What's Your Style???  You may have noticed that recently your Yoga classes are getting bigger.  This is probably due to the popularity Yoga has gained and the more "mainstream" it has become.  Medical doctors are even recommending Yoga to their patients these days!  If you've been practicing Yoga for a while now you know, as well as I do, the amazing benefits this discipline has to offer-- if practiced regularly.  As more people hear about these benefits they are showing up in classes to also experience them.    When new students come to the studio, often times, the first question they ask is, "What types of Yoga do you offer at your studio?"  I hope this article will explain to you some of the different styles of Hatha Yoga (the physical practice of asanas - poses) that are available at our studio as well as others.  In addition, I would like to elaborate a little on what I feel is equally as important as the style you choose.  But first, let me explain some of the various styles from which to choose:   Anusara Yoga:  An integrated approach in which the human spirit blends with the precise science of biomechanics.  While spiritually inspiring, it is grounded in a deep knowledge of outer and inner body alignment.   Ashtanga Yoga:  A fast-paced series of sequential postures.  The system is based on six sequences of asanas which increase in difficulty, allowing students to work at their own pace.  There is no time for adjustments during the sequence and breath is enforced throughout. Bikrim Yoga:  This style is practiced in a HOT studio with temperatures of 100+ degrees.  It includes a sequence of 26 postures sequenced to address the proper functioning of every bodily system.  The heat is cleanse the body and to encourage a healthier immune system.  Expect to sweat! Integrative Yoga Therapy:  Combines breathing techniques, guided imagery and asanas suitable for all levels with an emphasis on healing and therapeutics. Integral Yoga:  Designed to help people integrate Yoga's teachings into their everyday work and relationships.  A class may consist of gentle asana practice, guided relaxations, breathing practices, sound vibration (repetition of mantra or chant), deep relaxation and silent meditation.   Iyengar Yoga:  Focus is on alignment in each pose and how the poses are sequenced so that the subtleties of the poses can be experienced and understood.  In addition, props are often utilized to accommodate for any special needs and/or to deepen the experience of a pose. Jivamukti Yoga:  Highly meditative, but physically challenging form of Yoga.  In addition to Vinyasa-Style asanas, classes include chanting, meditation, readings, music and affirmations. Kripalu Yoga:  The three stages of Kripalu include:  willful practice (focus on alignment, breathing and consciousness), willful surrender (a conscious holding of the postures to the level of tolerance and beyond to deepen concentration and focus of internal thoughts and emotions), meditation in motion (the body's complete release of internal tensions and complete trust of the body's wisdom).  Kundalini Yoga:  Incorporates postures, dynamic breathing techniques and chanting and meditating on mantras.  Practitioners concentrate on awakening the energy at the base of the spine and drawing upward and into each of the seven chakras of the body. Power Yoga:   A vigorous workout that develops strength and flexibility. Vinyasa-Style Yoga:  Combines a series of flowing postures with rhythmic breathing for a complete body-mind workout.  Often these classes include a variety of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations). (***Much of the information above was taken from an article written by Jennifer Cook for the Yoga Journal.  Go to yogajournal.com to read her entire article.***) Okay, now that you have a general understanding of some of the many styles of Yoga, let me explain what I think is just as important when choosing a class.  In order to fully experience and benefit from your practice, you must resonate with the teacher.  In addition to their style, each teacher brings his or her personality and life experiences to their classes and the exchange of energy is crucial in order for you to gain understanding and trust.  Though a Yoga class may be a group setting, your practice is still very intimate and personal, which brings me back to why I mentioned the word "regularly" at the beginning of this article.    Resonating with your teacher and practicing with consistency are really the key components that will allow you to begin to experience the true value of Yoga.  When you practice with consistency, and with someone you trust, you begin to understand and open up to the poses. This allows room for you to modify your poses in a more confident way to accommodate the needs of your body on any given day.  It's not important that your pose look exactly like the person's in front of you...what's important is how the pose feels in your body...and you won't begin to understand that until you practice with regularity. Basically, I'm trying to say this...try different styles, different teachers and different classes and choose the one or ones that work for you.  Don't be too caught up in the different styles.  Go out there and experience what works best for you.  You may just be surprised with your choices and will no doubt be amazed by the effect a consistent Yoga practice can have on your life!!!   May your path be clear! Namaste, Leigh Ann