B.K.S. Iyengar, a man who is largely responsible for initially bringing yoga to the United States, once said, "Yoga is for everyone." It's true, everyone can do yoga, but I would like to make an important distinction, Not all types of yoga are for everyone. Everyone has met someone who went to a yoga class once and they determined to never ever go there again. They had a bad experience and most likely it was the wrong type of yoga for that person. Not every type of yoga fits everyone.

There are four main types or vehicles of Yoga: Raja (Hatha), Karma, Jnana, and Bhakti. Under the broad umbrella of Hatha yoga, flourish many distinct styles of yoga. If you have not found one that suits you, don't give up. There is a type of yoga practice out there for everyone.

Styles of Hatha yoga vary widely from very gentle to extreme athleticism. - Gentle yoga - Viniyoga - Vinyasa Flow yoga - Power yoga - Ashtanga yoga - Restorative yoga - Yin yoga - Ananda yoga - Kundalini yoga - Anusara yoga - are just a few, and there are styles named after the individuals who "created" them, such as Iyengar or Bikram yoga. How do you know what they are? A trained professional should be able to articulate clearly their background, style, or method of teaching, but you can always do your own research by going online with Google or reading books, articles, or yoga magazines.

Different styles of yoga use different methods although we utilize many of the same tools, the yoga poses or asanas. Some styles are vigorously athletic, strengthening, and aerobic. Even within more physically challenging styles there are profound differences. Ashtanga follows a set form or series of poses and never varies. Bikram does this as well but is practiced in a heated room, be sure to bring your towel and water bottle. Vinyasa flow is orchestrated by the breath, a specific breathing technique known as "ujjayi." Iyengar yoga is known for it's precise use of alignment, yoga props - blankets, straps, blocks - and holding the poses for longer periods. Viniyoga respects the needs of the individual body, altering the pose first to meet the body, rather than making the body fit into a structure or pose. During Restorative yoga you don't move a muscle, just relax into the yoga postures fully supported by yoga bolsters. Yin yoga turns the yoga world upside down. All the cues I use for hatha instruction are dismissed, and instead we focus on letting go in a deep internal state. Add to the variety of yoga styles the fact teachers will emphasize different aspects of the same lineage, style, or school of yoga. Witness the many faces of yoga.

Yoga contains a great diversity in it's wide array of styles - but even within a particular yoga class there can exist a tremendous freedom and respect for the individual. People come to yoga class for different reasons, with different histories and abilities. It's wise to select a style and instructor that matchs your personal needs but I'm thrilled to see individual diversity honored within a yoga class. That is the heart of yoga. Within the same class one person may be there to tone & strengthen while another wants to improve and regain flexibility. Someone else may want the cleansing, rejuvenating effects on the organs and glands. They may seek meditation and the experience of oneness. Another person needs relief from chronic pain, to heal an injury, or to lighten up the stress load. One person may just require an hour of peace and quiet for themselves with no demands. Often we start yoga with a certain goal in mind and it transforms.

Yoga is indeed flexible. It can change with you as your life changes. Yoga is a practice that can support you your entire life, whether you are young or old, very fit or experiencing illness - there is a type of yoga for you.

 

Lisa Dice, E-RYT, has practiced yoga for twelve years, taught fulltime as a certified and registered teacher for nine and a half years, operated a yoga studio for the past three years, and is now offering private instruction, allowing her more time for the passions of piano, singing, writing, biking, canoeing, and hiking in northern Californian wilds.