling of the many styles of yoga commonly practiced in homes, studios and gyms worldwide. Should you stretch more and breathe less? What about posture? Depending on the type of yoga you choose, you'll either find yourself feeling completely rejuvenated, or wondering what you woke up early for. Which style is best for you?
Mind-Body Wellness Professional
There are a wide variety of styles popular in the US today, including Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram, Kripalu, Kundlini, and Iyengar. Traditional yoga styles like these offer a comprehensive approach to yoga discipline – otherwise known as the “eight limbs” of yoga. The eight limbs incorporate the physical practice of yoga postures (asana ) with other practices including ethical observances, breath work, and meditation. In recent years, exercise styles strongly influenced by yoga asana have also become popular, including YogaFit and yoga / pilates hybrid classes.
For the purpose of this discussion, I would prefer to highlight the differences between comprehensive, traditional yoga styles, rather than asana-influenced exercises that are interested solely in the physical practice. As yoga guru B.K.S. Iyengar says, “Practice of asanas without [ethical observances] is mere acrobatics.”* Such exercise classes may serve as an appropriate introduction to those who would like to explore the benefits of a yoga practice, but they are not “yoga” in the true sense of the word
* Light on Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar (Schocken Books 1976)
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