Although
there are many styles of yoga, the differences are usually about emphasis,
such as focusing on strict alignment of the body, coordination of breath
and movement, holding the postures, or the flow from one posture to
another. All of the styles share a common lineage. In fact, the founders
of three major styles -- Astanga, Iyengar and Viniyoga
-- were all students of Krishnamacharya, a famous teacher at
the Yoga Institute at the Mysore Palace in India. Two other styles,
Integral and Sivananda, were created by disciples of the
famous guru Sivananda. No style is better than another; it's simply
a matter of personal preference. More important than any style is the
student-teacher relationship, which will govern the ability of the student
to absorb and understand the instruction.
Iyengar
Ever
think standing was just a matter of keeping your body on top of your
legs? It's hard to appreciate how involved a simple thing like just
standing can be, how much concentration and how many subtle movements
and adjustments it takes, until you take an Iyengar yoga class. Of course,
the point is that you're not just standing. You're doing Tadasana,
Mountain pose, and in yoga in the style of B.K.S. Iyengar, Tadasana
is an active pose. B.K.S. Iyengar is one of the best-known yoga teachers
and the creator of one of the most popular styles of yoga in the world.
His style of yoga is noted for great attention to detail and the precise
alignment of postures, as well as the use of props such as blocks and
belts. No doubt part of Iyengar's success is due to the quality of teachers,
who must complete a rigorous 2-5 year training program for certification,
develop their awareness of mind, body, emotion and spirit.
There are three stages in Kripalu yoga.
- Stage One focuses on learning the postures
and exploring your bodies abilities.
- Stage Two involves holding the postures
for an extended time, developing concentration and inner awareness.
- Stage Three is like a meditation in
motion in which the movement from one posture to another arises unconsciously
and spontaneously.
Ashtanga
For those
who want a serious workout, Ashtanga may be the perfect yoga. Developed
by K. Pattabhi Jois, Ashtanga is physically demanding. Participants
move through a series of flows, jumping from one posture to another
to build strength, flexibility and stamina. It's not for beginners or
anyone who's been taking a leisurely approach to fitness. The
so-called Power Yoga is based on Ashtanga.
Bikram
Bikram
Choudhury's yoga is hot, hot, hot, so be prepared to sweat, sweat, sweat.
In class, they crank the thermostat up high, then perform a series of
26 asanas, sometimes twice, that is designed to "scientifically"
warm and stretch muscles, ligaments and tendons in the order in which
they should be stretched. Founder Bikram Choudhury studied yoga with
Bishnu Ghosh, brother of Paramahansa Yoganand.
Integral
Developed
by Swami Satchidananda, the man who taught the crowds at the
original Woodstock to chant "Om,"
Integral classes put almost as much emphasis on pranayama and meditation
as they do on postures. Integral yoga is used
by Dr. Dean Ornish in his groundbreaking work on reversing heart disease.
Kundalini
Kundalini
yoga in the tradition of Yogi Bhajan, who brought the style to the West
in 1969, focuses on the controlled release of Kundalini energy. The
practice involves classic poses, breath, coordination of breath and
movement, meditation.
Anusara
Anusara
(a-nu-SAR-a) means, "to step into the current of Divine Will",
"following your heart", "flowing with Grace", "to
move with the current of divine will." A new style developed by
John Friend, Anusara yoga is described as heart-oriented, spiritually
inspiring, yet grounded in a deep knowledge of outer and inner body
alignment. Each student's various abilities and limitations are deeply
respected and honoured.
Sivananda
Sivananda
is one of the world's largest schools of yoga. Developed by Vishnu-devananda
and named for his teacher, Sivananda yoga follows a set structure that
includes pranayama, classic asanas, and relaxation. Vishnu-devananda
wrote one of the contemporary yoga classics, The Complete Illustrated
Book of Yoga. First published in 1960, the book is still one of
the best introductions to yoga available.
Viniyoga
Developed
by Krishnamacharya, who taught B.K.S. Iyengar, K. Pattabhi Jois and
others, Viniyoga is a gentle form of flow yoga, with great emphasis
on the breath and breath-movement coordination. Rather than work toward
idealized postures, poses and flows are chosen to suit the student's
abilities.
Satyananda
Yoga
for Active Birth
Classes
take you a step further. Women sometimes wait for their 3rd Trimester
to attend, but many attend in the 2nd Trimester in tandem with 'Yoga
for Pregnancy' classes. We practice yoga for labour and active birth
positions. The class is a veritable 'tool-kit' for labour and birth.
We discuss, dance, meditate. Learn to recognize, isolate and activate
different muscle groups so that you can use them most effectively during
the birth. For use them you will, prepared or not! We cultivate your
control over breath and ensure that all parts of the body not involved
in birthing are trained to remain relaxed.
