Which Yoga is Right For You?

Tips On Finding A Style That Fitson many levels, no matter what your age. Don't give
It seems like yoga is everywhere these days. Thereup because you didn't like the teacher, or you felt the
are yoga classes in gyms, high schools, senior citizenclass was too difficult, or too easy. There's a yoga
centers, and strip malls, each with a different spin:class for everybody!
gentle yoga, hot yoga, restorative yoga, pre- andA Guide to the Types of Yoga
post-natal yoga, power yoga, and mommy and meNot sure where to begin? Here are brief descriptions
yoga, just to name a few.of some of the different types of yoga available in our
Why is yoga experiencing such popularity? It might bearea:
because of the health benefits yoga practitioners sayVINYASA FLOW - "Vinyasa" means "to move with
they experience, and the fact that yoga can bethe breath." In some vinyasa-style yoga classes you
tailored to their specific needs.will flow in and out of postures without having to hold
I am a firm believer that anyone can benefit from aone pose for very long. In others, the teacher may
dedicated yoga practice. Yoga can improve yourinstruct you to stay in the posture longer, which may
health and bring clarity to your mind. Your musclesbe more challenging. Anusara, Ashtanga, Jivamukti and
become stronger, and you will gain more flexibility inPower Yoga are all vinyasa style practices.
your joints, something that doesn't happen fromANUSARA - Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara
working out at the gym.is a vinyasa-style practice that emphasizes
In fact, many students have come to me with injuriesheart-opening through backbending and alignment and
sustained from working with weights or from years ofincludes the use of props. Anusara means "flowing
running. You have to be careful if you have injuries, butwith Grace" and the practice aims to look for the good
that shouldn't prevent you from beginning a yogain all things. This class is good for students of all levels.
practice. You should never feel pain in a posture.ASHTANGA - This system, passed on by Pattabhi
There are always modifications to protect an injuredJois, involves linking movement to breath in a series of
area.postures designed to detoxify, align and strengthen the
Students Report Benefitsbody. In this type of yoga, the room in usually heated
Dedicated yogis report all kinds of benefits fromto 85 degrees. Many people find this a challenging
practicing yoga, from improved health to reduced pain.practice.
"I began yoga to become flexible and strengthen myJIVAMUKTI - Jivamukti means "liberation while living."
body for running, especially my upper body," saysThis type of yoga was founded by David Life and
Suzanne Gentry of Eaton's Neck. "The benefits I haveSharon Gannon and incorporates chanting, yoga
gained are numerous. I have a lot of flexibility, tighterphilosophy and meditation along with postures and
abs, stronger legs and upper body. I am more relaxedbreath.
and sleep well. I am able to run like I did ten years ago.POWER YOGA - Similar to Ashtanga, power yoga
My hamstrings no longer hurt and my quads aresynchronizes breath and movement. These classes
stronger."are designed to build strength and flexibility and can be
Susan Noddle of Manhattan reports that yoga hasquite challenging.
reduced her pain from two herniated discs in her backBIKRAM YOGA (or HOT YOGA) - Named after its
that lie on the L5 nerve root and cause discomfort infounder, Bikram Choudhury, this type of yoga is
her foot.practiced in a room heated to 100 degrees or more.
"I have practiced with this injury and while at times IPrepare to sweat. A lot! This method consists of a set
have to modify or take it slow, it has not preventedseries of 26 postures with each posture repeated
me from practicing for any sustained amount of time,"twice in 90 minutes. Wear light clothing, bring a water
says Susan. "I have had to take a week or a fewbottle and a very big towel.
days off when it flares up, but I am always able toHATHA - A hatha yoga class is a good place for
return. I also have had surgeries on both of my knees.beginners to learn the basic standing, seated and
My surgeon recommends yoga for my knees."balancing postures of yoga. These classes generally
Monica Diamond-Caravella of Huntington tells of themove at a slower pace.
positive effects of yoga on her chronic neck pain. "IKUNDALINI - Kundalini yoga is designed to free energy
suffer from chronic neck pain related to a motorin the lower body, allowing it to move upwards,
vehicle accident. I've been through physical therapyawakening the seven charkas. This class consists of
twice, for at least nine months each, with traction.rapid, repetitive movements done with breath or
Yoga keeps my neck supple and flexible and theholding a pose while breathing in a particular way.
majority of the time I have no pain. If I don't keep upClasses include chanting and can be physically intense.
my practice, my neck pain comes back."IYENGAR - This style is named after its originator,
Yoga For Any Age, Any Level of AbilityBKS Iyengar, and is characterized by precise attention
People of any age can practice yoga. My studentsto alignment in each posture. You will more than likely
are all ages: from teenagers to 70-year-olds. Not onlyhear the teacher direct your attention to your feet,
is practicing yoga possible at any age, you don't haveknees, hips, spine, sternum, neck, head, and other body
to be able to touch your toes or bend like a pretzel toparts in just about every pose. The use of props such
do it. Flexibility is a byproduct of practicing yoga. It's oneas blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets is encouraged.
of the benefits.RESTORATIVE - These classes focus on relaxing
If you've "tried yoga and didn't like it," I wouldthe body in postures that are comfortable, usually using
encourage you to take a class with a differentprops such as bolsters and blankets.
teacher or try a different style. Yoga is so beneficial